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Many remember when the Avenues Bistro location was the 3rd Avenue Pharmacy. Built as a simple one-story brick commercial building in 1909, this historical Avenues venue was constructed for Edward T. Studness as his drugstore, Lyon Drug.

A wooden pharmacy counter was built from quarter-sawn white oak with nickel-plated bronze ice-box latches and is still located on site. (Scott Gardner restored the cabinet in 2011 before we opened the Bistro.)

Samuel I. and Eris R. Harman bought the pharmacy according to Polk around 1910. They called their neighborhood drug store "Harman’s Pharmacy, A Better Drug Store." In the 1920s and 1930s, there was a soda fountain in every neighborhood pharmacy. These were community gathering places and in about 1923 Mr. Harman installed his counter. Young men and women from the neighborhood had their first jobs there, while Mr. Harman tended to the pharmacy—and to his prize-winning gladiolas out back. The teens, as newly-minted soda jerks, served soda fountain drinks, soups and sandwiches and sold penny candy by the each.

From 1931 to 1935 the building housed a branch of the Salt Lake City Library.

After some decades, Mr. Harman retired and a pharmacist he had employed, Joe Giovacchini, with his wife Maxine, took over the operation and carried on in the Sam Harman style, selling all sorts of products from clocks to cigars and comic books to cameras. Fountain service was a favorite of the locals, such as route drivers and postal workers who gathered in groups for lunch. Notable regulars included the then-fire chief, J.K. Piercey, and C.C. Neslen, former mayor.

In 1984 Jude Rubadue bought the building and opened her café and catering business called Ruby’s. She continues to own the building and has gone to great time and expense to take care of the property.

FoodArt, doing business as Avenues Bistro on Third has been operating at this location since February, 2012. While repairing a broken water line under the sidewalk at the front door, excavation into the easement through the basement revealed several wooden signs (8’ x 8”). They are hand drawn and gold leafed and were found in excellent condition. Now they are hung on walls throughout the bistro. A few years later in a conversation with the founder of Schmidt Signs, I learned that a man named Lee had designed these very signs for Sam Harman during the 1920s. This historical site continues, through the ages, to be a gathering place for locals and friends.

Amazing works of local artists are displayed at the Bistro, including a mural by Arthur Roburg called “FoodArt”, Pottery by Sidney Smith, “Navajo Women” by Suzanne Tornquist, chalk art by Michael Haswood, “Village Chair” by 8yo Adele Node Lang-Louis, beautiful frames by Scott Gardner. Avenues Bistro on Third is moving into our 5th year, carrying on the tradition from days gone by. We are committed to serving our guests with a bountiful supply of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. We work with Utah farmers, dairies, ranchers and vendors, and serve fresh produce cultivated from our seasonal urban farm. For more information please visit avenuesbistroonthird.com. Better yet, Come EAT. It will speak for itself! Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

(Your editor was one of the soda jerks who worked there in the 1950s.)

March 2016
By Mary Ann Wright

It was a Tuesday night at Cucina Deli and with two long tables—the length of the main dining area— completely filled, there were still people waiting to be seated for the scrumptious ribs.

That was the Tuesday night family style dinners that have been featured for the last several months. Otherwise, you might walk in for some breakfast sandwiches some morning while on a bike ride around the Avenues.

Or you could come in for a business lunch, where it is a common site to see laptops and tablets propped up next to specialty sandwiches and full entrees while people meet over their delicious fresh food. In the evening, the place transforms into a white tablecloth restaurant, where the chef makes a special of the day.

Fresh breads, soups and pastries abound all day long as well as local beers and specially chosen wines. The coffee is a favorite at Cucina and most days, Dean Pierose, the proprietor, can be seen going around refilling cups. The inside setting of hand painted colorful walls and marble topped tables emits a cozy Italian setting.

As the weather warms, the outside bank of tables and surrounding pots and landscaping provide another welcome area to meet a friend and enjoy the fare. Long a supporter of the Greater Avenues Community Council, Dean donates in-kind to the Street Fair each year as well as hosting some of the committee meetings. Dean feels fortunate to be there for the neighborhood and would not want to be anywhere else. Cucina is at the lower east Avenues at 1027 E. 2nd Avenue.

January 2015
By Jo Worth

There is a new eating establishment in the Avenues, the Straw Market. Don’t be fooled by the name, there is no straw. The Straw Market is a deli, bakery, small market and they are also available to cater vents.

Lee McDonald started the first Straw Market in Pleasant View, Utah eight years ago. He, along with his son Taylor and daughter Ashleigh Mann, decided the Avenues was an excellent location for the second Straw Market.

The name Straw Market comes from the South where farmers would fill their carts up with fresh produce and goods and sell them in the fields. The straw was thrown down on the ground due to the mud. This practice became known as the Straw Market. Just like the farmers, Lee, Taylor and Ashleigh bring their fresh foods and baked goods to their Straw Market to sell every day.

They are known for their amazing homemade cinnamon rolls but they also serve breakfast all day long. They have fresh soups served daily and popular with the regulars are the mouth-watering grinders with sautéed vegetables on them. But save room for some of the best baked goods around. The grinders are just $5 and the cinnamon rolls just $1 making this place affordable as well as a very tasty place to eat.

The Straw Market is located on the corner of E Street and 4th Avenue. They are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. So stop by and say hello to our new neighbors at the Straw Market, soon to be an old favorite.

August 2014
By Mary Ann Wright

A serene garden entrance, beautiful wooden flooring, and lovely light from huge windows, filtering through tall trees, make for an exceptional yoga studio. This is Avenues Yoga, owned and managed by Erin Me- nut. Just celebrating her fifth year of operation, Erin has set this place up just right.

As a dedicated member of the community, Erin provides free family yoga at the Sweet Library and a free introductory class every Saturday at the studio. At the same time, this is a very down-to-earth place. Its motto: “Friendly, Affordable” sums it up. It is definitely not hobbled with “yoga-tude” – something that scares a lot of people away. Wear your most comfortable clothes and you will be right at home. Worried it will be hard? Try any of the Restore classes. Want something fun? Try Moving Meditation. Not sure what you might like? The best deal going is the $39.00 unlimited first-timers monthly pass.

Try out every type of class for one month. There are 10 beginner friendly classes, nine intermediate and two advanced level classes. Talk to the teachers or, Erin herself. Everyone is very approachable, friendly and helpful. These are words that Erin recently wrote in her newsletter: “Our thoughts have incredible power, and can change our lives, determining our happiness or unhappiness, as we walk our path.” This is a great place to invest yourself: 68 K Street. 801-872-YOGA (9642), .