Tooele economic report cites new retail openings, logistics wins and a potential manufacturing lead
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Summary
Economic Development Director John Perez told the council the city saw multiple grand openings in Q1 FY26, a modest change in vacancy rates (office up to 3.9%), an RFI win for JB Hunt Logistics and a prospective light-manufacturing lead under RDA negotiation.
John Perez, Tooele City Economic Development Director, told the council on April 15 that several new businesses opened in the first quarter of 2026 and that the city’s lead pipeline includes logistics and manufacturing prospects. "Tropical Smoothie Cafe had their grand opening," Perez said, and he listed other recent openings including Hotworks, Pizza Pie Cafe, Jersey Mike's Subs and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Perez said office vacancy rose to 3.9 percent from 0 percent in the prior quarter as new office space came online, while hospitality occupancy fell about 10.4 percent from the holiday season. He described lead-generation activity in the quarter as two restaurant contacts, three retail/hospitality contacts, three RFIs submitted and one RFI visit. He noted one RFI win—JB Hunt Logistics for Central States Manufacturing—has already commenced operations.
On larger prospects, Perez told the council that the RDA is negotiating a potential light-manufacturing tenant for the business park; details and the purchase-and-sale agreement remain confidential while final terms are negotiated. He also said an "electroflow" prospect could open in June if permitting and planning proceed as expected.
Perez also introduced the city’s economic development strategic plan and an implementation-strategy document included in the meeting packet; he recommended council members review the materials on the city website and provide feedback. "We have a community profile on the city's web page in economic development," he said, inviting questions and suggested edits.
The presentation included social-media engagement metrics for the department’s channels and a request for council input on the formatting of the strategic plan. Council members responded with brief praise for staff work and no formal action was required.
The department said it will continue to monitor vacancy trends and report back as prospects progress; the city will announce new projects once purchase agreements and site plans are finalized.
