Madelyn Wilson | American Fork Citizen

When the owner of The Sewing Basket in American Fork, Donna Shadowen, chose to retire and close her fabric shop, local resident Becky Snow couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to open her own craft store in her family’s historic home.

“The previous owner wanted to retire, and my ears perked,” Snow said. “I don’t know if I’ve always wanted to run a business, but I knew I could. I was just waiting for the right opportunity; the lightbulb moment.”

Snow started preparing in August. The Sewing Basket closed in mid-September, and Makers & Co. rapidly turned the store around, opening on Oct. 1, followed by a grand opening event on Nov. 1.

Snow’s great-great-aunt, Lillian King Brown, built the home as a young mother alongside her husband. She raised 10 children there, became a widow, served the community and tended to the sick before passing away in 1941. Becky Snow’s father acquired the home in 2010 and renovated the space to be used as a business, and it’s been a quilt shop ever since.

The shop’s website mentions Lillian King Brown: “She was a mighty woman—resourceful, resilient, and endlessly creative. More than a homemaker, she became all the makers: baker, seamstress, gardener, quilter, fixer, teacher. That spirit of making is what inspires this shop today…together, we carry on her legacy: to create, to share, and to make happiness.”

Becky Snow also draws inspiration for the shop from her faith and love for making.

“Maker came to mind, and I thought, ‘What am I truly? I am a maker,” Snow said. “It’s one of the godliest things that you can do, which is to make. My Heavenly Father, He is a maker of all things.”

The home, directly across 100 East from the American Fork Library, has remained largely true to its original design, with the original brick exterior, solid wood doorways and creaky hardwood floors. The well-loved features give the shop a warm and cozy feel, inviting patrons in from the cold to see what the historic space offers.

The shop features quilting fabrics, yarn, and gifts, and will soon host classes for the community, taught by local crafters. While specifics are not finalized yet, Snow noted that they hope to hold their first class in January and said she plans to keep the classes affordable.

Popular fabric brands, including Tilda, Art Gallery, and Fableism, grace the shop’s shelves, offering pops of color along each wall. Sewing notions and accessories are available in a few spots throughout the shop. The butler’s pantry acts as a yarn room, an offering unique to Makers & Co. from its predecessors.

The front parlor holds various giftable items, including picture books, candles, puzzles and greeting cards. The store also boasts the beautiful and eclectic “Maker’s Tree,” adorned with ornaments from local crafters. Anyone is welcome to bring a handmade ornament of any kind made of paper, clay, fabric or yarn. Each ornament added to the tree enters the maker into a giveaway for a $100 gift card.

“I feel like just ornaments are something that a family does and curates together. I wanted to use that to bring the maker community together and to bring in ornaments from people they’ve made. I just love that everyone took a little time, it’s sweet,” said Snow of the inspiration behind the Maker’s ornament tree.

While the previous owner, Shadowen, decided she no longer wanted to be the one running the business, she didn’t want to say goodbye to the everyday contact with the local crafting community. Now she works as a Makers & Co. employee, bringing years of experience in fabric sales and quilt-making.

“The customers are so fun. They become your friends, and they become more than just acquaintances,” Shadowen shared. “When I retired, one of the customers came in — her husband’s an artist, and he had entered this picture he had drawn in 1999 in a big national art show and took first place. She brought it in and gave me the picture. She said, ‘Here, I can’t think of anybody I’d rather have this picture.’ I just cried.”

The transition has kept Snow incredibly busy, but she feels hopeful for the future.

“I haven’t had a sour experience,” Snow shared of her time running the shop so far. “It’s not a need, it’s a want that women have, and it’s a community.”

“Everybody wants that feeling of being needed and cared about, and that’s what they get in a quilt store,” Shadowen added. “Every quilt store is different, and the most important thing is you make them feel like they’re coming into your home.”

For seasoned crafters, novice makers, community seekers and curious browsers alike, Makers & Co. is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 51 S. 100 E. in American Fork.

