Denver Restaurants Post Record October Openings Amid High Closures

Denver recorded 36 new restaurant and bar openings in October, a monthly high that outpaced closures despite persistent economic headwinds for operators. The count includes three venues that reopened after temporary absences, meaning 33 brands launched for the first time in the market during the month. This volume represents more than one new location per day over the 31-day period.

The surge in activity concentrated in the final week of the month. The Sun Valley food hall Eats on the Platte hosted five distinct concepts under one roof. Among them were Wings Social Co, operated by Konjo Ethiopian owners Fetien Gebre-Michael and Yoseph Assefa, and Jama Miami Cuban, a venture from the Cuba Cuba Café & Bar team. Black Box Cafe also expanded its footprint in Edgewater by moving from a Public Market stall to the former Suzette location. The new site offers a sit-down environment alongside its previous menu of coffee, ice cream, chocolates, and sandwiches.

Chef Troy Guard returned to the Denver area with a new HashTAG location in Wheat Ridge. He plans to open a seafood concept in the Denver Tech Center and a downtown restaurant named Barbara in the near future. In River North, Andrea Frizzi opened Risica in the Edit building. The restaurant focuses on pizza, portafolgio, and prosciutto, importing elements of Milanese aperitivo culture to the neighborhood. Vegan Van left its commissary kitchen for a permanent space on East Colfax Avenue, though the area’s BRT construction continues to affect foot traffic.

Closures occurred throughout the month, with 14 establishments closing permanently. Golden restaurateur Brandon Bortles shut down both Nosu Ramen and Abejas within weeks of each other. The L on Broadway closed after failing to stabilize following a pandemic-delayed launch. Tupelo Honey vacated its space near Union Station after operating for just under 10 years. Oskar Blues, Park & Co., and The Greenwich also ceased operations.

Park & Co. closed after 16 years on 17th Avenue. The Uptown burger bar hired a new general manager earlier in the year and updated menu items, but the changes did not secure a successful reset. Parent company Gastamo Group continues to operate other Park Burger locations. The Greenwich, a RiNo-based Italian and pizza spot, underwent multiple changes, including rotating menu concepts, chef turnover, and new ownership, before closing.

Three other locations are temporarily closed. Maggiano’s Little Italy posted a sign stating it is closed until further notice due to a short remodeling job. The venue is expected to reopen in the coming weeks. Hip Hop Ice Cream in Edgewater and Run for the Roses in LoHi are also currently out of service.

The full list of October openings includes 85°C Bakery Cafe in Centennial, Bad Ass Coffee in Englewood, Banh Mi House in Centennial, Becker’s in Aurora, Bubba’s 33 in Northglenn, Candy Cloud in Commerce City, Chao and Chen Kitchen in Aurora, Com Ga in Littleton, Den Thai Street in RiNo, Dragon Cactus in RiNo, Dunkin’ in Castle Rock, For Your Boca in RiNo, Garden Cafe in the Highlands, Joy Batch Cookies in Highlands Ranch, KP Asian Cafe in Aurora, Love Sushi in Thornton, Malai Thai Kitchen in Littleton, Maria Empanada on Wynkoop Street, Marie Empanada in Littleton, Miya Moon in Highland, Mulan Dim Sum in the Highlands, The Pretzelry in RiNo, Pyro Pot in Lone Tree, Rado’s Grill in Broomfield, Renegade Burrito in Lakewood, Savor in Aurora, Slice House in Longmont, Summit Steak Bar in Littleton, Texas de Brazil in Westminster, Third Round Social in Commerce City, Tikka Bowls in RiNo, Vegan Van in RiNo, and Western Sky Bar & Taproom in Englewood.

The closures included Abejas in Golden, Fire Bowl Cafe in Englewood, The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge in Arvada, The Greenwich in RiNo, The L on Broadway, Nosu Ramen in Golden, Oskar Blues in the LoDo, Parlor Doughnuts in the Highlands, Park & Co. in Uptown, Sakura Bowl in Centennial, Syrup in the Highlands, Tivoli Tap House in Littleton, and Torres Mexican Food in South Denver.