This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah Jazz fans will be able to enjoy more than 30 restaurants and food vendors — including several popular Utah favorites — when the Vivint Smart Home Arena's $125 million remodel is complete this fall.
After the upgrade, each corner of the main concourse will feature a different Utah eatery, officials announced earlier this week. The four dining options: R&R Barbecue, which serves brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken; Cubby's which serves tri-tip Italian beef sandwiches and hamburgers; Maxwell's, known for its pizza and Philly cheesesteaks; and El Chubasco, with food inspired from central Mexico.
In other parts of the arena, fans will find other popular Utah offerings, including JDawgs polish and beef hot dogs and Hire's Big H and its old- fashioned burgers and fries.
CupBop Korean barbecue and Zao Asian Cafe, also Utah-based, will return, as will national brands such as Chick-fil-A and Papa John's Pizza.
"With the renovation of our arena, we are conducting a comprehensive rebuild of our food and beverage options on all six levels," said Craig Sanders, chief customer officer for the Utah Jazz.
The arena renovation — expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2017-18 NBA season — includes upgrades on all six levels and the addition of a 12,000-square-foot atrium to help fans get out of the elements as they move through security, new suites and lounges for fans, and a revamped locker room and other amenities aimed at attracting and keeping players.
The new food selections are a way of encouraging ticket holders to arrive early and eat before the game, said John Sergi, a food and beverage hospitality design consultant for the arena.
"Driving the hospitality design is the fact that the Salt Lake City area has a vibrant, emerging and entrepreneurial food scene," said Sergi. "We captured this local food energy in the design of the arena by engaging the region's best-in-class chefs and restaurateurs."
The arena will continue to offer kid favorites like chicken fingers, fries, burgers, hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn through its revamped Grillworks stations with on-site food preparation.
Ice cream and shakes will be as prominent as ever with multiple offerings from Farr's Fresh hand-dipped ice cream, Iceberg's famous thick shakes, Dippin' Dots, and Bon Bon gelato and desserts. Snack favorites such as Kettle Corn and cotton candy will maintain their carts.
New craft beer stations and snacks, featuring the offerings of brew pubs and microbreweries, also will provide local flavor.
Learn more about the arena project at http://www.vivintsmarthomearenarising.com.