DEREK CARLISLE
DEREK CARLISLE
48 W. Market St., SLC 801-322-4668 MarketstreetGrill.com In 1992, Market Street’s co-owner, John Williams, visited La Coupole restaurant in Paris. Inspired by murals on the dining room’s columns painted by art deco masters—who had legendarily painted in trade for food and drink at La Coupole—he envisioned a similar aesthetic exchange at the Market Street Oyster Bar. Williams, along with co-owner of Gastronomy Inc. restaurant group Tom Guinney, had established a legacy of preservation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings since they renovated the landmark New York Hotel (1906) for The New Yorker restaurant in 1978. By incorporating murals by Utah artists in the Market Street Oyster Bar’s design, Williams anticipated a winwin, supporting and promoting local artists while at the same time giving the historic space a modern and unique pop. Gastronomy Inc. public-relations consultant John Becker remembers the time fondly, when famous Utah artists such as Lee Deffebach, Randy Royter, and Don Weller were working at the space. “They could paint whatever they wanted on the columns,” and in return received Gastronomy Inc. gift certificates. The 13 original works are all visible at the Oyster Bar, along with additions such as a mural painted to commemorate the 2002 Winter Olympics. It’s a legacy of art, community and historic preservation, all in one dynamic space.
DEREK CARLISLE
20 Devour Utah • September/October 2015
DEREK CARLISLE
Market Street Oyster Bar
DEREK CARLISLE
MARKET STREET OYSTER BAR