ST. GEORGE — Adam and Kerry Hunt have found a synergistic business opportunity that includes getting to know people on an intimate and creative level.
“It’s about the human connection, which we lost so much over COVID,” Social District Boutique & Bistro owner Kerry Hunt says of the business she and husband Adam Hunt own and operate.
Located in the Shoppes at Zion, Social District Boutique & Bistro in St. George is a women’s boutique and a light dining venue, which is not a common retail combination.
“It is more than just selling a shirt, it’s really about the connection,” Kerry Hunt said.
Once upon a time shopping was not only leisurely but also social. Some may recall, either with nostalgia or dread, going to large department stores and part of the day was stopping at the café. Shopping, especially for women’s clothing, was an affair. The art has been lost over the years with busy American lifestyles, big box/mass clothing production and then, throw in a pandemic.
Adam and Kerry Hunt were ready for a lifestyle change when they moved from Southern California to Washington County two years ago, regrouping with family who live in the area. The change included leaving behind their corporate roles — Kerry Hunt worked in contract management, and Adam Hunt ran his own elder care business.
They found an immediate attraction to the landscape and genuine bond to the people of Washington County, leading them to tap into the creative, social and community connection and thus creating their business Social District Bistro & Boutique. The boutique opened in November 2022, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday. The bistro had a soft opening just a few weeks ago.
Bistro and the wardrobe
The boutique offers a targeted variety of fashionable women’s brands and well-made pieces with fine fabric and craft. They showcase brands not easily found in St. George including Free People Movement, Flying Monkey and the sustainable line Billa 77.
The store provides an atmosphere to connect with the staff who take time fitting a style that flatters versus rummaging through impersonal selection of sizes. One even can enjoy a lavender latte while continuing to browse.
Social District Boutique brings back the joy and fun in shopping long forgotten and overshadowed by crowds. In addition, it provides a welcome shopping option difficult to find in smaller town living like St. George.
Enter the bistro through the boutique to find a warm and sophisticated setting with a handful of tables, sofas and intimate bar seating perfect to nurture conversation over a bite and a drink. The bistro’s food menu is evolving and currently offers a tapas-like selection including a variety of flatbreads, salads and charcuterie.
There is plenty to accompany coffee, tea, beer or wine. In addition, they are very conscious about catering to those with food allergies, and the flatbreads are gluten-free.
Keeping the beer and wine to some select choices, there are inviting options and nothing intimidating. The beers are all Utah craft with a variety of styles. The wine and beer menu is also likely to progress in the future as they establish a groove and baseline for favorites.
Nurturing to others
“We really want to make it a community-centric venue,” Kerry. Hunt said.
To support their mission and vision, they are working and inviting other local creatives to host events including Paint Night, and jewelry business, Bonded, a Utah permanent/fused jewelry company that hosts pop-ups in St. George.
Social District is already meeting with local musicians to perform. Their latest events will be posted on their Social District Instagram.
When to be social
The Social District, located at 250 Red Cliffs Drive, #26A, is open Monday-Saturdas and closed Sunday like many of local retailers for restock and regroup. The boutique opens 10 a.m. and the kitchen opens at 11. They close at 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 on Friday-Saturday.
“It is a vision we built together and it just works so well!”
Photo Gallery
Adam and Kerry Hunt, owners of the Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News Kim Dizon shops at Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News St. George locals Donna Howell, CV Lloyde and Lysa McCarroll, enjoy a flat bread spread at Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News Kim and Herb Dizon enjoy some post shopping beverages at Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News St. George locals Donna Howell, CV Lloyde and Lysa McCarroll, enjoy cheer at Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News Kerry Hunt shows fashion line at Social District Boutique & Bistro Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in St. George, Utah | Photo by Becky Stein, St. George News
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