For Black Friday, Nov. 28, the shop is offering 25% off storewide, with some exceptions, and will extend shop hours until 7 p.m.

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

As the evenings grow colder and the holidays draw near, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi once again transforms into a world of light and wonder. Beginning Nov. 13 and running through Jan. 10, 2026, Luminaria turns the Ashton Gardens into a breathtaking winter escape filled with millions of twinkling lights, festive music, and joyful surprises. For families across Utah, it’s more than just a holiday event — it’s a cherished tradition that brings loved ones together year after year.

Visitors can explore a magical landscape illuminated by more than eight million lights. Each path through the Ashton Gardens offers a new surprise — from twinkling tunnels and glowing sculptures to interactive displays that delight both children and adults alike. One of the most iconic features, the ‘Merry Mosaic,’ showcases over 6,500 luminaries and a 120-foot Christmas tree synchronized to festive music, creating an unforgettable show of light and sound. New this year, families can enjoy the ‘Enchanted Castle Projection Show,’ where snowmen and winter characters come to life through dazzling light projections. It’s an immersive experience designed to bring out the childlike wonder in every guest.

Between dazzling light displays, guests can warm up around fire pits, sip hot cocoa, or snack on fresh mini donuts and churros. Heated igloos and the Warming & Gathering tent offer cozy spaces to relax and reconnect with loved ones, while holiday music fills the air. For families with little ones, the event is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and the pathways are wide enough to accommodate wagons. Visitors can also take advantage of family-friendly food options, with convenient punch-card systems to make mealtime easy.

Beyond the lights and treats, Luminaria is a celebration of togetherness. Couples stroll hand in hand under the stars, children’s laughter echoes among the glowing trees, and families capture perfect photo moments that will become treasured memories. Special packages, including VIP experiences and proposal options, add even more magic for those marking a milestone or creating new family traditions.

Luminaria runs Monday through Saturday, with timed entry slots starting at 4 p.m. and continuing into the evening. The event is closed on Sundays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Because tickets sell out quickly, Thanksgiving Point recommends purchasing in advance at thanksgivingpoint.org. The event is located at the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, 3900 N. Garden Drive in Lehi. Parking is free, and guests are encouraged to dress warmly and plan at least an hour to fully enjoy the walk-through experience.

Whether it’s your first visit or an annual outing, Luminaria captures the spirit of the season in a way that brings people together. It’s more than just a light show — it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and share joy with the people who matter most. For tickets and more information, visit thanksgivingpoint.org/events/luminaria.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

A new bakery has opened its doors in the heart of Lehi, promising to bring a fresh take on one of the world’s oldest breads. F’Kosh, located at 60 W. Main St., specializes in handmade focaccia loaves that have already drawn attention from locals and visitors alike.

The bakery, owned by Lehi residents Brent and Mia Knudson, opened Nov. 1 with a focus on simplicity. Brent, the baker, prepares each loaf and bakes them daily in small batches. The result is bread that is airy, flavorful, and versatile enough to serve at dinner tables, as sandwich bread, or eaten plain.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the shop closed on Sundays. The storefront sits among other local shops on Main Street, giving Lehi residents another option for fresh-baked goods in a walkable downtown setting.

The Knudsons said the decision to open in Lehi was a natural one. “We live here, and our children go to school here, so this is our place,” Mia Knudson said. The couple had spent the summer selling their bread at local farmers’ markets, where demand quickly grew. “People asked us where they were going to get their bread in the winter,” she said. Opening a permanent bakery felt like the next step, and Brent has been baking full-time since the summer.

Unlike larger bakeries that offer a wide range of pastries and cakes, F’Kosh has chosen to focus on one product and refine it. Customers can choose from three permanent menu items — plain, cinnamon, and garlic herb — with additional flavors introduced seasonally. “It will depend on what is fresh, and Brent will choose which flavor combinations to bake up next,” Mia said.

