After a decade of culinary adventures, Brooke Woffinden, the heart and soul behind Urban Pioneer Café, has embarked on an exciting new chapter. Originally known as Urban Pioneer Foods in Salt Lake City, the venture began by crafting exceptional, scratch-made catering using the finest ingredients. In 2014, they expanded their offerings to include convenient prepared meals for home enjoyment. When the pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, Brooke’s adaptability shone through. Pivoting her focus to ready-to-heat meals, she ensured Urban Pioneer not only weathered the storm but continued to thrive. For nine remarkable years, their initial location fostered community and growth, but now, Brooke is thrilled to welcome patrons to the brand-new Urban Pioneer Café, nestled within the Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building (SMBB). Serendipitously, a connection made through a shared service provider paved the way for this exciting relocation, proving that sometimes the most unexpected encounters lead to the greatest opportunities.
Urban Pioneer Café marks a fresh approach, emphasizing a café-centric model while staying true to Brooke’s culinary philosophy. Drawing upon her 47 years of experience, she curates a menu brimming with homemade comfort food inspired by global flavors. Among the highlights is her personal favorite, the Pot Roast Bahn Mi Dip – a tantalizing fusion of tender pot roast, vibrant Thai sauces, and crisp pickled vegetables, all nestled within a crusty French baguette. And the indulgence doesn’t stop there; a flavorful au jus accompanies this signature sandwich, perfect for dipping and enhancing every bite.
Pot Roast Bahn Mi Dip at Urban Pioneer Cafe
Urban Pioneer Café at SMBB caters to faculty, students, and staff, offering a diverse menu that spans breakfast and lunch, available throughout the day. Guests can also indulge in freshly baked pastries, vibrant fruit cups, and flavorful pasta salads. The full espresso bar provides the perfect complement to any meal or a delightful pick-me-up. Whether you crave a hearty salad or a satisfying sandwich, everything is prepared in-house, utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, reflecting a commitment to both quality and community. For those on the go, compostable packaging is available, aligning with Urban Pioneer’s dedication to sustainability. However, with comfortable seating and inviting dishes, dining in is also encouraged.
Brooke’s dedication extends beyond the menu to the very essence of her ingredients. She cultivates strong relationships with local growers, ensuring a year-round supply of home-grown produce for her exceptional dishes. This commitment to quality ingredients is the cornerstone of Urban Pioneer’s delicious food, and Brooke is continuously seeking ways to elevate the dining experience. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding offerings to include convenient take-and-heat dinners, perfect for busy weeknights. Plans are also underway for a user-friendly website featuring online ordering, further enhancing accessibility. The future is bright, with grab-and-go options, box lunches, and catering services all on the horizon. Brooke’s journey with Urban Pioneer has been marked by significant achievements, and even greater things are anticipated.
Urban Pioneer Cafe interior seating area
We invite you to visit and support Urban Pioneer Café at its new location. They are open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, on the west side of the Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building (SMBB). Come experience the taste of homemade goodness and local flavor at Urban Pioneer Café!
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