Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Nestled in the heart of northern Utah County lies a little slice of heaven for flower lovers. Kailin Beck opened Beck Farms Utah (BFU) to the public last year. The U-pick flower farm has fast become a community favorite. Floral Dreams come true in this small corner of American Fork.

“When I first began growing flowers, I mainly imagined selling bouquets. I never anticipated that people would become so interested in visiting the farm, learning how to grow cut flowers themselves, or participating in experiences such as workshops and U-Picks,” shared Beck.

Flowers entered Beck’s life somewhat unexpectedly. “I have always loved creating beautiful spaces and making ordinary life feel meaningful, but I had never considered farming as a career.”

At first, Beck wanted to grow beautiful flowers for her own enjoyment and well-being after a traumatic, very premature birth of her 30-week twins. Her sons were born the day COVID shut down the world.

After a few months in the NICU and a pandemic in full swing, growing became very therapeutic for Beck. It became an escape. What started with an overwhelmed young mom, a shovel, a very small flower patch, and a great deal of trial and error, growing flowers has expanded into something much larger than Beck originally imagined.

Beck slowly started growing more and more flowers and noticed that others started to enjoy what she grew as well. After adding several rows of flowers each year, Beck found herself with a full-blown, full-scale flower farm.

The farm itself has a long family history. Beck’s husband, Mitch, is the fourth generation of his family to care for the property. More than 100 years ago, his ancestors immigrated to Utah from Denmark, and for generations the property was primarily used for raising sheep. Although what is growing on the property looks different today, agriculture remains at the heart of the farm.

“In recent years, Mitch and I have taken on the care of the farm and begun giving it new life through specialty cut flowers,” wrote Beck. The farm is approximately six acres with close to two acres dedicated primarily to flower production. The other acres are used for livestock and house an old barn.

Once Beck began growing flowers, she became completely captivated by the process. “There is something almost magical about planting something tiny, caring for it for months, and then watching it become something beautiful that can be shared with another person,” wrote Beck.

Over time, Beck realized that flowers were not only a product people wanted: they created connection, joy, traditions, and memories. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion and eventually grew into Beck Farms as people know it today.

The farm grows thousands of flowers each season, including dahlias, tulips, ranunculus, peonies, zinnias, cosmos, snapdragons and many other specialty cut flowers. “I believe we are currently the largest dahlia farm in the state,” added Beck.

There is really no true off-season with flower farming. Greenhouse work, weeding, planting, harvesting, flower processing, and agri-tourism keep the farm working all year. Beck did not realize how many different businesses exist within one flower farm. On any given day, farmers may be spreading compost, teaching a class, hosting a u-pick event, creating social media content, managing greenhouse production, fulfilling wholesale orders, or fixing irrigation lines.

During the winter, Beck spends a great deal of time planning, ordering seeds and supplies, starting seedlings, and preparing for the next season. Thousands of seeds are started in their greenhouse as early as December for the next season. They also host seasonal wreath workshops during the colder months in our barn.

In early spring, the farmers begin transplanting out cold-hardy flowers and harvesting crops such as tulips, daffodils, and ranunculus. They also hold seasonal cut-flower plant sales for home growers and begin preparing fields for summer. Beck Farms Utah hosts many cut-flower growing workshops during the spring.

Late spring and early summer are some of the farmers’ busiest months. They plant thousands of dahlias and annual flowers, install irrigation, manage weeds, open the farm stand and begin harvesting flowers for local florists and other wholesale customers.

“During the summer and fall, we harvest daily. We operate our farm stand, offer bouquet subscriptions, host arranging workshops, welcome guests for reservation-only U-Pick experiences and sell flowers wholesale,” shared Beck. Their peak season is when their flower rows are full and lush from August to October.

After the first hard frost in mid to late October, the farmers begin cleaning the fields, digging, dividing and storing thousands of dahlia tubers and preparing the beds for winter. Then the planning process begins all over again.

Beck’s long-term goal is to create a beautiful, sustainable working farm that can remain part of their family and community for generations. “Because our family has cared for this land for so many generations, preserving its agricultural purpose is incredibly important to us. We hope to continue expanding flower production while creating more opportunities for people to experience the farm through U-Picks, workshops, and seasonal traditions.”

