A favorite local restaurant on Salt Lake City’s east side is closing at the end of the month, and fans of the eatery are expressing their disappointment online.
Citris Grill, at 3977 Wasatch Blvd., in the Olympus Hills Shopping Center, will close on March 30, according to owner Michael Crosland.
“We never recovered after COVID,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune. “So our sales never came back to where they were pre-COVID, and that doesn’t match with the economics of what landlords want. We tried.”
Patrons took to social media to share their dismay as well as support for Citris Grill.
“Love Citris Grill and very sad to see it go,” said one commenter. “Definitely one of our favorite restaurants,” said another. “So sad they are closing.”
In response to the comments, Crosland said, “I’m exceptionally sad that we’re closing, but I can’t afford to keep it open forever.”
Crosland and his wife started Citris Grill in 2004, on 3300 South in Millcreek. They moved the restaurant to its current location 10 years ago, where it has served an eclectic menu of appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, burgers and hearty entrees. Each dish came in a “hearty” or “petite” size, depending on the patron’s preference.
Kolbie Peterson reports on food, drink and small business for The Salt Lake Tribune and also writes the Utah Eats newsletter. She previously covered breaking news, crime and public safety as part of The Tribune's enterprise team. She received her bachelor's degree at Westminster University, back when it was Westminster College. She has five cats.