19 years and a generation ago, what began as a dilapidated 1920's era gas station evolved into a 21st century "gastronomic station," Liberty Heights Fresh. We started with a vision to offer simple, healthy, local food to the Salt Lake City community, and have grown along with Salt Lake into so much more: artisanal and hand-crafted specialty foods from around the world, local farmstead cheeses, world-class charcuterie, grass-fed fresh meats, tasty frozen treats, unique sandwiches, delicious party platters, plus personalized gift baskets and full service catering for every need.

There were many long, long days. 19 years ago, Erin and I were expecting our first child. Today, Noah works side by side with me in the store, as he is preparing to begin his first year at the University of Utah later this month.

Our beginnings were modest; the first season Liberty Heights Fresh sold fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers and freshly baked breads. We offered as much local produce as possible - sweet corn, melons and tomatoes from Yukio Miya in Syracuse, Green River melons from Chris Dunham, Asian pears from Nelson Akagi in Draper (we buy from his nephews today,) peaches from the Pettingill family in Willard, apples and pears from Vern Stratton in Orem, and certified organically grown vegetables from Jenny and Steve Erickson at Ranui Gardens.

Liberty Heights Fresh operated on a shoestring budget – foraging salvaged lighting fixtures from the old Meadow Gold Dairy and Dirk's Field (predecessor to Spring Mobile Ballpark.) We have always used compact fluorescent bulbs to light the shop.

Our first employee in 1993, Alex Baugh, is now teaching biology at Swarthmore College in Philadelphia. Many LH Fresh alumni have successful lives and families around the world - making wine in Italy and making documentary films in LA - but many more continue to make Salt Lake City their home.

We are proud to be an integral part of the ever changing Salt Lake City food community, and look forward to 19 more years.