BFU is also slowly improving the property and hoping to develop additional perennial gardens, an orchard, and beautiful gathering spaces while preserving the history and agricultural character of the farm.

The business hasn’t come without challenges since farming is unpredictable and weather can change an entire season very quickly. BFU has experienced extreme heat, late freezes, windstorms, pests, crop failures, and unexpected equipment problems. Farmers spend months caring for a crop and can still lose much of it because of conditions outside their control.

Managing growth has also been challenging. BFU has grown faster than they originally anticipated, and learning how to build the systems, staffing and infrastructure needed to support that growth has been a major learning process.

“There is also an enormous amount of physical labor involved. The beautiful flowers people see are the

result of thousands of hours of planting, weeding, harvesting and problem-solving behind the scenes,” added Beck.

“Some of my favorite memories are the moments when we realized people truly wanted to be part of what we were building. I will never forget our first U-Pick night and watching people walk through the flower field with their families and friends. Seeing the farm filled with people enjoying something we had spent months creating was incredibly rewarding,” shared Beck.

Beck loves seeing her own four children grow up on the same land that generations of their family cared for before them. The farm has fostered delayed gratification and grit, which many youth may not understand in today’s fast paced world. They have helped plant flowers, sell bouquets, prepare for events, and watch the farm evolve each year.“Beck Farms has become very much a family project,” shared Beck. “There is something very meaningful about knowing that while the farm has changed from sheep to flowers, it is still a place where our family works together and builds something for the future.”

“One of my favorite things is watching people experience the farm. I love seeing someone walk into a field full of flowers for the first time or watching children choose flowers for a bouquet. I love seeing guests celebrate birthdays, friendships and important milestones here.”

“I also love the creative side of farming. Every season is different, and there is always something new to grow, build or imagine,” added Beck. “There is something deeply rewarding about creating beauty from land that has supported our family for generations and knowing that something we grew may become part of someone’s wedding, celebration or ordinary kitchen table.”

The first employee BFU hired was Andra Farley. “My favorite part is seeing everything come into bloom, and then  being able to share it with people,” said Farley who is currently farm manager.

Beck has been surprised by how emotionally invested some people have become in the farm. Many customers return for workshops after coming to a U-Pick experience, and then another workshop, and then find themselves with a beautiful cut-flower garden and a newfound passion the following year. “That has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience,” added Beck.

“Some of my favorite moments are actually the quiet ones: walking through the field at sunset alone, seeing thousands of flowers blooming or standing back after a long day and realizing how much the farm has changed in just a few short weeks,” shared Beck.

As the farm and its new life have grown, Beck realizes people are searching for more than flowers. They want experiences that feel slower, more grounded, and more connected to the seasons. Unplugged and more connected to themselves. The farm became a way to combine agriculture, beauty, education and community while carrying a historic family farm into a new generation.

“More than anything, I want Beck Farms to be a place that helps people slow down, reconnect with nature and find beauty in their everyday lives,” shared Beck. “Flowers are the product, but the feeling is really the point.”

“One of the things that makes Beck Farms so meaningful to us is knowing that we are not starting its story—we are continuing it. Our hope is to honor the generations who cared for this land before us while creating a sustainable future that allows it to remain a working family farm for generations to come,” concluded Beck.

To host a private event on the property or to learn more about upcoming U-Pick dates, go to BeckFarmsUtah on Instagram.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

Porch Coffee opened in Lehi in early January, bringing a warm, colorful coffee shop to a community ready for a locally owned shop close to home.

Located at 380 E. Main Street, Porch Coffee was designed with a neighborhood feel in mind, according to manager Libby Brown. The idea began with a desire for a coffee shop that felt more personal, more inviting and more curated than a standard chain experience.

“They thought, ‘I wish we had somewhere closer to home,’” Brown said.

Before moving to the Main Street location, Porch Coffee operated out of a truck for a couple of months. Brown said the transition into the current space happened faster than expected, allowing the business to establish a permanent home in Lehi sooner than originally planned.

