Nothing goes together better than a good book and a good cup of coffee. And Salt Lake City Public Library patrons may soon get to enjoy that winning combination at two of the library’s branches.
Salt Lake City Public Library spokesperson Quinn McQueen said via email that Lucky Ones Coffee is likely coming to the Marmalade branch at 280 W. 500 North, and Hugo Coffee Roasters is slated to open in the Main Library at 210 E. 400 South. Both coffee shops are expected to open by March 2025, McQueen said.
The details are still being finalized and leases are still being negotiated, so McQueen warned that there is a small chance the plans could yet fall through. “But both parties are eager to make this work,” she said.
Lucky Ones Coffee would be located on the ground level of the Marmalade library, on the northwest corner by the new apricot sculpture, and would have a walk-up window, McQueen said. At the Main Library, Hugo Coffee would be located in the space that used to be occupied by Salt Lake Coffee Roasters, on the ground floor near the east entrance of the library’s atrium.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Downtown Salt Lake City's Main Library, photographed Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Both coffee businesses were selected through a “rigorous, competitive” request for proposals process, McQueen said. Lucky Ones Coffee was chosen for its “mission alignment and experience,” she said, adding that “Hugo’s values are closely aligned with our own.” Hugo Coffee Roasters supports small animal rescues and sanctuaries through its animal rescue giveback program, according to its website.
Last week, Lucky Ones Coffee closed its location on Main Street in Kamas, after management received “an unexpected lease proposal that would place our organization at significant risk,” according to a post on Facebook. Despite negotiating with advisers, Lucky Ones Coffee said they were not able to reach an agreement that would allow them to stay in the space, the post continued.
“This decision comes as a shock to our whole organization, as we’ve put so much love and work into this space and into building our community in Kamas,” the post said.
To support its employees, most of whom have disabilities, Lucky Ones Coffee said it would be adding shifts at its location in the Park City Library, which will be open as usual at 1255 Park Ave. in Park City. The organization also plans to look for a new space in Summit County or Wasatch County, the post said.
The Park Record reported that Lucky Ones Coffee originally won a bid to open in the Marmalade library in 2020, but the plans fell through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lucky Ones Coffee did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Salt Lake Tribune.
Hugo Coffee runs a kiosk at the Park City Visitors Center at 1794 Olympic Parkway in Park City, as well as a coffee shop in the Salt Lake City International Airport.
McQueen said that in addition to coffee, tea and specialty drinks, Hugo Coffee will be offering pastries and some breakfast and lunch items. Lucky Ones Coffee’s menu will include paninis, bagels and kid-friendly items as well as beverages, she said.
“The City Library is thrilled to be moving forward with Hugo Coffee at the downtown Main Library,” McQueen said. “Patrons and staff alike have missed having coffee and treats available.”
Salt Lake Roasting Company closed during COVID and then did not return once the library reopened, McQueen said. Moka used to be at the Marmalade library but left before the pandemic, which is why Lucky Ones was chosen the first time. The Hemingway Cafe occupied the space across from the former Salt Lake Roasting Company in the Main Library for a short time, then closed.
