Six eateries owned by national chains and the independent Acme Burger Co. in downtown Salt Lake City have closed. In Utah, restaurant sales taxes paid during fourth quarter of 2010 increased more than $350,000, compared with the same period a year earlier.
But not everyone is prospering as the eateries and their customers adapt to new economic realities. Five Ruby Tuesday outlets in Utah closed in January, leaving only the Park City franchise at 6585 N. Landmark Drive. The shuttered restaurants were in Draper, West Jordan, West Valley City, Logan and St. George. The closings cost at least 200 employees their jobs.
Also shut down were the Lone Star Steakhouse in Sugar House at 1206 E. 2100 South, and Acme Burger, 275 S. 200 West. Acme, a small independent eatery known for grass-fed beef and good reviews, was closed for nonpayment of taxes. It opened in 2007. Salt Lake Tribune
Note: What this article fails to mention is that there have also been numerous openings of restaurants during the past year. Even in the best of times, some restaurants fail and others open. Our most current data (September 2010) actually shows more Utah restaurants in business this year than the year before.