The result is an open, eclectic space that feels intentionally different from a typical coffee shop. The interior is thoughtfully decorated with a funky, inviting style, giving customers room to sit, visit, study, or work without feeling rushed. The shop is bright and welcoming, and the friendly staff adds to the relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.

“It’s a fun, funky little space,” Brown said.

Porch Coffee has already become a popular stop for customers seeking more than just a quick cup of coffee. Brown said many people come in to work or spend time in the shop, especially on weekends.

“Tons of people, especially on the weekends,” she said. “It gets pretty rowdy in here on Saturdays and Sundays.”

The menu includes coffee drinks, house-made syrups, house-made pastries and food options such as bagels and toast. Brown said the shop also supports local businesses, including sourcing its coffee beans from Caffe Ibis Roasters in Logan.

For Lehi residents, the local focus is part of the appeal. Porch Coffee offers an independent gathering place for customers who want good coffee, fresh food and a comfortable place to spend time without leaving town.

The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, a schedule Brown said is unusual for many small coffee shops. The business also remains open for most holidays, including the Fourth of July.

With steady hours, a spacious interior and a welcoming atmosphere, Porch Coffee quickly found its place in the community. Whether customers stop in for coffee, a pastry, a bagel, a work session or a weekend visit with friends, the shop offers a comfortable new place to gather in Lehi.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

A new kind of batting cage is open in the heart of American Fork. The new D-BAT location opened on Monday, June 22, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the American Fork Chamber of Commerce.

The facility has been in the works for about two and a half years. After searching for the perfect Utah County location, American Fork D-BAT owner Ryan Hobbs finally found the right space in American Fork. D-BAT stands for Developing Beliefs, Attitudes and Traditions. D-BAT’s hands-on approach focuses on growing skills and helping athletes of all ages grow through baseball and softball.

The facility offers various tiered memberships or one-off batting pricing. Depending on the tier, batters can hit various amounts of balls and have coaching from D-BAT’s trained staff.

“We don’t tie ourselves to any specific ball teams. We are for everybody, so they always tell us we’re like Switzerland,” Hobbs laughed. “We do a bit of everything.”

D-BAT offers lessons, classes and clinics for youth, camps, cage rentals, machine cages, memberships, athletic training and an on-site pro-shop. Classes and clinics are taught both in groups and in private lessons. All the instructors have played at the highest level and are ready to share their skills. However people choose to get involved, the D-BAT team wants each visitor to feel safe and valued.

“We want to be a family environment and a place where mom can not worry about dropping kids off for the day,” Hobbs explained.

The new location has deep roots for Hobbs. For all of his life, Hobbs has had a love of baseball and softball instilled by his father. After his father passed a year and a half ago, Hobbs has continued building on the legacy and passion his dad instilled in him.

“He always believed that I could do it. I love mentoring kids. I don’t have kids of my own, so being able to mentor kids and coach them… I love it,” Hobbs said. “Being able to come and see the kids, fist-bump them as they’re going into the cages and everything like that, has been amazing. We’ve only been open for a week and it’s cool to see your dream come true. It still feels surreal that it’s happening, but it’s awesome.”

The facility represents a longtime dream for Hobbs.

“I’ve wanted to open a facility for 20 years. Then I found D-BAT and went down and heard what they were about. They aligned with my morals and with what I wanted to do,” Hobbs said. “It’s affordable, and it’s for everybody.”

Through his time coaching and mentoring, Hobbs has found his spark.

“It’s everything,” Hobbs said. “It’s why I do what I do. It gets me up in the morning. It gets me out of bed knowing that I get to go and do something that I love. They say, ‘Do something you love, and you never work a day in your life.’ That is 100% true for me.”

Hobbs hopes D-BAT can be a place where everyone feels welcome to come and grow their skills with professionals.

D-BAT is located at 752 E. State St. in Suite A3 and A4 in American Fork. For more information, visit the D-BAT website at dbatamericanfork.com.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

The popular fast food franchise Jack in the Box opened a new location in American Fork on June 1. Jack in the Box is famous for their tacos, burgers and curly fries. The new location will be open 24 hours a day, according to the location’s website.

The new location includes a dine-in area and a drive-thru. The restaurant will serve their full menu — breakfast, lunch and dinner — throughout the day. Jack in the Box can also deliver straight to the home via the mobile app.

