The Salt Lake Chamber's "Speaking on Business" series recently featured local business leaders to highlight entrepreneurship and community connection, showcasing The Scout Guide Salt Lake's mission to celebrate local professionals and Baby's Bagels' transition from a farmers market vendor to a downtown storefront.
Celebrating Local Entrepreneurs
In a segment released Wednesday, October 21, 2026, The Scout Guide Salt Lake owner and editor Bridget Milligan discussed the organization's role in highlighting the Salt Lake Business community. Milligan stated that the publication focuses on celebrating the people behind local businesses and sharing the stories that make the community special.
Diverse Industry Coverage
Milligan explained that the guide features a wide range of industries, including health care, legal services, retail, construction, automotive, and home services. According to Milligan, the goal is to provide a closer look at the community through storytelling and designed content, helping people discover new local businesses or find trusted professionals.
Community Connection Tools
The Scout Guide Salt Lake provides information through an annual printed guide, as well as through online stories, newsletters, and various events intended to help people connect with local businesses and one another.
Baby's Bagels Expansion
In a segment released Tuesday, October 20, 2026, co-owner Eric Valchuis discussed the growth of Baby's Bagels, a business that began at the Downtown Farmers Market. The business has since expanded to its first storefront located at 204 East 500 South, across from the City and County Building.
Boston-Inspired Roots
Valchuis, who grew up outside Boston, said the concept for the business was inspired by childhood neighborhood institutions that featured short menus and meticulous execution. He noted that the owners, including Koby and Cyrus, aim to replicate that quality and character.
Fresh Menu Offerings
The menu at Baby's Bagels features bagels made with organic flour from Logan, which are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh daily. According to Valchuis, the shop offers classic sandwiches such as egg and cheese, lox, tuna, and veggie, with orders prepared fresh in front of the customer.
Nighttime Pop-up Operations
The business also operates a pizza pop-up known as Pie Boy at night, which follows a similar formula of a short menu and obsessive attention to quality. The Salt Lake Chamber described Baby's Bagels as becoming a popular downtown spot for local bagel lovers.