Early reviews have been enthusiastic. One customer described the cinnamon loaf as “unbelievably good,” noting that it was flavorful enough to eat without toppings. Another praised the garlic herb loaf as a perfect addition to family meals. These reactions suggest that F’Kosh may quickly carve out a niche in Utah County’s competitive bakery scene.

Lehi has long been home to beloved bakeries, including the historic Lehi Bakery, which has been operating since 1969. F’Kosh enters that tradition with a modern twist, offering a product that is both familiar and distinctive. While Lehi Bakery is known for donuts and cakes, F’Kosh’s focus on focaccia sets it apart.

The bakery’s arrival also reflects a broader trend in Utah County toward specialty food shops. In recent years, artisan donut shops, boutique coffee houses, and niche restaurants have opened across the region, catering to residents seeking greater variety and quality in their dining options. F’Kosh fits neatly into that movement, offering something unique while still rooted in traditional baking.

Lehi has seen steady revitalization, with new businesses opening alongside long-standing establishments. F’Kosh adds to that mix, giving residents another reason to visit the area. Its hours make it accessible for both lunchtime crowds and evening shoppers. Parking is available nearby, and the bakery is within walking distance of other attractions, making it easy to stop in for a loaf while running errands or meeting friends.

With its emphasis on simplicity, quality, and tradition, F’Kosh is positioning itself as a destination for bread lovers in Lehi and beyond. The bakery’s arrival adds to the city’s growing food scene and provides residents with a new option for fresh artisan bread. As word spreads, F’Kosh may become a fixture in Utah County’s culinary landscape.

www.fkosh.com

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Two sisters’ lives were changed forever a few weeks ago when Layne and Kim Garrett, a local couple and owners of Timpanogos Hearing and Tinnitus, helped give them the gift of hearing. At just 7 and 12 years old, the girls’ eyes lit up when they could hear things clearly for the first time, including the voices of each other and their mom.

Through their trip, the Garretts partnered with Hearing the Call Utah to provide audiology care for 169 people. As Utah locals with deep roots, the trip was the culmination of knowledge, donations from the community and a desire to serve.

The Garretts founded Timpanogos Hearing and Tinnitus in 2003 and have seen over 10,000 patients since then. The two branches of the clinic, in American Fork and Spanish Fork, treat a variety of audiology-related concerns, including tinnitus and hearing loss.

This year, the couple heard about Hearing the Call, an organization that consistently goes abroad to help with hearing concerns. They decided that going on a humanitarian trip with the nonprofit would be the perfect way to serve.

“One of our core values for our company is to give back to the community,” Kim shared. “We love what [Hearing the Call] does internationally, and they’ve also helped us set up the local chapter. Through that, we can help people.”

Before their trip, the Garretts and their clinic focused extensively on serving in the local community. Each patient gets the chance to choose how their coin toward free audiology care will be used, whether for the local community or abroad. Free hearing aids are also given out to those in need regularly, with one stipulation.

“We ask them to do ten hours of community service. Then, they feel like they are giving back as well,” Kim said. “That’s been really rewarding… We feel like the service we are doing is also going out to the community in other ways.”

A few weeks ago, Hearing the Call set up a clinic in the heart of Brasilia, Brazil. For about a week, 14 volunteers spent hours getting patients through the process of receiving hearing care. With a screening process using local help, the team was able to ensure they could help and find as many people as possible.

“They didn’t just slap hearing aids on. We were following gold standard care. We were doing hearing aid verifications on the spot, too, which is skipped even in the states by most clinics,” Layne explained.

At the end of the trip, the group had helped 169 people. One of the most memorable experiences involved two sisters, ages 7 and 12. The first sister,12, who came into the clinic, had high hopes of being a chef and working hard in school. Despite her big dreams, her audiology impairment made her dreams seem impossible. Although she was on the waiting list for care from local specialists, she may have had to wait years to receive the support she needed.

As soon as she got her new hearing aids, her world changed.