To celebrate the opening, the restaurant held a grand opening complete with a live band, ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Brad Frost, and deals on all orders. The new location is at 937 W. State Rd. in American Fork. For more information, visit www.jackinthebox.com. 

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A new destination for bargain-hunting shoppers has arrived in Utah County. Goodwill recently opened its first Utah County location in Orem, marking a significant expansion for the nonprofit organization and providing residents with a new place to shop, donate, and support community programs.

The new store, located on Center Street in Orem, officially opened on May 21 and is one of the largest Goodwill locations in Utah. The store becomes the 10th Goodwill location in the state and the first ever in Utah County.

The opening comes in response to growing demand for Goodwill’s services and retail stores along the Wasatch Front. Known for offering affordable secondhand clothing, furniture, home décor, books, electronics, and household items, Goodwill has built a loyal following among shoppers seeking unique finds while supporting its charitable mission.

The Orem location features a large retail floor stocked with donated merchandise that changes daily as new items arrive. Shoppers can browse everything from gently used clothing and shoes to furniture, kitchenware, and decorative items. The store appeals to a wide range of customers, including college students, budget-conscious families, collectors, and DIY enthusiasts.

The new location provides a convenient drive-up donation area where residents can drop off gently used items during regular donation hours. Donations help keep usable goods out of landfills while supplying inventory for Goodwill stores.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Donation hours begin one hour earlier, running from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays.

While many people recognize Goodwill for its thrift stores, the retail operations are only one part of the organization’s broader mission. Goodwill stores in Utah are operated by Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain, a nonprofit organization serving communities across Utah, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Revenue generated through store sales helps fund a variety of programs and services, including employment assistance, disability services, behavioral health programs, clinical support services and early intervention programs. The organization works to provide opportunities for people facing barriers to employment and independence.

According to Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain, the stores help create employment opportunities for people from all walks of life while also generating funding for community-focused programs. The organization emphasizes that every purchase and donation contributes directly to those efforts.

The arrival of Goodwill in Utah County also supports growing interest in sustainability and reuse. By extending the life of clothing, furniture, and household goods, thrift stores play an important role in reducing waste and encouraging responsible consumption.

The Orem store’s opening reflects the continued growth of Utah County, where population increases have created demand for additional retail options and community resources. As one of the largest Goodwill locations in the state, the new store will serve residents from across Utah Valley, including Orem, Provo, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and surrounding communities.

With its combination of affordable shopping, convenient donation services, and community impact, Goodwill’s newest location is positioned to become a popular destination for Utah County residents while supporting programs that benefit thousands of individuals and families across the region.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Mary Woffinden has started a beginners country dance class in the heart of Lehi. The class is designed with learning in mind and has already become a favorite of many throughout the city.

Woffinden has been country dancing since 1985. When she was 15, she went to The Palace in Provo and fell in love.

“I had no idea I liked doing dance,” Woffinden said. “I actually learned I loved dance when I auditioned for Lehi High School’s drill team.”

Woffinden’s deep love of dance carried into adulthood. By day, she teaches traditional dance classes at Move Dance Studio. By night, she becomes a country swingin’ teacher with a passion to share.

Three months ago, she decided to start her own country dance lessons, Kick’N Country Swing, for anyone in the community. Her classes focus on the most basic level of country swing dance, rather than some of the more fusion-based lessons out there. Woffinden believes her style of teaching can help students learn more than they would otherwise.

“It allows for great success for the students because if you don’t have any background in dance, it’s really hard to learn all of these different moves,” Woffinden said. “It’s extremely basic, easy and fun.”

During class time, Woffinden encourages learners to frequently change partners. While optional, she believes swapping more often can help dancers know how to correctly lead and follow. It also provides an opportunity to meet more people and nail down new moves.

A typical class includes learning basic handhold position, framework, footwork and some dos and don’ts. Each class ends with a basic country line dance.

Once students feel confident enough, they can join a more intermediate class. The class builds on the basics and helps dancers to shine. No matter a student’s level, Woffinden encourages everyone interested to come and try.

