The city of Kearns has launched a new 1.2‑mile walking loop called “Eat, Explore, Shop Kearns,” designed to highlight the community’s historic downtown and the family‑owned businesses that give the area its unique character. The loop begins and ends at the Kearns Library, taking pedestrians past shopping centers, local eateries, and historic markers that tell the story of the town’s development.
Local owners hopeful for a boost
Business owners along the route see the loop as a fresh way for residents and visitors to discover what Kearns already offers. Bianca Villanueva, whose family‑run restaurant moved into a larger space about a year ago, explained that most of her customers are repeat visitors. “I think we have a lot of the same customers and their families all coming in, but there’s not a lot of new customers,” she said. Villanueva hopes the walking loop will change that by bringing people who might not otherwise wander into her restaurant.
Villanueva added that many small family businesses in Kearns are struggling, and a steady flow of foot traffic could be a lifeline. “There’s a lot of small family businesses that are struggling, and I think it could really be helpful to those businesses,” she said.
From Samoa to Kearns
Charity Levao, owner of a Polynesian market nearby, echoed the optimism. Levao’s family moved to Kearns from Samoa in 2003, and she describes the town as feeling like a village back home. “Growing up in Kearns, it’s just the closest thing we had to feeling like a village back home in Samoa,” she said. Her shop has been in Kearns for two years, and while she already sees strong community support, she hopes the loop will draw in shoppers who are unaware of the market’s offerings.
Revitalizing Kearns Town Center
The walking loop is part of a broader plan to revitalize the area into what city planners are calling the Kearns Town Center. By linking historic sites with modern commerce, the project aims to create a pedestrian‑friendly corridor that encourages residents to shop locally, dine locally, and engage with the town’s heritage.
City officials say the loop also serves a public‑health purpose, promoting walking and outdoor activity in a safe, family‑friendly environment. The route’s design includes benches, signage, and lighting to make it accessible for people of all ages.
Community response
Early reactions from residents have been positive. Many see the loop as a way to strengthen the sense of community that Kearns has cultivated over the years. Parents appreciate the safe, walkable space for families, while seniors enjoy the easy access to local shops without needing to drive.
As the loop opens, business owners plan special promotions and events to welcome walkers. Villanueva’s restaurant is preparing a “welcome back” menu featuring her mother’s traditional dishes, while Levao’s market plans a tasting day showcasing Polynesian snacks.
With the loop now open, Kearns hopes to see a steady increase in foot traffic that benefits both longtime residents and newcomers, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a close‑knit, family‑oriented community.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
