After nearly three decades in Utah’s bar scene, Trolley Wing Co. has permanently shut its last two restaurants. The pub, known for its twice-baked wings, varied beer list, and sports‑night buzz, announced the decision via Facebook in late July 2025. Taylorsville closed on July 26, while Midvale will follow on August 3.
“We’re heartbroken to say goodbye, but we’re also deeply grateful,” the post read, reflecting on the venue’s role as a local gathering place where friends, families, and fans of spicy food and craft beer met for unforgettable nights.
From Iconic Trolley to Local Chain
Launched in 1999 inside a restored streetcar at Trolley Square, the original Trolley Wing Co. offered generous portions, inventive sauces, and a casual, high‑energy vibe. Word spread quickly, drawing a loyal following of locals and curious visitors.
The brand eventually expanded to Sugar House, Midvale, in 2018, and Taylorsville in 2021. While each location had its own crowd, the brand’s identity stayed anchored in its Salt Lake City roots and its reputation for serving wings with a side of character.
Digital Farewell Hits Hard for Fans
The closure announcement on Facebook was personal, thanking customers for nearly thirty years of memories. Fans flooded the comments with photos of past gatherings, first dates, and celebrations, creating a digital scrapbook of the pub’s history.
For many, Trolley Wing Co. wasn’t just a restaurant … it was a neighborhood institution where familiar faces greeted you at the door, and bartenders knew your regular order by heart.
No Bankruptcy, Just a Clean Exit
While many restaurant chains have collapsed into bankruptcy court in recent years, Trolley Wing Co.’s owners chose a cleaner path, closing voluntarily without legal filings or creditor negotiations.
Industry analysts note that this kind of exit is rare, especially in today’s high‑pressure dining market. The decision suggested a desire to end on their own terms rather than drag the brand through prolonged financial distress.
Supportive Industry? Not So Much
Trolley Wing Co.’s closure fits into a troubling national trend. Well‑known chains, including Red Lobster, Hooters, Applebee’s, and TGI Fridays, closed dozens of locations in 2024 and 2025 alone. Most cite the same issues – rising food and labor costs, fewer dine‑in customers, and post‑pandemic shifts in how Americans eat out.
The wave of shutdowns suggests a casual dining sector under unprecedented strain.
Taylorsville and Midvale Close
The Taylorsville location opened in 2021 with optimism and expanded seating, and poured its final round on July 26. Midvale, launched in 2018, will serve its last customers on August 3. Closing nights drew longtime patrons who toasted staff, took group photos, and shared stories of their favorite wing flavors.
For many, the final evenings were less about the food and more about saying goodbye to a space that felt like a second living room.
A History of Displacement and Moves
The chain’s resilience was tested in 2010 when it was evicted from its original trolley‑car home at Trolley Square to make room for new retail development, including a Whole Foods. The business relocated, adapted, and even expanded in the following years, but the disruption marked a turning point.
Moving meant losing the novelty of its original streetcar venue, which had been a powerful part of its charm and marketing.
Utah’s Tough Liquor Licensing Rules
Operating a bar in Utah comes with unique challenges. Co‑owner Jesse Wilkerson told The Salt Lake Tribune in 2021 that the state’s strict liquor licensing laws created constant obstacles, from high fees to limited permits.
To keep that location viable, the trolley car’s bar license had to be transferred to the Taylorsville site. This signaled how tight the margins were even before the latest economic challenges.
Reputation Decline in Later Years
While the brand had a loyal core, some customers noticed a dip in quality. Several users on the Salt Lake City subreddit remarked on slower service and inconsistent food.
One wrote: “Trolley quality and service have been slipping for a while. … the remaining owner couldn’t handle it well.”
Such perceptions may have compounded financial pressures, especially as competition for diners grew.
Longtime Fans Mourn a Community Staple
In the days after the announcement, social media became a memorial wall. Fans posted about first dates, championship game viewings, and holiday parties hosted at the pub. Some even asked for the recipes for their favorite wing sauces.
The nostalgia underscored how Trolley Wing Co. was more than a menu – it was a chapter in many people’s histories.
Staff Left Searching for New Work
For employees, the closure meant sudden career changes. Several staff members told patrons they were given only brief notice before the final weeks of service.
As in other high‑turnover restaurant closures, many are now seeking new jobs in an already competitive hospitality market, losing both steady income and the camaraderie of a tight‑knit team.
No Immediate Comeback Plan in Sight
Trolley Wing Co. is closing for good, unlike some defunct restaurant brands that attempt a quick relaunch or franchising strategy. As of August 2025, no investors or former owners have expressed interest in reviving it.
The former locations may soon welcome new tenants, but the Trolley Wing Co. name and identity will likely remain a cherished chapter in Utah’s dining history.
What Trolley Wing Co. Reflects About Casual Dining
The end of Trolley Wing Co. encapsulates the crossroads facing casual dining in America. Customers are leaning toward delivery apps, food trucks, and fast‑casual options. Meanwhile, inflation, labor shortages, and high utility costs are squeezing margins.
Restaurant analysts say the chains that survive beyond 2025 will adapt quickly, whether through streamlined menus, innovative marketing, or stronger community engagement.