“She told us she had never even heard her own voice,” Kim shared. “It was really cool to put the hearing aids on her for the first time and see her face light up. … Her mom teared up and started crying.”

As the Garretts spoke to the mother in Portuguese, they discovered she had another daughter, 7, who also had hearing issues. They encouraged the mother to bring her daughter into the clinic. The next day, the mother returned with her other daughter and shared that through a series of “miracles,” she got off work early and could come. Finally, both of her two daughters could hear her voice.

Their story wasn’t uncommon. Many had been on Brazil’s waiting lists for years.

“It wasn’t uncommon for people to travel over four hours. Many of them were coming by bus,” Layne said.

The Garretts and the foundation they work with have seen how audiology care can be a game-changer.

“I think one of the best ways to resolve or lessen conflict is communication. If you can’t hear well, that is going to cause problems and a lot of prejudice. People who don’t hear well are often labeled as stupid or stuck up,” Layne said. “Beyond communication, the best way to solve problems is to get to know people and put yourself in their shoes. Service is the best avenue for that to occur.”

In the future, the Garretts hope to take more trips to various locations and help give real-world experience to audiology students. For more information or to donate, visit www.utahhearingaids.com/hearing-the-call-foundation/.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

David Doty opened the third location of the Lehi Bakery last Monday in Highland. Doty, the owner of the Lehi Bakery, shared that the response has been tremendous. In the previous week, the new location made it one of the top 10 selling weeks the bakery has ever seen.

Highland joins the ranks of the Lehi Bakery, alongside its historic location in Lehi and its new location in Saratoga Springs. In December, the bakery will also open another location in Spanish Fork. With a rich history, the bakery is excited to continue bringing its sweet treats to new cities and families.

Founded in 1969, the bakery was owned by the Tuckett family for 49 years. The Lehi location was passed down through generations until 2018, when Doty purchased it. With a background as a banker on Wall Street, becoming a bakery owner was a huge learning curve for Doty.

“My background is not in baking. The way I learned is the way the Tucketts used to do it,” Doty said. “…I have the best job in the world. I get to give people donuts for a living… My life has done a 180. No one gets mad at the donut guy.”

With tried-and-true recipes, Doty continually sought to elevate the customer experience and deliver as many baked goods as possible. As time went on, he realized that the historic Lehi location was not conducive to the demand for the Lehi Bakery. A small cooking space, issues with heating, and other concerns led him to the difficult decision to rebuild the bakery.

“I was very concerned initially about what the feedback would be to tearing down and rebuilding the location. To date, I have not heard a single negative thing about it,” Doty explained. “I think people knew that we tried to be sensitive to the history and weave that through.”

The new location even included a painting of the original building hung on the wall.

Last year, Doty opened a new location in Saratoga Springs, 4 miles down the road from the original location. The storefront was a massive hit, helping to bring new and returning customers to items such as the signature square donut.

So, Doty decided to purchase a building previously occupied by an Arby’s location in Highland. Over the course of 5 months, the space was renovated to be the new Lehi Bakery. Layout changes, black and pink paint, resurfacing the parking lot, a full-size drive-through door, and pink lines marking parking stalls all took place throughout the last few months.

Last Monday, the location officially opened to the public. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the mayor of Highland and other city officials celebrated the opening of the location.

“Last week was the greatest opening week we’ve ever had…” Doty said. “I was shocked when on Saturday our lobby was completely full and we still had six cars stacked in the drive-through… Honestly, I was shocked at how big the response was.”

Doty and his team are ultimately grateful to the community for its continued support.

“The vast majority of the credit needs to go to the Tuckett family. For 49 years, all they did was sow seeds of goodness into the community,” Doty shared. “…We continue to have an emphasis on community involvement.”

As part of their outreach efforts, the Lehi Bakery location on Lehi Main offers free tours of the facility to anyone interested. Next year, they also plan to open a fifth location in Heber City. The new Highland location is at 4821 Canal Blvd in Highland. The store is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.lehibakery.com.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Lexy Louise has made a splash in the vintage and thrift scene. For the last few years, the storefront on 130 W. Main Street has welcomed fans of vintage clothes through its doors. This week, Lexy Louise kicked off their Faire Day market with unique vendors.