“I promise success,” Woffinden said. “Dance has proven to be the #1 exercise to help mentally, physically and emotionally. You connect with other people and it helps with brain support.”

The class has been very successful, especially with those in the 30-70 age range. While many dance studios cater to a college or high school age crowd, Woffinden hopes to give everyone the chance to dance and connect.

“They love it,” Woffinden expressed. “For most of them, they had three or four moves they did all the time. They are so grateful not to be stuck in those moves.”

The beginning of Kick’N Country Swing has meant the world to Woffinden.

“When I see my students out in the wild at the dances and in the dance world, and I see them doing the moves I taught them, it makes me want to cry. I am seeing success and helping them make connections and broaden their world,” Woffinden said. “It’s very soul-fulfilling for me. I love dance, so if I can bring that joy to others, I have fulfilled my purpose.”

In the future, Woffinden hopes to expand to a teens camp and family country nights.

She also teaches private lessons for couples and individuals. Those interested in group lessons can sign up as an individual or a couple. No dance partner is required. For class times and more information, visit @kickncountryswing on Instagram. One class is $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.

Madelyn Wilson | American Fork Citizen

Anyone who’s spent time in Texas can tell you about Blue Bell Ice Cream. An iconic brand straight from the Lone Star State with dozens of flavors ranging from Peachy Peach to Cookie Two-Step, Blue Bell has certainly earned its extensive and committed following. It’s difficult to find outside of Texas, which is why Blue Moo Ice Cream, a new ice cream shop in Pleasant Grove serving over 40 flavors of Blue Bell, is such a special and welcome addition to the Wasatch Front.

Kenzi Huskinson lived in Texas while completing a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, like anyone else, she fell in love with Blue Bell Ice Cream. Her memories of the brand are rooted in weekly planning sessions in which a container of Blue Bell was shared between her and her companions.

Blue Bell is relatively exclusive in distribution, but Huskinson has been able to pull some strings with the brand to make its availability in Utah a reality. The PG shop opened in December 2025, situated squarely between Purple Turtle and the city’s downtown blocks. This is the second location after a West Jordan shop that opened a year earlier.

“I’m a businesswoman, I’m business-minded, so of course the business idea appealed to me. Being able to be creative and make my own brand has been fun, especially revolving around ice cream,” Huskinson said.

The “Blue Moo” branding came naturally to Huskinson, and she shared that she’s had a lot of fun building the brand off the simple imagery of blue and cows. The logo and branding are covered top to bottom in blue cow spots, adding a touch of whimsy to every visit. The fence outside their Pleasant Grove location is adorned with those same blue spots, lighting up neon after dark to let people know they’re open until 10 p.m. nightly.

“My goal when I decided to open Blue Moo was just to make a fun neighborhood spot. I don’t necessarily need it to be everyone’s favorite ice cream spot. Everyone has different tastes, but I wanted to bring Blue Bell to people who want it and introduce it to people who have never had the chance to try it, while also hitting that box of being the neighborhood joint for ice cream where people can just come and have a good time,” said Huskinson.

Her branding is more than just the blue cow spots. “It’s also the environment we create and the people that I choose to hire that are joining me to make it a fun experience for everybody,” she added. “We take that really seriously at Blue Moo.”

As a frequent visitor to Blue Moo, with my 4-year-old always in tow, I can say the shop certainly lives up to this expectation. The workers are always friendly, saying hello and offering as many samples as we’d like to try, then working quickly to get us a perfect scoop.
Every scoop, whether it’s a kid’s, single, double or “4-Scoop Social,” is served in a cup with a sugar cone on top so everyone can get their ideal ratio of cream to crunch. Tables and a window-facing bar fill the indoor space, and several picnic tables sit out front for those fast-approaching warm summer days. A drive-thru also wraps around the building for patrons wanting a grab-and-go ice cream fix.

While Blue Moo isn’t the only distributor of Blue Bell Ice Cream in Utah, they’re the only ones offering over 40 flavors available by the scoop. They’re there to serve the long-term fans, first-time tasters and everyone in between.

