Tim Hall always dreamed of opening a business in Sugar House due to its unique energy. In 2004, he co-founded Game Night Games right in the neighborhood's growing business district. It seemed like the perfect place for fun to happen. As the business celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, with gold foil balloons spelling out "20", Hall's enthusiasm remained.

Challenges Faced by Sugar House Businesses

The past few years have been tough. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted business patterns, making it difficult for Hall to host gatherings and events, which were a key feature of his business. This year, construction along 2100 South and 1100 East further changed consumer habits. Many people avoided Sugar House to avoid traffic headaches.Becky Lyttle, co-owner of Tea Zaanti in Sugar House, said all the momentum her business gained since the pandemic "just stopped" during this year's construction. She used grant money to improve signage and online advertising to reach possible customers within the neighborhood.SugarHouse Barbeque Company owners also closed just up the street from Game Night Games due to construction. Their location is now being flipped into a new Chase Bank branch. Erika Wiggins, co-chairwoman of the Sugar House Chamber of Commerce, said construction was more brutal than expected and many businesses were on the edge of collapse.

Overcoming Obstacles

This year was a pivotal time for Sugar House businesses. Many overcame the pandemic and a massive fire in 2022. Plans for road and utility improvements through a 2018 bond were pushed back due to pandemic constraints. With required deadlines, some projects bunched up in 2024, causing major travel headaches and losing customers.The city distributed over $1.9 million in grants and low-interest loans to local businesses to help them through challenges. Tea Zaanti was one of the businesses that applied for aid.

Hope on the Horizon

Crews are still working in the area. Some lane shifts will be in place until Monday, and most of the work east of 900 East will resume in January. The Utah Transit Authority's Route 220 bus detour will end on Dec. 8.December is crucial for Sugar House businesses as the Sugar House Savings Pass was created to draw people in. Some local businesses are hopeful for what's in store beyond 2025. Preliminary data from Highland Drive shows people are returning post-construction.Becky Lyttle said, "What's keeping us going is we made it through this year and that's made us hopeful... that it can't go backward. I'm hopeful the neighborhood will be more inviting for people to explore and wander through."Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has been promoting small businesses across the city, especially in Sugar House. Small businesses account for about 95% of all businesses in Salt Lake City and employ about 60,000 people. About 60% of money spent on small businesses remains in the local economy. They are the backbone of the economy.