Faire Day will be the future of Lexy Louise, allowing for a more diverse shopping experience. Lexy Granthem, owner of the store, wants to allow other vendors the chance to share their vintage finds with the Utah community.

“I opened my store two years ago,” Granthem said. “I’ve been wanting to have vendors come in and I was really inspired by other stores that do weekly rotating markets. But there is nothing just for vintage.”

Granthem found vendors from all over Utah, mainly based in Provo and Salt Lake City. Faire Day allows for over twenty different vendors to fill their three-foot booths with a variety of vintage items. Handmade sweaters, re-purposed jeans, fur-covered trench coats and unique art prints filled the racks on Saturday morning.

The store was filled with shoppers of all ages looking for their next vintage finds. In a world filled with fast fashion and constantly rotating trends, Faire Day is a chance for people to shop sustainably, locally and bring a vintage flair to their wardrobe.

“At Faire Day, our mission is simple: make it easier than ever for creatives and curators to share their work with the world,” the Faire Day website shared. “Whether you’re a seasoned vintage seller, a passionate maker, or someone clearing out your most loved treasures, our shop gives your pieces a chance to shine in a beautiful, high-traffic space without the time and hassle of selling them yourself. We believe in community over competition, sustainability over fast fashion, and supporting small businesses every single day.”

Another benefit of Faire Day is that vendors can constantly sell items without having an employee at a booth. With a risk-free guarantee for first-time sellers, Faire Day tries to ensure that the store is filled with new items from a variety of vendors every week.

The Faire Day website explains, “Faire Day offers a simple promise: if you don’t make back your booth fee in sales, we’ll refund it. No hidden conditions or complicated rules. Just our way of making sure you can try selling with us without financial risk. We’re confident in our space, our customers, and our community-and we want you to feel confident too.”

Now, Lexy Louise will be open Tuesday-Friday, 12-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lengthened hours ensure that all buyers can visit the store at a convenient time.

“I want this to be a hub for all the vintage people. There have been a lot of handmade vendors that I’m excited about,” Granthem said.

For those who can’t make it to the Main Street store, Faire Day will also be updating its Instagram weekly with some favorite highlights.

Vendors are encouraged to book a booth with Faire Day and try it for the week. For more information about Faire Day or to book a booth, visit www.fairedaymarket.com.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A new business is stepping up to the plate on Lehi’s Main Street this month. The Bullpen, a state-of-the-art baseball and athletic training facility, officially opened its doors with a mission to bring big-league technology and coaching to local athletes.

Co-owned by longtime coach and former professional player Billy Schlee and Eric Hanson, The Bullpen combines data-driven training, advanced technology and years of experience to give youth and collegiate athletes the tools to reach their full potential.

“I played college baseball, a little bit of professional baseball, and I’ve been coaching and training ever since,” said Schlee. “It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. We just decided to jump in and do it, and it’s been exciting to see the vision finally come to life.”

Schlee’s journey to Main Street began more than 15 years ago, when he coached and trained players in Florida and Texas before relocating his family to Utah in 2019. For the past year and a half, he and Hanson have been operating out of a subleased space, but the opening of their first standalone facility marks a significant step forward.

With roots in the community — their sons playing for Lone Peak and Lehi High Schools — the owners saw the location as the perfect fit. “It was the right size to accomplish our goals and be close to the athletes and families we’ve already been working with,” Schlee explained.

What sets The Bullpen apart is its use of professional-level technology usually reserved for Major League Baseball organizations. Schlee highlighted the Proteus Motion, a machine that measures full-body strength and identifies specific weaknesses in each athlete. The system creates custom strength-training programs to target those areas. The TrackMan is an advanced ball flight and spin analysis system that also provides slow-motion video breakdowns of pitching mechanics. The facility also has an Arm Care Program with a combination of specialized bands and app-based programming to strengthen and protect pitchers’ arms.