“Blue Bell has done such a good job of creating a product that has a huge following, and I feel really honored to be able to serve it. On our logo, it says, ‘Proudly Serving Blue Bell,’ because we really are proud to be able to have that product in our stores,” said Huskinson. “We’re offering a product that’s harder to get for a lot of residents in Utah, and we’re happy to do so.”

The shop’s hours are currently 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 12-10 p.m. on Saturdays, with summer hours changing to 12-10 p.m. daily beginning in June. Blue Moo Pleasant Grove is located at 306 S. 100 E. For more information, visit the shop’s Instagram page @bluemooutah.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A new kind of self-care experience is now available for local mothers, combining relaxation and practicality in one space. Mom’s Oasis officially opened its doors on March 28, welcoming families to a grand opening event that drew an enthusiastic crowd and highlighted a much-needed service in the community.

The salon and spa, designed specifically for moms, offers manicures, pedicures, facials and “Mommy & Me” services, all while providing on-site childcare so mothers can fully relax without the stress of arranging a babysitter.

The grand opening brought in approximately 250 attendees, far exceeding expectations. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the American Fork Chamber of Commerce along with local city leadership, signaling strong community support for the new business.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were appearances from local pageant representatives, including Mrs. Utah American, Mrs. Utah America, and Miss American Fork.

Families who attended were treated to a variety of activities and amenities. Children enjoyed free mini manicures and facials, while guests were offered treats like dirty sodas and fresh cookies. Swag bags, exclusive discounts, and guided tours of the salon, including its dedicated Kid Corner, gave visitors a firsthand look at how the space caters to both mothers and their children.

But beyond the festivities, the attendees’ response revealed a deeper need within the community.

“The biggest thing we kept hearing from moms was how much they needed something like this,” said Madelynn Hatch, CEO and founder of Mom’s Oasis. “A place where they can take care of themselves while their kids are right there, safe and close.”

That concept of blending self-care with accessibility is at the heart of Mom’s Oasis. For many mothers, carving out time for personal wellness can be difficult, often requiring coordination, expense, and time away from their children. By offering built-in childcare within the same space, the business aims to remove those barriers.

The salon’s design reflects that mission. While mothers receive services, children are cared for nearby in a safe, engaging environment, allowing parents to relax without worry. The inclusion of Mommy & Me services also encourages shared experiences, giving mothers and children a chance to bond over spa treatments.

Many attendees at the grand opening expressed excitement about finally having a space tailored to their needs. Several mothers noted that they had long wished for a business like this in Utah County, describing it as both practical and empowering.

The timing of the opening also resonates as Mother’s Day approaches, a season that often highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting mothers. Hatch believes Mom’s Oasis can play a meaningful role in that conversation.

“With Mother’s Day coming up, we feel like this could be a really meaningful story for local moms and families,” Hatch said.

The positive turnout and strong early interest suggest the concept is already striking a chord. For a rapidly growing area like American Fork, where young families make up a significant portion of the population, services that support both parents and children are increasingly in demand.

Mom’s Oasis not only fills a niche in the local business landscape but also reflects a broader cultural shift toward prioritizing mental health, self-care and family-centered solutions. By creating a space where mothers can recharge without sacrificing time with their children, the business offers a model that many hope will expand in the future.

As the doors officially open and appointments begin, Mom’s Oasis is poised to become more than just a salon; it’s shaping up to be a community space where mothers feel seen, supported and valued.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

American Fork residents and visitors alike braved cold January temperatures, traffic congestion, and hours-long lines on Saturday morning to be part of a moment many had anticipated for months: the grand opening of Pinkbox Doughnuts’ first northern Utah location.

The shop officially opened its doors at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 610 W. Main Street. By the time the doors officially opened and the ribbon cutting marked the grand opening, a massive line zigzagged around the building and stretched down the street. With on-site parking quickly overwhelmed, many customers parked at nearby businesses, including the Target across Main Street, and walked over to secure a box of the famous doughnuts.

Pinkbox marked the occasion with a full slate of grand-opening festivities, including raffles, prizes, exclusive merchandise, a live DJ, and both adult and child doughnut-eating contests. Customers who purchased a half-dozen doughnuts or more received a limited-edition Pinkbox T-shirt, adding to the excitement and sense of celebration.

