by Jessica Hughes
Denver’s food scene has taken a hard hit, caused by the recent pandemic, with long standing restaurants such as Old Chicago, formerly located at 1280 S. Colorado Boulevard, permanently closing their doors. However, conversely the Mile High City is welcoming its newest food hall, Junction Food & Drink, just down the road at 2000 S. Colorado Boulevard. The new food hall is managed by National Food Hall Solutions, a Texas-based company founded in 2018 that owns and operates various food halls.
This addition comes as part of the enhancement project at the Colorado Center, which includes a Dave & Buster’s, an IMAX theater, and the Colorado Boulevard light-rail station. Colorado Center is a mixed-use, transit-oriented development located between Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center. It comprises four Class A office towers totaling approximately 713,000 square-feet with a rooftop event space and 11,569 square-feet of high-end retail.
The 12,220-square-foot food hall will feature 10 food stalls, the Denver-based Sonder Coffee & Tea stand, plus a 40-foot bar and seating for 400 people, which will include both indoor seating and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor patio. Aside from its unique collection of chef-driven food vendors, one of the food hall’s biggest perks is its abundance of parking. The nearby parking garage offers ample space for parking with unlimited parking on the weekends.
With focus on small businesses, Pat Garza, the President and CEO of National Food Hall Solutions, wanted to feature vendors focused on local, quality-driven, authentic foods. From California-style street tacos to Nashville-inspired fried chicken, there is something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Vendors include the following:
Big Wave Taco Shop: Founded by Chef Troy Guard, Big Wave Taco Shop, part of the Denver-based TAG restaurant group, will feature California-style tacos with various salsas, chips and queso.
Bird on a Wire Southern Chick’n: Nashville-style chicken and Southern favorites from the Garner Brother’s family-owned restaurant. Choose from fried chicken sandwiches, southern smoked wings, chicken tenders, plus sides including fried pickles, coleslaw, waffle fries and more.
Ebisu Ramen and Sushi: Chef Soon Choi, a former head chef from Sushi Den, brings Ebisu Ramen and sushi with a menu of small plates, sushi rolls, sushi bowls and ramen.
Grind and Grill Burger: A family-owned elevated burger concept, Grind and Grill Burger offers a wide variety of burgers, fries and shakes.
Lazo Empanadas: Serving traditional Argentinian, farm-fresh empanadas, Lazo is a local favorite with four other locations in Denver.
Mr. Miner’s Meat & Cheese: With its first location at Golden’s Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery, Mr. Miner’s Meat & Cheese will open its second location at Junction Food & Drink. The menu will include meat and cheese charcuterie boards, salads, sandwiches and a variety of shareables.
Paciugo Gelato: Using the freshest fruits and all-natural ingredients, Paciugo Gelato serves up gelati and sorbets the traditional Italian way. Their menu will feature gelato, frappes, gelatee and pastries.
Pete’s-A-Pie of Denver: A chef-driven purveyor of pizza using fresh, all-natural ingredients, Pete’s-A-Pie of Denver will feature New Haven-style pizza by the slice and whole pie.
Shawarma Shack: A Mediterranean food experience where patrons get front row access to the mesmerizing slow cooked meats roasting on spits, Shawarma Shack will also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Smok Barbeque: With a focus on classic barbecue from across the county, including special notes from Austin, Texas and Kansas City, Smok will feature BBQ sandwiches, a variety of smoked meats and tasty sides, plus brisket and pulled pork tacos.
In addition to the food stalls, the Junction Food & Drink bar will offer a line-up of local craft beers and wine, plus a full bar serving up refreshing summer drinks.
Junction food hall is set to open early August with all the proper standards in place for social distancing. Adhering to all guidelines, each table will be six feet apart, with additional tables outside for eating and drinking. They will also offer curbside pick-up for food to go.
For further information, visit their website at junctionfoodanddrink.com. Junction Food & Drink at Colorado Center is a project of the partnership between ASB Real Estate Investments and Lincoln Property Company.