“These tools are used by Major League organizations, NFL teams and across pro sports,” Schlee said. “Now they’re available to the general public right here in Lehi. As far as I know, we’re the only training facility in Utah with Proteus readily available.”

By combining these technologies with coaching experience, Schlee and Hanson aim to address every aspect of player development from mechanics and strength to mobility and even baseball IQ.

“We’re not just targeting one thing,” said Schlee. “Sometimes the issue is mechanics, sometimes it’s strength, sometimes it’s mobility. We’re focused on the full development of the whole athlete.”

The Bullpen offers group classes, private lessons and memberships that give athletes access to training facilities seven days a week. Members even use facial recognition technology to unlock the facility during off-hours, allowing them to train on their own schedules.

“We tell families just to come in and try a class for free,” said Schlee. “Once people see how data-driven and targeted our approach is, they understand the difference.”

Plans include launching a hitting program with a current professional player transitioning into coaching, expanding into softball, and fielding competitive teams. Recruiting support is also on the horizon, particularly for softball athletes who often struggle to find accessible performance metrics for college recruitment.

“We want to guide athletes who have college dreams and give them the tools to get there,” Schlee said. “This model isn’t just about playing games — it’s about preparing for the next level.”

While the primary focus is on player development, Schlee said the heart of The Bullpen is also about creating a safe and positive space for youth and the community. Plans for the facility include an upstairs hangout area with couches, TVs and games where young athletes can spend time together outside of training.

“Training in this game really saved me from going down a path I’m glad I didn’t go down,” Schlee said. “That’s part of why we wanted to open this facility. We want to give kids a clean, safe environment where they can train, have fun and be part of a community.”

For Schlee and Hanson, The Bullpen is a way to give back to the community through baseball. “Our main vision is to help athletes develop to their full potential,” said Schlee. “We have the tools, the technology and the know-how to do that, and we want to use them to strengthen this community.”

The Bullpen is now open on Lehi’s Main Street with classes and membership options available. Interested families can learn more or schedule a free trial session at thebullpenut.com.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

For busy families in northern Utah County, getting a haircut just got a lot more convenient. Styyl is a new locally owned business launched on August 1, transforming the way people think about salon services by bringing licensed stylists directly into customers’ homes.

The idea came to co-owner Ethan Tuckett nearly four years ago, when his wife struggled to balance her work schedule with finding time for hair and nail appointments.

“My wife works a nine-to-five job, but most salons close by the time she gets off,” Tuckett explained. “She ended up going to someone’s garage at nine o’clock at night just to get her nails done. That’s when I realized there was a real need for more flexible options.”

From that spark, Styyl was born. After two years of developing the technology, Tuckett and his team launched the service in northern Utah County last month. The company specializes in in-home haircuts, offering salon-quality service without the hassle of travelling, parking or juggling childcare.

Booking an appointment is simple. Customers visit BOOKSTYYL.com, select their preferred date, time, and service, then choose from available stylists. Automated texts confirm appointments, send reminders, and even provide options for tipping and reviewing the service.

Pricing is designed to compete with traditional chains. Adult haircuts are $35, while children’s cuts are $25, comparable to those offered by local salons such as Great Clips or Cookie Cutters.

“This is a game-changer for my husband and son,” said one customer, Olivia Kartchner. “Styyl absolutely crushed it with their haircuts. They were so fast, and the best service ever!”

The difference, Tuckett said, is the convenience. “Our target market is families, especially moms with three or more kids,” he explained. “Loading everyone in the car and waiting in line can be a nightmare. We wanted to make it a no-brainer–providing the services at the same price you’d pay to go out, but we come to you.”

Styyl also aims to empower stylists by providing flexibility. All participating stylists are trained and experienced, but instead of working set salon hours, they set their own schedules.

