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Showing posts from June, 2025

From Salt Lake to Vegas: Behind the Scenes of Our Bar-Hopping Research Adventure

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  When you’re building a dream from the ground up—especially one that involves cocktails, community, and killer design—sometimes the best inspiration comes from the road. Over the last few months, Scott and I have been making the scenic drive between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, stopping at every kind of bar we can find along the way. From classy rooftop lounges to cozy dive bars tucked in forgotten corners, we’ve been soaking up everything. Why? Because we want Coal Creek Taproom & Eatery to feel just right. This wasn’t just an excuse to sip a few (okay, maybe more than a few) great cocktails. We were studying every detail—how the lighting changed the mood of a room, how certain furnishings made people want to linger longer, and how the best bars crafted drinks that told a story. We took notes, snapped photos, scribbled flavor combos, and asked bartenders way too many questions (bless them). We explored sleek industrial lounges with all kinds of accents and leather booths,...

From Forgotten to Fabulous; The Story Behind Our Building

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Every great taproom has a story—and ours begins with a worn-down building, a vision, and a whole lot of heart. When we first laid eyes on this old structure on the edge of downtown Cedar City, most people saw faded paint, cracked concrete, and doors that hadn’t swung open with purpose in awhile. But we saw something more. We saw potential. We saw a place where the community could gather, laugh, connect, and make memories. And just like that, Coal Creek Taproom & Eatery was born. 🔨 The Vision: Raw, Industrial, and Full of Soul We wanted to preserve the grit and character of the original building—honoring its past—while layering in warmth, elegance, and a touch of that speakeasy charm. Our design leaned into charcoal black walls, rich wood textures, and copper accents to give it an industrial yet inviting feel.  And yes, the makeover is still unfolding. 🖌️ What We’ve Done So Far Painted the exterior walls a bold charcoal black for instant drama and curb appeal Framed ou...

Exploring the heart of Southern Utah

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Living in Southern Utah is like having a front-row seat to one of the most breathtaking regions in the country. The area is overflowing with hidden treasures — from ancient petroglyphs and Native American ruins to stunning red rock formations and unforgettable local festivals. It’s a place where history meets beauty, and adventure waits around every corner. Scott and I are always swapping discoveries — whether it’s a hike we’ve stumbled upon online, a scenic drive recommended by a friend, or a secret swimming hole only locals seem to know about. Our bucket list? Packed with day trips through Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. (Okay, yes — there are a few tropical beaches on there too, but the red dirt has our hearts.) This place is magic. It’s grounding, awe-inspiring, and alive. Just steps from the Taproom, Coal Creek runs quietly through town. On one side, Industrial Road. On the other, the peaceful Native Tree Memorial Park. We often take breaks to walk across the bridge just up the street ...