 Joaquina Mexican Snacks is the latest culinary addition to the Poplar Grove neighborhood. Located on 484 South 900 West, this small and welcoming restaurant boasts a variety of Mexican dishes and snacks straight out of Mexico City. The menu features everything from tamales, tortas, and elotes to sweet treats like crepes and delicious fresh juices. Every dish is made fresh to order and served with the customer and the community in mind. Poplar Grove Community Council interviewed Joaquina's owner, Fabiola Gomez, to get the story behind the neighborhood's newest restaurant.
Tell us how you came to Salt Lake City and why you opened Joaquina Mexican Snacks? I'm from Mexico City. Joaquina is owned by myself, my mother Patricia Gomez, and my husband Marcus Cortez. We moved to Utah 6 years ago. My mother and I got a job at Cafe Zupas, and we worked there for 6 years. But we wanted to open our own restaurant. We wanted to open something authentic, but that served everyone. Some Mexican places here don't speak English, so we wanted to open something for everyone. How did Joaquina Mexican Snacks get its name? The name comes from my Grandma. Her name was Joaquina, my mom got divorced when I was very little and she helped take care of me. She was a very special person and passed away, it was really sad for me. Her name is a treasure, so when we got this place we named it after her. It's easy to say too! It was a good start for us to start with a good name. Cheers to her! Tell us about opening the restaurant and what it was like? For 4 years, my mother and I passed this location many times taking my kids to school. We like to manifest things. So everytime we drove by this location, we thought it would make a good restaurant. So we stopped and knocked on the door and no one answered. Later we met the owner at a yardsale. After asking her about the space, she offered it to us and we started leasing it in June 2024. We thought the space would be perfect for snacks. We didn't see any other palaces selling Mexican snacks, so we decided on snacks. We started with $10,000, I saved $5000 and my mom saved $5000, and we built everything ourselves. My dad painted the sign! We didn't know how to open a business. In Mexico, you just set up outside your door to start selling. So when we got the list of things we had to do, we hired someone to help us. He took too long, so I went to City Hall to find help. They told me everything I needed to do, so I made all the calls and filled out all the forms. We did everything. Now that I know how to do it all and I want to open more businesses. What does Joaquina bring to Poplar Grove? Freshness. Everything is made fresh, and may take a little longer, but we want everything to be high quality. Bringing people together and community. I want to host people from all over the neighborhood, from all over the world. In Mexico families are really close, we all live together. I want to bring a little of that here. Joaquina Mexican Snacks is located at 484 South 900 West. You can follow them on Instagram at @joaquinamexicansnacks.
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 Ekot Group is a full-service real estate and property management company dedicated to serving the Poplar Grove community and Salt Lake City at large. They offer comprehensive property management services, including tenant screening, leasing, maintenance, and rent collection, ensuring properties are well-maintained and tenants are satisfied. As a real estate brokerage, they assist clients in buying, selling, or investing in homes and commercial spaces, with a commitment to guiding each client through their unique real estate journey. With deep roots in Poplar Grove, having moved here as a young family seeking a strong community, Ekot Group is driven by a desire to give back to the neighborhood. Their goal is to help residents achieve financial stability through real estate, with plans to expand their digital presence to provide accessible market insights. The name "Ekot" holds a personal significance, symbolizing a legacy of family support, care, and a commitment to treating clients with the same values. 1. Tell us about your business! What services and/or products do you wish to highlight to the community? What needs are you hoping to meet for the residents of Poplar Grove, other Westside communities, and Salt Lake City at large?