“We’re trying to get stylists away from the 9-to-5 grind,” Tuckett said. “You don’t have to sit in a salon all day to make a living. We find the clients for them and fill their schedules, while giving them freedom and control.”

While the focus is currently on haircuts, Styyl plans to expand into other cosmetology services in the future. For now, the company is working to perfect its system, particularly in terms of cleanup.

“We want it to feel like a salon experience, but in your home,” Tuckett said. “At first, we used blow-dryers like in salons, but hair would spread everywhere. Now, we’ve refined our process with brooms, vacuums, and wipes to leave the space spotless.”

So far, the system is working well. In August alone, Styyl completed 135 haircuts. Early testimonials, particularly from busy mothers and elderly clients, praise the service.

“They were a delight to have in our home,” Katy, another customer of Styyl said, “She showed her expertise while cutting my kids’ hair. Straight, curly and buzz, she knew exactly how to help each look their best. She was prompt, efficient, friendly and professional.”

For Tuckett and his team, Styyl is more than a business, it’s about family. “We like to think of ourselves as a family company,” he said. “We’re focused on convenience, affordability, and making life easier for people. The demand is there, and we’re excited to keep growing.”

With the launch off to a strong start, Styyl hopes to expand across Utah and eventually offer a full suite of in-home salon services. For now, they’re focused on what they do best–making quality haircuts as simple as opening the front door.

By: Ryann Anderegg

American Fork Citizen

The smell of freshly baked pies and sizzling meat filled the air as PoPIE1929 officially opened its doors with a lively two-day grand opening celebration on June 5 and 6. Located at 541 S. 500 E. in American Fork, this new restaurant is already capturing hearts and appetites with its unique blend of comfort food, warm atmosphere and a heartfelt story.

PoPIE1929 specializes in savory meat pies, offering a taste experience that’s both nostalgic and new to many Utahns. During the grand opening, all meat pies were priced at just $4.99, drawing in curious first-timers and returning customers from the soft opening who couldn’t get enough. From flaky, golden crusts to rich, flavorful fillings, the pies are quickly becoming a local favorite.

The owners, a couple who moved from Korea to Utah three years ago, poured their hearts into building PoPIE1929 from the ground up. “We arrived here with no family, no friends, no connections — just the two of us, believing in each other,” they shared. “Opening this first store is not just a business to us. It’s a symbol of starting over. It’s a symbol of faith in this community.” The couple hopes their story and their food will resonate with others, inspiring them to chase their dreams.

In addition to meat pies, PoPIE1929 will offer a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, salads, breakfast items and coffee drinks. Starting June 9, they will be extending their hours. The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight, serving early birds and night owls alike.

The grand opening was filled with surprises and tokens of appreciation for guests, reinforcing the owners’ gratitude for the support they’ve already received. “Utah has become our second home, a place where we hope to build a future, a family and a story worth telling,” they said.

Early reviews highlight not only the quality of the food but also the friendly service and cozy ambiance. “The food is amazing, the atmosphere is wonderful and the service is great,” one guest shared. Whether you come for breakfast, lunch or a late-night bite, PoPIE1929 promises flavor, hospitality and a story worth supporting.

By: Rob Shelton

American Fork Citizen

The rumble of engines and the familiar scent of motor oil fill the air at Point S in American Fork. But for owner, Damon Nielson, this bustling automotive service center represents something deeper than just another business transaction.

It’s a homecoming to a world he’s known since childhood.

Nielson recently completed an extensive remodel of the Point S location, breathing new life into a property where he literally grew up under the counter of his father’s tire shop. The building sits at 109 East 100 North – the same address where his father, Jack Nielsen, established Fakler Tire Service more than 50 years ago.

“I have memories of playing here as a little kid while Dad worked,” Nielson said. “This place has been part of our family story for three generations.”