By mid-morning, the crowd had grown so large that staff were forced to cap the line, eventually turning some customers away when it became clear there would not be enough doughnuts to serve everyone. Some attendees reported waiting more than six hours in line, a testament to the brand’s popularity and the enthusiasm surrounding its Utah County debut.

Many people waiting in line wore pink clothing or Pinkbox merchandise, proudly showing their “Pink spirit” while chatting with strangers, sharing coffee, and swapping stories about favorite doughnut flavors. Families brought children bundled in coats, teenagers posed for photos, and longtime fans compared notes on which signature doughnuts they hoped would still be available by the time they reached the counter.

Michael Crandall, chief business officer of Amazing Brands, the parent company of Pinkbox Doughnuts, said that sense of connection played a major role in bringing the brand to Utah County.

“What brings us to American Fork is the people, the community, and Utah in general,” Crandall said. “We’re thrilled. This is really our first location outside of home. We do have a location in St. George, but northern Utah has been on our radar for a very long time.”

Pinkbox was founded in Las Vegas and is known for its bright pink branding, creative doughnut designs, and over-the-top flavor combinations. While the brand has expanded steadily, Crandall emphasized that entering a new market, especially one as family-oriented as northern Utah, was something the company approached carefully.

“It took us a while to get here, but we wanted it to be special and perfect,” he said. “We didn’t want to rush anything.”

According to Crandall, choosing American Fork was the result of extensive research, multiple visits, and conversations with residents and leaders.

“As we were looking through northern Utah, I made many trips here,” he said. “We landed on American Fork because it’s such an unbelievable location right off I-15, where people from north and south, all the way from the airport down to Provo, and everyone in between, can travel and pass by.”

But convenience wasn’t the deciding factor.

“Once we started talking to the community and meeting the people, we knew right away that American Fork was the first place to go,” Crandall said. “We couldn’t be happier to be here. Everyone has been so amazing.”

He described the opening as more than a business expansion; it felt like joining a family.

“We throw the word ‘family’ around a lot,” he said. “Yes, we haven’t even been open 15 minutes yet, but we truly feel like we’re already part of the family, and we love that. Everyone here is also part of the Pinkbox family, and that’s what makes this so special.”

The turnout on opening day reinforced the company’s confidence in its decision. From families arriving early in the morning to fans willing to wait hours in line, the response exceeded expectations and hinted at strong long-term demand.

“We’re here, we’re happy,” Crandall said. “It’s been the most positive experience, honestly, from start to finish.”

Pinkbox Doughnuts has built its reputation on more than sugar and sprinkles. In addition to its signature doughnuts, ranging from classic glazed varieties to elaborate creations topped with cereal, candy and frosting, the American Fork location also offers hot chocolate, coffee, lemonades and slushies.

“We want everyone to come in and enjoy our doughnuts, our hot chocolate, our coffee, and all our lemonades and slushies,” Crandall said. “All our amazing stuff.”

That variety is part of Pinkbox’s broader appeal, especially in family-centered communities like American Fork, where adults, teens and younger children can all find something they enjoy.

Saturday’s grand opening was just the beginning of Pinkbox’s plans for northern Utah. Encouraged by the reception in American Fork, the company is already setting its sights on future locations.

“We cannot wait to open more locations throughout northern Utah,” Crandall said, adding that Sandy is on the docket for a new shop sometime in the summer.

For customers who waited hours in line or were regretfully turned away when the doughnuts ran out, that news was welcome. Many expressed excitement about having easier access to Pinkbox without long drives or special trips.

For Pinkbox Doughnuts, the AF opening wasn’t just about selling doughnuts. It was about planting roots, building relationships and becoming part of the community, one pink box at a time.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A new chapter for Irish dance is beginning in Utah County as Dara Irish Dance Academy prepares to open in Lehi, offering families a unique blend of traditional Irish dance training, athletics, and mindset-focused coaching. Founded by longtime Irish dancer and certified teacher Amelia Walker, the academy will begin classes on February 16, with registration now open.

Walker’s journey to opening Dara Irish Dance Academy has been decades in the making. With more than 20 years of experience in Irish dance, she describes opening her own school as a dream that began when she was just 11 years old. Over the years, she has built a career as a competitive dancer, professional performer, coach and choreographer, eventually earning certification as a TCRG teacher under An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha, the internationally recognized governing body of Irish dance.

