This week’s edition leans into the everyday signals of growth.
Not the splashy kind, but the kind you notice when familiar places add something new, long-planned ideas inch forward, and calendars quietly fill up again. A Chicago pizza institution landing in Orem. Cities asking residents to weigh in on what Main Street should become. Big projects continuing to take shape in the background while smaller, more immediate things give the week its texture.
It’s a mix of comfort and change. New places to try, plans to react to, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house if you want to. That balance is what defines this moment in Utah County right now.
In today’s edition…
One new restaurant drawing crowds in Orem
Quick hits from around the county
A local restaurant spotlight
Things to do this week
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
Chicago‑style Rosati’s opens its first Utah location in Orem
On Jan. 9, an award‑winning Chicago pizza chain arrived in Utah County when Rosati’s opened its first state location at University Place in Orem. Co‑owners with deep Chicago roots said they loved Rosati’s for years, even traveling back to the Windy City for special occasions, and they decided to bring the concept to Utah after missing the pizza so much. Their partnership resulted in a local restaurant that quickly drew crowds for both its deep‑dish and thin‑crust pies.
Rosati’s rise to popularity back home stems from quality ingredients: vine‑ripened tomatoes, cheese sourced from Wisconsin and freshly made dough that yields generous amounts of cheese and sauce. Beyond pizza, the Orem menu includes pasta, sandwiches, wings, salads, dough nuggets and even $5 jumbo slices at lunch.
The arrival of Rosati’s in Orem marks more than a new place to eat. It is the first Utah location for the Chicago‑based chain, signalling continued growth of the University Place development and adding to the county’s expanding culinary landscape.
Why it matters
New dining destination: Rosati’s is the first of its kind in Utah and brings Chicago‑style deep‑dish and thin‑crust pizza to local diners.
Community‑driven expansion: The restaurant arrived because longtime fans who grew up in Chicago wanted to share their favorite pizza with Utah County.
Quick Hits
Alpine releases Main Street plan
The city of Alpine has published a small‑area plan for Main Street and its gateways. The draft focuses on pedestrian‑friendly design, historic preservation and mixed‑use development, and it invites public feedback as the Planning Commission reviews it.
UVU engineering building opens
Utah Valley University unveiled the Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, a nearly 200,000‑square‑foot facility featuring a wind tunnel, drone lab and smart‑grid lab. A $25 million gift from Qualtrics co‑founder Scott M. Smith helped fund the project. The building will support growing engineering and computer‑science programs.
Utah City’s 220 Bend open house
Utah City is hosting open‑house tours of its new 220 Bend residential development on January 30. Visitors can explore model units, enjoy food and drinks and see the first phase of Vineyard’s mixed‑use district taking shape.
Restaurant of the Week
Pictured is “The Hangover Burger”, with tater-tots and cheese-curds on the side.
Roots Burgers & More
Roots Burgers & More in American Fork keeps its menu tight: burgers, fries and comfort classics. The consistent quality and no‑frills approach make it a go‑to for a casual lunch or dinner. It’s not chasing trends, just serving reliable food that keeps people coming back.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
BYU Men’s Basketball vs. Arizona Wildcats
When: January 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Marriott Center, Provo
A high‑energy matchup that should draw one of the loudest crowds of the season.
Take 5: A Tribute to Sinatra
When: January 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Covey Center for the Arts, Provo
A free Excellence in the Community concert featuring the group Take 5 performing classics popularized by Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr.; tickets must be reserved.
Disney’s Frozen Jr.
When: January 27 – February 8 (see schedule)
Where: Scott & Karen Smith Grand Theater (The Ruth), Pleasant Grove
A one‑hour adaptation of the hit musical with rotating cast performances; doors open 30 minutes before showtime and tickets are $15 for adults and $14 for kids
Utah Boat Show & Watersports Expo
When: January 29 – February 1
Where: Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy
Utah’s largest boat show features 200,000 sq ft of boats and accessories.
A Peter Rabbit Tale
When: Mondays & Fridays, January 26 – February 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: SCERA Center for the Arts, Orem
A one‑hour musical for young audiences based on Beatrix Potter’s stories; tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.
Oil Painting: The Spectrum of Painting
When: January 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Highland Community Center, Highland
A drop‑in art class focusing on value, color and composition to help artists realize their creative ideas
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall
The Provo Farmers Market continues indoors for the winter, featuring local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It’s an easy, weather-proof way to support local vendors through the colder months.
In case you missed it…
Early registration for the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival opens February 1. Thanksgiving Point’s official Tulip Festival page and ticket/blog pages make it clear that tickets and registration go live well before the spring run (Apr 9–May 17, 2026) and that buying ahead is encouraged.
The Alpine Main Street plan is now open for public feedback.
Alpine City’s own planning page details the Main Street & Gateway Corridors Small Area Plan and invites residents to review the plan and provide comments.
More infoSaratoga Springs officially opened its new combined City Hall and Library building.
More info
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
If you spot something interesting, confusing, or very Utah County — a new restaurant, construction mystery, or rumor that needs checking — hit reply. The best tips make it into next week’s issue (with credit, if you want it).
We’ll be back next week.