The Nielsen automotive legacy began with Damon’s grandfather, Roger Nielson, who owned and operated service stations in Monroe and Richfield, Utah, for many years before opening Roger’s Tire and Recapping in Spanish Fork. Jack Nielsen learned the business working with his father at the Spanish Fork location before making his own entrepreneurial leap.

In September 1971, the American Fork Citizen introduced Jack Nielsen as the “new owner-manager at Fakler Tire Service, a new American Fork business located at 109 East 100 North.” The article noted that Nielsen “has had 15 years’ experienceworking in the tire business and is trained to meet your tire needs.”

Now, more than five decades later, his son carries forward that same commitment to quality service and community involvement.

“My grandfather Roger started this tradition of honest work and community service,” Damon explained. “Dad continued it here in American Fork, and now it’s my turn to carry it forward.”

Growing up in Fakler Tire gave Damon an education that no business school could provide. He learned to identify tire wear patterns before he could drive. He watched his father build relationships with customers who became family friends. He absorbed the rhythm of small-town business where reputation matters more than profit margins.

“I was literally raised under that counter,” Damon recalled with a smile. “While other kids played games, I was learning how to mount tires and change oil.”

The remodel reflects Nielson’s vision of honoring the past while embracing the future. Fresh paint brightens the exterior walls. New equipment hums efficiently in the service bays. Updated lighting illuminates the customer waiting area where community members gather to discuss everything from local sports to city council meetings.

“We wanted to modernize everything while keeping that small-town feel,” Nielson explained. “People come here not just for car service, but because it’s part of the fabric of American Fork.”

“My dad understood that” Nielson said. “He didn’t just fix tires. He built relationships.”

The renovation required months of planning and coordination with local contractors. Nielson worked closely with city officials to ensure the project met current building codes while preserving the character that has made the location a neighborhood landmark.

The 1971 Citizen article emphasized Jack Nielsen’s community involvement, noting that he and his wife Annetta “were active in church and civic organizations” and that he “worked with the city council as chairman of the beautification committee.” The article concluded by stating that the Nielsens were “looking forward to being active here, and invite all area residents to come in and get acquainted.”

When Jack eventually decided to retire, Damon seized the opportunity to purchase the business and transform it into a Point S franchise. The transition represented both continuity and evolution – maintaining the family’s commitment to American Fork while adapting to modern automotive needs.

“Dad taught me that this business is about more than just fixing cars,” Damon reflected. “It’s about being part of the community fabric.”

The remodeled Point S offers comprehensive automotive services, from oil changes and tire rotation to more complex engine diagnostics. Modern equipment allows the team to service newer vehicles while maintaining expertise with older models that require specialized attention.

To celebrate the completion of the lobby renovation, Point S will host a grand reopening event on June 24th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon. Community members are invited to tour the new facilities and enjoy free gelato courtesy of Cuppa Love Gelato. The celebration will also feature savings of up to $200 off top tire brands for customers looking to take advantage of the improved service capabilities.

“Transparency builds trust,” Nielson said. “People want to know what’s happening with their car, and we want them to feel confident in our work.”

“We’re not trying to sell people things they don’t need,” Nielson emphasized. “We’re trying to help them keep their cars running safely and efficiently.”

The business model reflects values instilled across three generations. Fair pricing, honest assessments, and reliable workmanship remain cornerstones of the operation – principles that Roger Nielson established in Monroe and Richfield, that Jack Nielsen brought to American Fork, and that Damon now carries forward to all of North Utah County.

“We have customers who drive from Lehi, Highland, Alpine, and other communities because they know they’ll get honest service,” Nielson noted. “That reputation didn’t happen overnight – it’s been built over three generations of treating people right.”

The circle of service continues, connecting past and present through the simple act of helping neighbors keep their vehicles running. In a world of corporate chains and impersonal transactions, Point S stands as a reminder that some businesses still prioritize community over profit margins.

For Damon Nielson, the remodel represents more than just updated facilities. It’s a commitment to carrying forward his family’s tradition of service, one customer at a time, in the same location where he learned those values as a child playing under the counter.