“Lehi is a community that values family, commitment and opportunity,” Walker said. “It felt like the right place to build something meaningful.”

For Walker, Irish dance has been more than a performance art: it has been a formative influence on her personal growth. She credits the discipline and rigor of the dance style with shaping her confidence, resilience and work ethic — lessons she hopes to pass on to her students.

“Irish dance taught me pride in hard work,” she said. “My goal is to create a training environment where dancers are challenged and supported not just in their technique, but in their mindset, confidence and personal development as well.”

Although classes officially begin in February, interest from local families has already been substantial. Walker said parents have expressed enthusiasm about having an Irish dance school in the area that emphasizes both technical excellence and emotional growth.

“Families really appreciate the thoughtful approach we’re taking,” she said. “There’s excitement about a program that balances discipline with encouragement and helps dancers build confidence alongside skill.”

Dara Irish Dance Academy focuses exclusively on traditional Irish dance, including both soft-shoe and heavy-shoe styles. Classes are available for dancers ranging from early beginners to advanced and championship-track athletes. Walker’s history of coaching dancers at all levels has shaped a curriculum designed to support a wide range of goals, whether students are dancing recreationally or preparing for high-level competition. Each class emphasizes strong fundamentals, musicality, posture, precision and work ethic.

The academy welcomes dancers ages 4 and up, and no prior dance experience is required. Beginners are introduced to Irish dance in a supportive, structured environment. At the same time, experienced dancers receive placement guidance to ensure they join the level best suited to their abilities and long-term growth.

“Our goal is for every dancer to feel supported, challenged, and truly at home,” Walker said. “Whether they’re brand new or continuing their journey, we want them to grow both on and off the dance floor.”

What sets Dara Irish Dance Academy apart from other studios, Walker explained, is its coaching-based approach that integrates technical training with mental and emotional development.

“As much as Irish dance is physical, mindset influences everything,” she said. “Confidence, focus, resilience and composure on stage all come from mental preparation.”

Irish dance is known for its highly disciplined style, and its hallmarks are still arms, strong posture and precise footwork. Rather than relying on expressive upper-body movement, dancers convey emotion and individuality through control, presence and strength. Walker says Dara’s training honors that tradition while helping dancers perform with confidence and personal power.

“Our environment is structured and growth-driven,” she said. “We hold high standards, but we also emphasize support and athlete-centered coaching.”

Walker believes the benefits of Irish dance extend far beyond choreography. Physically, it builds strength, stamina, coordination and posture. Mentally, it encourages discipline, perseverance, goal-setting and emotional regulation under pressure. Culturally, it connects dancers to Irish music, rhythm and storytelling. And socially, it fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.

“I’ve seen firsthand how dance can shape identity and resilience,” Walker said. “I want dancers to leave with life skills of how to work hard, stay coachable, trust the process and rise through effort.”

Classes will be in professional dance studio spaces throughout the Lehi area. Beginners typically meet once per week, while upper-level and championship-track dancers train multiple days per week to support conditioning and competitive readiness. As the academy grows, Walker plans to expand class offerings and training opportunities to meet increasing demand.

Performance and competition are also part of the Dara Irish Dance Academy vision. The school plans to participate in community performances, cultural events and Irish dance competitions for dancers who choose a competitive track. Performance readiness is intentionally built into the curriculum, allowing students to gain on-stage confidence at a pace appropriate to their goals.

“Creating a space where dancers can grow in confidence, skill and belonging has long been a goal of mine,” she said. “Knowing this academy can positively contribute to Utah County for years to come makes it all worthwhile.”

Walker hopes Dara Irish Dance Academy will become a trusted training home for dancers throughout the region, known for its integrity, technical excellence and commitment to each student’s well-being.

“Above all, I want this to be a place where dancers are consistently challenged, genuinely supported and deeply inspired,” she said. “If they leave not just as stronger performers, but as more confident and resilient individuals, then we’ve succeeded.”

For more information about classes, locations and registration, visit darairishdance.com.