At Ekot Group, we are your one-stop shop for all things real estate in Poplar Grove and Salt Lake City at large. We provide full-service property management, handling everything from tenant screening and leasing to maintenance and rent collection. Our proactive approach ensures that properties are well-maintained and tenants are satisfied. We are also a real estate brokerage. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process. We specialize in helping clients find properties that meet their specific needs, whether it’s a family home, investment property, or commercial space. Ultimately, Ekot Group wants to be a trusted partner in your real estate journey, whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time renter. We believe everyone deserves a smooth and positive experience in the real estate market. 2. How did you come to reside in Poplar Grove? Is there an origin story of how your business came to be located in our community? Do you have deeper roots or connections to this area you would like our community to know about? My husband and I moved to Poplar Grove as a young couple, and like many others, we were searching for an affordable place to call home. Poplar Grove offered many things that other cities just didn't - a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, access to beautiful trails, a house with a yard for our kids to play in, and a strong sense of community. Over the years, we have grown deeply connected to Poplar Grove. We have made lifelong friends, enjoyed countless community events, and watched our children grow up here. These experiences have fueled our desire to give back to the community that has given us so much. Our business, Ekot Group, recognizes a need for reliable and community-focused property management and real estate services, and we set out to meet that need. By helping residents find their perfect homes and ensuring that properties are well-maintained, we aim to contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of Poplar Grove. I'm grateful to be a part of this community. No matter where you are in your real estate journey we are here to help and support our family in Poplar Grove! 3. What are your plans for the future? Is there a way you are planning to maintain or develop your business that you would like our community to know about to support consumer engagement? Our vision for the future is centered around helping our clients build multi-generational wealth through real estate. Whether someone is a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, we are committed to guiding them through every step of their real estate journey. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve financial stability and growth through real estate. To support this vision, we plan to enhance our digital presence, making it easier for people to access our services and stay updated on market trends and opportunities. This includes launching a more user-friendly website and expanding our social media engagement to provide real-time information, tips, and insights on the ever-changing real estate landscape. 4. Are there any other fun facts or additional history you would like to share with the community about yourselves or the business? It is common for members of a family to don a nickname to another member of their household. My father has a pet name for all his children; my older siblings, on the other hand, also had their picks for the younger ones. With significant age gaps, my brothers towered over me and were the disciplinarians by default. Yet, their love and position as my protectors - through their actions and support - continue to provide the confidence and strength I need to tackle life today. Ekot was the moniker chosen by my elder brothers. Ekot was the last name my beloved brother Aniefiok Jackson referred to in his last communication to me, in support of my big step in life (marriage), a couple of months before he passed. Ekot is more than a nickname- it represents my commitment to our clients to provide exceptional services, support, and care as though they are family.
1. Tell us about your business! What services and/or products do you wish to highlight to the community? What needs are you hoping to meet for the residents of Poplar Grove, other Westside communities, and Salt Lake City at large? Utah Paperbox is a folding carton and rigid packaging manufacturer that is independently family owned and was established in Utah in 1914. We have around 200 employees, many from the Poplar Grove, Rose Park, and Glendale neighborhoods. Our customers are other businesses (local, regional and national) who need some kind of custom paperboard packaging for their products. We serve many different industries including food/beverage, cosmetics, house/lifestyle goods, and medical. As a business, we want to provide eye-catching and functional packaging that will help our customers' goods “fly off the shelf”. In addition to serving our customers, our goal is to be a good steward to both the community and the environment. We hope to provide good jobs for our employees and are always looking for the next innovation we can adopt to limit our environmental impact. Some of our environmental efforts include solar panels, electric car charging (including a community charger), an electric semi-truck (the first in Utah), and our LEED Gold certified facility. 2. How did you come to reside in Poplar Grove? Is there an origin story of how your business came to be located in our community? Do you have deeper roots or connections to this area you would like our community to know about? Utah Paperbox has been an independent and family owned Utah business since 1914. Our original main location was a manufacturing warehouse across from the Gateway on 400 West, as well as some warehouses spread throughout North Salt Lake and the West Side. As both Utah Paperbox and the city grew, we realized it was prudent that we look at other locations. Our President and CEO Steve Keyser led the business moving by partnering with the city exchanging our current property for the property a tire recycler was on. By moving to that property, we were able to do away with the tire recycler. He also made sure that our building was as environmentally friendly as possible during construction and we obtained LEED Gold certification. Since 2012 all of our operations are under one roof at the new location, 920 South 700 West. 3. What are your plans for the future? Is there a way you are planning to maintain or develop your business that you would like our community to know about to support consumer engagement? Utah Paperbox plans to be an independent, family owned company for the foreseeable future and welcomed their fifth generation future steward in 2022. Our commitment to being stewards of the community and environment is solid and we want to continue deepening our roots and supporting the area. We also want to continue being a valuable supplier to our customers. We look to always innovate in the packaging space and be a trusted advisor for packaging decisions. We also love working with start-ups and local entrepreneurs, which Utah has aplenty! 4. Are there any other fun facts or additional history you would like to share with the community about yourselves or the business? I think I’ve shared everything we’d want to! Thanks for the opportunity.
