Blast to Christmas Past with Flanker’s Holiday Pop-Up

The Flanker team collaborated with the Utah Arts Alliance to pack their Gateway location with “wow” moments, from thousands of lights wrapping the bar to giant gingerbread installations throughout the space. Hardcore holiday fans will be delighted to discover the subtle nods to their favorite seasonal films in the holiday pop-up, one scantily clad leg lamp included (“It’s a Major Award!”) Amping up the Christmas whimsy, Flanker’s mixologists have whipped up a signature cocktail menu filled with festive flavors, unique garnishes and on-theme vessels. It’s an adult’s winter wonderland. 

Transforming Flanker’s sizable dining room and parlor into a living Hallmark card is no easy feat, and the bar team collaborates with several local designers and carpenters to accomplish the task. In years past, Flanker’s Ryan Hopay brought Modern Display and the Utah Arts Alliance to help supply massive amounts of wrapping paper, Christmas bows and enough twinkling lights to make Clarke Griswold ruffle in jealousy.

The build-out takes a few weeks to design and layout, and Ryan is always finding new ways for guests to enjoy the space. “We push our imagination every year to try and find new ways for our guests to experience Christmas at Flankers.” This year attendees can expect larger-than-life ornaments, nutcrackers and Christmas trees placed throughout the dining room. Flanker’s backroom tiki parlor will still be the main star of the show, starting with the hallway lined with LED ornament archways and brilliant holiday lights on all sides. “The Hallway is always a very big ‘wow’ moment,” says Hopay. “It gives the guest a little taste of what they’re about to walk into.” 

Carver Road’s Beverage and Hospitality Culture VP and renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi created the cocktail menu around the concept of holiday nostalgia. “Finding drinks that are only available for a certain time of year allows our guests to appreciate the moment,” he says. “Flavors like sage, cranberry, cardamom and ginger aren’t only delicious, but they have an emotional value.” 

Taking their commitment to Christmas one step further, each liquid creation is served in a unique mug or glass, like last year’s Milk & Cookies cocktail which combined Titos, Kahlua, Heavy Cream and Vanilla-Cinnamon Syrup and served up in an adorable ceramic milk carton. Another favorite from 2023, The Grinch featured a Tiki-forward mix of Wahaka Mezcal, Pineapple Rum, Ginger Beer and Bitters sipped from a holiday mug with the likeness of Grinch himself returns. This year, guests can expect a new list of signature cocktails offering both festive flavor and heart-tugging sentiment. “Our holiday menu will fully evoke that Christmas excitement and nostalgia,” Lafranconi promises. 

Along with a range of festive libations, Flanker’s Chef Daniel is whipping up a fun selection of small bites and desserts. Last year’s DIY S’mores platter was a hit with guests who were given a mini flame and all the fixins to recreate the childhood memory tableside. Guests can look forward to similar immersive food experiences this season like homemade pizzas served in a Little Nero’s pizza box—prepubescent delivery kid not included. Also in the cards, the Flanker’s crew is planning a packed program with holiday activities from movie screenings to DJ sets, and plenty of holiday card photo ops. Find their most up-to-date schedule on their website. 

Flanker’s Holiday Pop-Up will be up and running right after Thanksgiving and is open during their regular business hours.  

If You Go

Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club 
6 N Rio Grande St. Suite 35, Salt Lake City.
flankerslc.com