LAYTON -- Last month was not the typical August for Layton's business world. The change, thanks to three businesses receiving their licenses after constructing new buildings, has city officials smiling.
Ben Hart, Layton's economic development specialist, said having new businesses come in before the end of the year is good by itself, but when they construct their new homes by the end of the year, the result is even better.
"Typically, they'll announce (that they are coming) and build (their new building) at the start of (the following) year," Hart said. "(Building before the end of the year) represents an uptick in new construction versus the last couple years, as new commercial development has really slowed down."
Although Janicki Industries broke ground in September 2010, the company did not apply for its business license until August. Janicki is the first tenant in the East Gate Business Research Park, and Hart said the company is very close to full operation.
Janicki is a high-precision tooling company with headquarters in Sedro-Woolley, Wash., that will support the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, which has a maintenance depot at Hill Air Force Base.
Kneaders Bakery & Cafe broke ground at 480 W. Antelope Drive in March and had its building ready to open in August.
Chick-fil-A will open its second location in Layton on Sept. 22 at 651 W. Antelope Drive.
More new restaurants are coming.
Layton Hills Mall officials will soon announce that two restaurants will be built in the parking lot in front of the new Dick's Sporting Goods, which opens this week.
Several other businesses that received their licenses in August took up residence in existing buildings, a practice Hart said the city needs as well.
The Utah Red Zone, the official store for University of Utah apparel, spirit, gifts and novelty merchandise, recently moved in just north of Layton Hills Mall at 447 W. 1425 North.
The city will soon see vacancies.
The former home to Ultimate Electronics, at 879 W. Hill Field Road, is being used by a temporary Halloween store. The building's next-door neighbor will also become vacant, as PetSmart will move across the street.
Hart said city officials aren't worried.
"These new buildings and a lot of activity we see happening gives us optimism that the vacant buildings will be filled soon," he said.
"There may be some vacancy with medium boxes, but the reality is, things are moving along, and sooner or later, those buildings will get filled."
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