Midway’s Dainty Pear: New market elevates everyday moments

Sarah Clark, owner of The Dainty Pear. Photo: The Dainty Pear

MIDWAY, Utah — For Sarah Clark, creating meaningful connections often begins at the table. After 14 years in Heber Valley, the mother of five is bringing a slice of European charm to Midway’s historic downtown with a vision: transforming everyday gatherings into cherished memories.

“We love that community aspect. Everything we’ve tried to do has been with the community in mind,” Clark said of The Dainty Pear, her European-inspired market opening February 14. “Years ago, when I wanted to create a brick and mortar store, I just wanted a place where the community can gather.”

That dream is finally taking shape in a carefully curated space where imported Italian pastas share shelves with local Heber Valley Cheese, and vintage-style penny candy brings smiles to young visitors. But The Dainty Pear’s story begins long before its downtown storefront – back when Clark was stamping jewelry by hand and building an online community around elevated everyday moments.

“I used to go to farmers markets. I would do Swiss Days, I would do different things like that, with hand stamped jewelry,” Clark said. The business, named after her daughter Paris (nicknamed “Pear” by Clark’s Mexican grandmother), evolved as naturally as her family grew. When pregnancy complications forced her to step back from jewelry-making, she turned to sharing her passion for cooking and gathering on social media.

“I would cook in stories because I love cooking,” Clark said. “People started asking questions like, how do you do this, or how do you poach an egg. I started developing my kitchen line because I love sustainable woods and gold and just things that are beautiful and functional at the same time.”

That dedication to both beauty and function shapes every corner of The Dainty Pear. Each child in the Clark family has left their mark on the business: Finn’s Fresh Flowers offers seasonal blooms, while the upcoming Olive Press tasting room, named after daughter Olive, will serve charcuterie boards featuring the store’s imported delicacies.

The European influence runs deep, with Clark personally sourcing products from artisans across the continent. “We try and be right there, on the ground, with the makers and with the factories and pasta people,” she said. “In France, we have appointments with some basket makers and soap makers, different people that are true artisans in their craft.”

Local partnerships remain equally important. Beyond Heber Valley Cheese, the store features Bar W Beef and works of local artists. Soon, The Dainty Pear will introduce its own branded olive oils and balsamic vinegars from Italy and Spain, complementing Clark’s published cookbooks and kitchen essentials.

Community engagement extends beyond the shop’s offerings. Children can participate in store scavenger hunts while their parents shop, and the penny candy section pays homage to Midway’s history with custom wooden tokens. The store also partners with Wasatch High School’s CAPS program, providing internship opportunities for local students.

For Clark, faith and family guide every business decision. “Faith and family and our friends and relationships are top priority to us,” she said. “When you have a startup, you rely a lot on a higher power… If we felt inspired to do something, that there would be a way provided for us to do that.”

This inspiration shows in the store’s thoughtful design, where even the chandelier tells a story. “A few years ago, I went and saw this huge chandelier, and I just fell in love with it,” Clark said. “I was like, someday I want to put that in our building. And we didn’t even have a building yet.”

Now, as The Dainty Pear prepares to open its doors, Clark’s intention of creating a space for community connection is becoming reality. “It is so wild when there’s a room full of people that are carrying out your dream,” she said, reflecting on a recent team meeting. “It’s just very, very humbling.”

Between the European imports, local partnerships, and family touches throughout the space, The Dainty Pear aims to create more than just another shopping destination – it’s designed to be a gathering place where everyday moments become lasting memories.

The Dainty Pear is located at 152 W 100 N, in Midway. To learn more about the shop, visit The Dainty Pear’s website.

 

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