Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed shortly after speaking at the Restaurantology summit in Salt Lake City, where he addressed over 500 attendees. In his address, Kirk shared one of his favorite quotes, “This too shall pass,” reflecting both the joy and hardships of life. The words, originally echoed by Abraham Lincoln, resonated deeply with the entrepreneurs attending the event and have taken on an even greater significance following Kirk’s death.
Among the attendees, Wade Allen, president of Costa Vida, recalled Kirk’s impactful words on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life’s journey despite its ups and downs. The summit, held annually by the Savory Fund, brings together business owners and emerging restaurateurs across the U.S. to network and foster growth in the food industry. Kirk’s scheduled appearance as an entrepreneur was a departure from his usual focus on campus politics, and he shared the stage with Andrew Smith, co-founder and managing partner of Savory Fund.
Smith described his exchanges with Kirk as a meaningful experience, focusing on entrepreneurship and unity. Just an hour after their discussion, Kirk was tragically shot, leaving Smith and others in disbelief. Chris Connors, co-founder of Bonrue Bakery, noted Kirk’s discussion on company values and the younger generation, acknowledging his respect for Kirk’s views despite occasional disagreements. For Connors, Kirk’s death highlighted the broader issue of societal disrespect and division.
Michael DiNorscia, CEO of Grain & Grit Collective, was impressed by Kirk’s avoidance of political discourse in favor of discussing business, mindset, faith, and family. DiNorscia reflected on the profound impact of Kirk’s message about the equal distribution of time and the importance of managing it wisely. He noted the poignancy of it being Kirk’s final interview.
Governor Spencer Cox reacted to Kirk’s death by advocating for civil discourse in lieu of violence, emphasizing a shift towards more respectful disagreements. Authorities arrested Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington County, in connection with Kirk’s shooting after an extensive manhunt.
Nate Thompson, known for bringing FreshFin Poké to the region, reflected on Kirk’s parting words and urged people to strive for better, regardless of differing views. The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk serves as a stark reminder of the need for civility and understanding in today’s society.