When Tupelo Restaurant closed its doors on Main Street back in 2020, owners Matt Harris and Maggie Alvarez knew it would someday return. Since then, the restaurateurs and Midway locals have been busy, to say the least.

Despite the pandemic (and all of the hardships and complexities of being hospitality business owners), they’ve successfully launched two new concepts: RIME Seafood and Raw Bar at St. Regis Deer Valley and Afterword by Tupelo in Heber. And now, their beloved original eatery will reopen in early December 2021 in a new location at 1500 Kearns Boulevard (in the former Adolph’s Restaurant space; tupeloparkcity.com).

Tupelo’s famous buttermilk biscuits and smoked elk loin are back. But chef Harris and his chef de cuisine, Canyon Kelly, have curated an impressive list of new dishes for the menu based on sourcing the best ingredients, including from local producers. “Tupelo draws a lot of inspiration from Matt’s travels,” says Alvarez. “But with the pandemic, we’ve stayed close to home, and he’s explored his Southern heritage.”

“Comfort” is a consistent theme on the new menu: sous vide Utah lamb with an heirloom bean cassoulet, buttermilk fried clams, roasted pork tenderloin with sweet potato mash and crispy Brussels sprouts, and “Rabbit & Dumpling” are just a few of the dishes from the opening roster this winter.

Diners will notice a similarly themed refresh in Tupelo’s ambience. “We’ve spent a lot of time transforming the space into our take on a Southern manor library, adding rich leather, warm woods, and surprising touches of luxe and industrial elements,” says Alvarez.

The open dining room features an exhibition kitchen complete with chef’s counter seating. There’s also space for a full-service bar, a private dining room holding 20 guests, and an elegant wine room to support the restaurant’s famous wine program.

During the warmer seasons, the large outdoor deck will be open for guests to take in the gorgeous Park City weather. And the new location features more parking, which the owners hope will welcome even more locals and travelers to experience the menu both for special occasions and just to hang out over exceptional comfort food.