After a busy St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a slow news week in the Denver restaurant world, for now. Spring is officially here and with that comes the growth of some new concepts, and the decay of even more. Legal battles appear to be stirring, this time with the La Loma family and Culinary Creative Group. Ease the tension with some tasty events and enjoy the last full week of March.
Read on for more top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
The fight for the La Loma name may come to a close as a judge awarded rights to Renee Brinkerhoff, who was in an expensive divorce battle with her ex-husband, William Brinkerhoff. The case is reported to have cost the two around $6 million in legal fees, the Denver Post Reported last week. The Brinkerhoff family holds six eateries from Denver to Castle Rock, two with the La Loma name. Now, Renee has the right to call the three restaurants she gained in the divorce La Loma as well. Though the outcome for the brand has yet to be completely determined.
In other news, an ad showing up on social media channels is looking for front of house employees of the Culinary Creative for a “wage and hour investigation.” The hospitality group runs restaurants including A5 Steakhouse, Bar Dough, Tap & Burger locations, Señor Bear, Forget Me Not, and more.
According to a recent article by Denverite, the lawsuit looks into how the company divides funds from the mandatory 20-percent service charge on each check. This case is another example of issues regarding the ongoing discussion on how to best serve restaurants, employees, owners, and the public.
Openings and Closings in the News
News is, Ounjit Hardacre, owner of Daughter Thai, will launch her second concept right next door this spring. Dubbed Insee Thai, Hardacre partnered with Dueanphen Rungrueang to create this noodle-forward spot, an homage to her father. Insee Thai comes six years after the 2019 opening of Daughter Thai in LoHi.
After yet another “seized” sign, the Wash Park Grille will not reopen. Neither will its sister restaurant Agave Taco Bar, right across the street. Both have officially been seized for unpaid taxes.
The 16th Street Mall has yet another closing. This time it’s the 15-year-old Mellow Mushroom, a 1970s-themed pizza joint from Atlanta. Fans can still find the chain in other states, but with this recent closing there are no more locations in Colorado.
Though not shuttered yet, the first location of FlyteCo Brewing at 4499 W. 38th Ave. in Denver will close. It’s been there six years, but in the meantime it opened up a second location in the old Stapleton tower, which used to house Punch Bowl Social. Now, the tower remains as the original shutters on April 5. Expect an epic party to say goodbye to the neighborhood staple.
Events
Recess Beer Garden in LoHi is hosting a Pita Mafia x Wagyu Den pop up on Wednesday, March 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets run $45 for a three-course meal including braised wagyu with red chimichurri, and carrot salad; house-made bissli with falafel spice, za’atar ranch, and a green olive crumble; and dessert. Get tickets here.
Date in a new way with Pearl’s Picks at Call Me Pearl on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The mixer has been thoughtfully planned out in order to break the ice and spark meaningful connections. Grab a ticket at the link here.
Join chef Vasta Muhimpundu during a takeover at SAME Cafe on Friday, March 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. This will be the first of an ongoing series called, Together We Nourish and Serve. Chef Vasta is the founder of plant based Iwacu Flavors, which specializes in vegan food. Read more about it here. Read more about SAME Cafe’s chef here.
The Original in the Ballpark area have launched a whimsical PJ Brunch on Saturday, March 29. All day the casual American food spot will celebrate, and if you show up in your pajamas you’ll get a chance to spin the prize wheel.
Urban Farmer Denver has just announced its 2025 Tasting Menu Dinner Series, a chef-curated tasting event held at the downtown restaurant once a quarter. Expect a rotating lineup of Colorado farms and local purveyors. The first event is the Beast & Bourbon Dinner on Tuesday, April 1. For the feats, executive chef Ryan Rau created a five-course menu showcasing American bison from Rock River Ranches in Hudson. The meal will be paired with Laws Whiskey House, which uses locally sourced grains to make amazing whiskies. The dinner starts at 7 p.m., and runs $195 per person. For more information and to make reservations, go here.
Chef Troy Guard and celebrity chef Robert Irvine join together for Dine with a Cause at Guard and Grace on Thursday, April 3. The five-course event benefits the Robert Irvine Foundation, which supports service members, veterans, and first responders. The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the one-up dinner are $250 per person, reservations can be made here.