For over Fifty Years, M-One Specialties has been a family owned and operated business specializing in plumbing repair and replacement parts. In 1969 George and Phyllis Mattena started M-One out of their family home. Phyllis ran the business during the day while George worked at another job. After working all day George would come home and continue working on the financial end and purchasing for their business. Eventually George was able to quit his other job to focus full time on running M-One. As the business became more established, people would ask why he didn’t move to a better location. His response was simple. He loved the West Side and he would never leave. M-One has remained a “family business” for fifty-five years. Employing not only Mattena family members but also local west side community members and multiple West High Graduates who have become honorary family members. George and Phyllis have both since passed (2017 & 2022). Their legacy lives on as their 3rd generation family continues to run the business, along with their exceptional and knowledgeable employees. With the support of the local community and word of mouth M-One continues to grow as a successful plumbing resource. Even with the continual expansion across the country M-One’s roots are firmly planted in Salt Lake City’s west side. Its heart will always beat here.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! WHAT SERVICES AND/OR PRODUCTS DO YOU WISH TO HIGHLIGHT TO THE COMMUNITY? WHAT NEEDS ARE YOU HOPING TO MEET FOR THE RESIDENTS OF POPLAR GROVE, OTHER WESTSIDE COMMUNITIES, AND SALT LAKE CITY AT LARGE?Forty Three Bakery is a vibrant local business based in Poplar Grove, serving the Westside communities and the greater Salt Lake City area. We specialize in providing high-quality baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, and a delightful lunch menu, with a brunch selection available on weekends. Our beautifully designed, open space is ideally suited for a variety of private and public events. We aim to be the community's go-to venue for all special occasions, including bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, graduation parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate events. We also hold monthly markets and plan to have =a Pride Fest June 7th-9th. At Forty-Three Bakery, we are excited about increasing our engagement with the community through events, and we are committed to providing an inviting atmosphere where residents can come together to celebrate life's special moments. HOW DID YOU COME TO RESIDE IN POPLAR GROVE? IS THERE AN ORIGIN STORY OF HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAME TO BE LOCATED IN OUR COMMUNITY? DO YOU HAVE DEEPER ROOTS OR CONNECTIONS TO THIS AREA YOU WOULD LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT? I was deeply connected and drawn to the building the moment I first saw it. I knew it had history. I felt, very deeply, that this location, built in the 40’s I believe, had layers and layers of stories, love, and business highs and lows. And for me, being a part of that legacy would be a wonderful challenge and an immense privilege. This old, patinated warehouse, once a coffee distribution center and later a Volvo auto shop, had charm and grit. I find the old beautiful. I fell in love with this location and knew it would be Forty Three Bakery’s forever home. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? IS THERE A WAY YOU ARE PLANNING TO MAINTAIN OR DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT TO SUPPORT CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT? Community is incredibly important to our philosophy as a business. We are always seeking out opportunities to be as engaged with our customers and community as much as possible. We host baking classes to the public, have monthly markets at the bakery with local artisans, and are working on a few summer festivals that will be AMAZING! Stay updated by checking out our website for all the events we are hosting and how you can get involved! ARE THERE ANY OTHER FUN FACTS OR ADDITIONAL HISTORY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOURSELVES OR THE BUSINESS? I received a Culinary Arts Degree from Utah Valley University in 2009, was named Utah Pastry Chef of the Year in 2015, and Western Region Pastry Chef of the Year in 2016. I competed in culinary and pastry competitions over 30 times nationally and internationally. The average elevation of Salt Lake City is Forty Three Hundred Feet. Forty Three Bakey is inspired by eating elevated.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! WHAT SERVICES AND/OR PRODUCTS DO YOU WISH TO HIGHLIGHT TO THE COMMUNITY? WHAT NEEDS ARE YOU HOPING TO MEET FOR THE RESIDENTS OF POPLAR GROVE, OTHER WESTSIDE COMMUNITIES, AND SALT LAKE CITY AT LARGE? Square Kitchen is more than just a culinary space; we're a community-driven hub for culinary innovation and entrepreneurship. Our primary services include providing kitchen facilities, equipment, and mentorship to local food producers and entrepreneurs. We aim to highlight our diverse range of services, including one-on-one mentorship, connections to fundraisers, legal support, design services, and more. Our goal is to meet the needs of residents in Poplar Grove, other westside communities, and Salt Lake City at large by providing a platform for small businesses to thrive, fostering economic growth, and offering delicious culinary experiences that reflect our vibrant community. HOW