Pleasant Grove's new chicken salad spot, and Provo's farm-to-table gem
Plus new doughnuts in American Fork, a beloved Provo bakery, and where to grab a dirty soda.
Good morning, Happy Valley.
Utah Valley's food scene keeps growing, with new spots opening and established favorites continuing to draw crowds.
From fresh chicken salad in Pleasant Grove to award-winning focaccia in Lehi, here's a taste of what's new and notable this week.
📍 30 seconds in the valley⏱️ 3 min read
- 🥗Chicken Salad Chick opens in Pleasant Grove
- 🥩Ocotillo Prime still buzzing in American Fork
- 🥖F'kosh focaccia brings fresh bread to Lehi
- 🍩Pinkbox Doughnuts lands in American Fork
- 🍰Shirley's Bakery, a Provo staple
- 🥤A dirty soda on a hot afternoon
🔨 New Around the Valley
Worth it Chicken Salad Chick, Pleasant Grove
The first Utah location for this fast-casual concept, serving a variety of Southern-inspired chicken salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Our take
A popular Southern chain making its Utah debut, offering a fresh alternative for lunch or a casual meal. Try a scoop or a sandwich.
⚠️ Heads up: Confirm hours and daily specials on their social media before visiting.
$ lunchcasual diningtakeout
Details → Worth it Pinkbox Doughnuts, American Fork
Las Vegas-based doughnut shop known for its creative and colorful doughnut varieties, with over 70 options made fresh daily.
Our take
A vibrant new spot bringing a huge selection of fun, handcrafted doughnuts to Utah County. A treat for kids and adults alike.
⚠️ Heads up: The selection can vary throughout the day, so confirm availability of specific flavors.
$ treatsfamiliesdessert
✨ Notable Local Spots
Worth it Ocotillo Prime, American Fork
An upscale Sonoran steak and seafood restaurant, offering wood-fired prime steaks and elevated Mexican plates in a refined setting.
Our take
Considered one of American Fork's premier special-occasion restaurants, known for its high-quality ingredients and sophisticated menu. The short-rib birria is a standout.
⚠️ Heads up: Menu items and pricing can change. Confirm details on their website before a special trip.
$$$$ date nightspecial occasionsteakseafood
Worth it Communal, Provo
A farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Provo, featuring seasonal American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
Our take
A long-standing Provo favorite for its intimate atmosphere and meticulously crafted dishes. The menu changes, ensuring new culinary experiences.
⚠️ Heads up: The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. Check their website for current offerings.
"Every dish was an explosion of flavors."— Utah Home & Travel · 4.5★ (1447)
$$$ date nightfoodiesbrunch
Details → Worth it Shirley's Bakery & Cafe, Provo
A cozy counter-serve spot known for its fresh-baked breads, famous sweet rolls, pies, and a menu of simple salads and sandwiches.
Our take
A beloved Provo institution with a homemade taste. Their sweet rolls and scratch-made pies are local legends.
⚠️ Heads up: Sunday hours vary by shop; Shirley's is closed on Sundays.
$ bakerybreakfastlunchcomfort food
Details → 😋 The Best Thing We Found
Best of the week A dirty soda on a hot Valley afternoon
Utah's signature drink: fountain soda, cream, and flavor add-ins, built to order. Popular spots like Swig and Sodalicious have drive-thrus across Utah Valley.
Our take
As the summer heat settles in, a custom dirty soda is a quintessential Utah Valley cool-down. Experiment with flavors or stick to a classic.
⚠️ Heads up: Sunday hours vary by shop; confirm with your preferred location.
$ treatdrive-thrurefreshment
💙 Good Neighbor
Nominate the Valley's quiet MVPs
Every issue we spotlight one neighbor, teacher, coach, or cause quietly making the Valley better, plus an easy way to pitch in. Know someone who deserves it? Send them our way.
Nominate a neighbor → That's the week. Grab a new chicken salad for lunch, treat yourself to some creative doughnuts, or plan a special dinner at one of the Valley's top restaurants.
Tell us what we missed. Reply with the events, openings, and good-neighbor stories your corner of the Valley should know about.
Forward this to the neighbor who always asks what's going on this week. That's what we're for.
— The Provo FOMO crew