DID YOU COME TO RESIDE IN POPLAR GROVE? IS THERE AN ORIGIN STORY OF HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAME TO BE LOCATED IN OUR COMMUNITY? DO YOU HAVE DEEPER ROOTS OR CONNECTIONS TO THIS AREA YOU WOULD LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT? Our journey to Poplar Grove was driven by a deep-rooted empathy for the community and a recognition of the area's potential for revitalization. Ana, hailing from Argentina, and Tham, originally from Indonesia, both found resonance with the diverse and welcoming atmosphere of Poplar Grove. Both Ana and Tham studied City Planning at the U and worked both at the Salt Lake City Planning Division and NeighborWorks, recognizing the need for economic development efforts on the city's west side. This led us to establish Square Kitchen in Poplar Grove, where we could contribute to the area's growth and empowerment while fostering connections with the community we now call home, since 2018. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? IS THERE A WAY YOU ARE PLANNING TO MAINTAIN OR DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OUR COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT TO SUPPORT CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT? Looking ahead, we envision expanding our services and offerings to further support local entrepreneurs and meet the evolving needs of our community. We plan to maintain our commitment to providing comprehensive support to our clients, including continued mentorship, access to resources, and opportunities for growth. In the Uber Eats era, we are working to provide additional space for our clients that offer this service like Marcato and Drunken Kitchen (open for take out every weekend, and open late), and perhaps will be able to have some seating are in the front during the weekends. Stay tuned. Additionally, we’re exploring initiatives to enhance consumer engagement, such as community events, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment, we aim to strengthen our ties with the community and contribute to its ongoing prosperity. ARE THERE ANY OTHER FUN FACTS OR ADDITIONAL HISTORY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY ABOUT YOURSELVES OR THE BUSINESS? One fun fact about us is our shared passion for the pay-it-forward mentality. Having received immense support in our entrepreneurial journey, we are dedicated to giving back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms. Our commitment to supporting local businesses extends beyond Square Kitchen, as we actively seek opportunities to uplift and empower entrepreneurs throughout Salt Lake City. We are deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie of our community, and we look forward to continuing our journey together. We are also proud to have been able to be the first home of many businesses that outgrew our kitchen and stayed in the vicinity supporting our anti gentrification values. Those businesses that you may have heard of are: Han’s Kombucha, Z Nectar, Hello Bulk Market, Raw Eddy’s, Fortythree Bakery, Roctaco, Wasatch Nectar, Delicius Venezuelan Food, Daydreams Bakery, On the Hook Fish and Chips, Olive’s and Oasis Food Truck, Sugar Fix Cookies, etc.
Tell us about your business! What services and/or products do you wish to highlight to the community? What needs are you hoping to meet for the residents of Poplar Grove, other Westside communities, and Salt Lake City at large?Momentum Recycling provides glass recycling, mixed recycling, and food waste recycling services to businesses and residents across the Wasatch Front. In 2012 we became the exclusive glass recycler for Salt Lake City. We are currently providing the residents of Poplar Grove with residential curbside glass recycling service for only $8/month, as well as commercial recycling services at a wide range of price points. How did you come to reside in Poplar Grove? Is there an origin story of how your business came to be located in our community? Do you have deeper roots or connections to this area you would like our community to know about?We chose to locate our business in Poplar Grove because it’s the perfect setting for our operations within the boundaries of Salt Lake City. We need to operate in an industrial zone, which we have in western Poplar Grove, but we also value how close we are to the residents that we serve in eastern Poplar Grove. It’s just the perfect mix for our business. What are your plans for the future? Is there a way you are planning to maintain or develop your business that you would like our community to know about to support consumer engagement?Starting in summer 2024, we are planning to expand our residential food waste recycling service to Salt Lake City’s west side, including neighborhoods like Poplar Grove, Glendale, and Rose Park. Residents who would like to participate can fill out an interest form here. Are there any other fun facts or additional history you would like to share with the community about yourselves or the business?Momentum Recycling is a family-owned, local business with a mission to move communities towards zero waste. We have grown from around five employees at our inception to nearly 40 in the past 16 years. We service single-family homes, HOA’s, apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, and businesses of all sizes. So – no matter your situation – if you have a goal of living more sustainably, we can help! |
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