by Jessica Hughes | Jun 20, 2025 | Main Articles
Will It Be Worth It?
by Jessica Hughes
Unique Business Corridor: Colfax Avenue is known for its various small businesses such as the Bluebird Theater. Some wonder how many such businesses will be able to survive the disruption of the many months of renovation of much less a street with the number of automotive lanes cut in half.
Bird’s Eye View: Looking west down Colfax Avenue from Adams Street.
One of Denver’s most historic streets gets a modern facelift that threatens the very businesses that make it so special. The construction for the East Colfax Rapid Bus Transit project has recently claimed the lives of several local businesses in the last few months including Middleman, a neighborhood gem that also operates the James Beard Award-nominated Misfit Snack Bar — closed last month.
This is just one of many stories people have shared in response to the BRT project. The nearly 10-mile project, which only began in October 2024, is already causing local businesses to struggle, some even closing. As disruptions continue, many business owners are left questioning how they’ll survive through the project’s projected completion in 2027. And if they do survive, will the reconfigured Colfax help the street boom or destroy it as a business district?
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems — a train-like system that offers fast and reliable transportation without the high cost of building a rail system — have become popular solutions to public transportation in larger cities. But at what cost? There might be an easier flow of traffic, but for some local business owners, they don’t see the long-term benefit. Like Libby Anglin, owner of Base6Fitness at 3805 E Colfax Ave., who says since COVID, she’s seen a constant stream of construction along Colfax and thinks the BRT project won’t be worth it in the end for local businesses. “The constant construction over the last four years on Colfax has been an unmitigated drag on our business. In the end I hope I am wrong, but I do not see how it will be good for the city or worth it for businesses or residents.”
Over the past several decades, Denver has steadily worked to change Colfax from a former federal highway into a lively neighborhood main street. As part of this transformation, the city has introduced bike and bus lanes to modernize transportation along the corridor, and now most recently the BRT system. But while these upgrades signal progress, they’re also creating new challenges — particularly for the local businesses that are the heartbeat of Colfax and Denver. “Keeping these businesses alive, keeps the soul of the city alive,” says Don Novak of the Bluebird Business Improvement District.
The biggest issue for business o
Closed For Business: The once popular Pete’s Greektown Café at Filmore and Colfax has been closed down and no new tenant is likely until the Colfax Avenue renovations are fully completed.
wners, Novak says, is people avoiding Colfax because of the construction. “Traffic has been pushed to nearby streets, so there aren’t as many people driving in front of the businesses.” He says the most difficult points are the bus stations in the middle of the street, which construction on these started in 2025. “Some of these businesses are completely covered with no access to their entrance. It looks like a barracked war zone,” says Novak referencing the long-time local businesses such as Tommy’s Thai, PS Lounge, Enzo’s, and Lulu Rose, who currently sit behind a fence.
While the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity department has $15,000 grants available to businesses to keep them open, you have to apply and prove a 20% loss in revenue. But for these businesses, they say it’s often too late at that point. In addition, some businesses claim that $15,000 does not keep them open mo
re than a few more days or one week in total. “In the meetings I have attended, most businesses feel that if they are down 20%, they are already in the red and closing their doors,” says Spero from Hooked on Colfax.
Anglin of Base6Fitness, also points out the city should fully acknowledge the majority of brick-and-mortar businesses depend on ease of access and people being on site. “All brick-and-mortar businesses thrive best with ease of access,” says Anglin. “So perhaps rather than making businesses prove loss of business, perhaps it should just be a given.”
The Colfax construction isn’t the only hardship contributing to hard times for local businesses since COVID. Unfortunately, the planned construction didn’t, and coul
Goosetown Tavern: Successful operations such as Goosetown Tavern at Adams and Colfax have been hurt by the East Colfax renovation. The impact is not as severe since their frontage is not blocked.
dn’t, account for the global issues businesses face today having to adapt to not only local concerns but global concerns as well. “Things are getting increasingly difficult for Mile High businesses in the last few years with minimum wage going up in Denver, but nowhere else in the state, plus with the addition of tariff-talk, when you add in a massive construction project, it doesn’t help,” says Novak. “While we have been talking about this project for over a decade, we unfortunately didn’t plan for things going to shit.”
For Spero, owner of Hooked on Colfax coffee for the past 20 years, the last five years have been the most challenging by far. “All costs have spiked, from property taxes to delivery fees to the cost of coffee beans. We only have front door street access, so the BRT project has made it incredibly difficult to receive product deliveries. And customers who used to park out front and grab a coffee on their way to work can no longer do so because the parking spaces have been removed.”
So, local neighborhood associations and committees are stepping up to help local businesses weather the storm. The Bluebird Business Improvement District — a community organization funded by taxes from those in the district — works to support the businesses and aesthetic of the nine-block area between St. Paul Street and Colorado Blvd., especially during times like these. “We represent and offer overarching support for business owners and neighbors in the Bluebird District,” says Novak. “We are to work with the city of Denver and the BRT project to help businesses thrive, especially during times like these.”
Colfax BRT: East Colfax Avenue from Union Station to 1-225, is undergoing ten miles of major renovation featuring a Bus Rapid Transit Corridor which replaces two automotive lanes with bus lanes. There will no longer be on street parking along Colfax. While it will assuredly increase bus ridership, some believe it will destroy the businesses along Colfax Avenue, it is purportedly designed to help.
One of which was an effort to provide a temporary parking solution by working with the owners of the parking lot at the corner of Colfax and Adams Street — previously occupied by Paradise Cleaners, where they have “paved Paradise to put up a parking lot.”
“We see non-monetary support options from both the city and the local Bluebird Business Improvement District,” says Patrick Brown of Twist and Shout Records. “Internal solutions are being implemented with local businesses, like Paradise Cleaners at the corner of Adams and Colfax, that the BID is providing, opening up its parking lot for all customers along Colfax.”
Regardless of these temporary band-aids, are they enough to weather the storm? “The issue really comes down to businesses renewing their leases, or not,” says Novak. “The result of this project could be amazing, but the survival right now is way more challenging.”
Other business owners who have recently spent a lot of time and money updating and renovating, like Gwen Campbell, owner of the Lost Lake Lounge and Goosetown Tavern, which she just bought in March 2024, are now faced with unexpectedly slow business because of the construction. “We invested a lot into updating the business, putting in a new kitchen, bringing on a new chef, and developing a new menu with BBQ, bar bites, and burgers.”
Famous for its dive bars and historic restaurants, Colfax is home to legacy businesses and a bustling community that prides itself on the number of independent businesses in the area. And so their main concern is keeping the legacy businesses, like the Goosetown Tavern, in place. “These businesses are our culture here in Denver. We are dedicated to keeping these legacy businesses in place,” says Novak.
“The Bluebird District on East Colfax is special, it’s known for live music, local art, quirky shops, diverse restaurants, unique bars, and a counterculture vibe,” says Campbell. “This has evolved to where it is today over time. If businesses don’t make it, it will take at least a generation to revive.” Despite what feels like an agonizingly slow death, Novak reiterates that the goal is to have construction complete within 18 months from now. So, the trade-off: two years of construction that threatens to wipe out the culture of a neighborhood that would take a generation to revive.
“I am hopeful that once the project is completed, it will improve the aesthetics on Colfax and business will get back to normal,” said Campbell. “I truly hope when this is completed, there will be solutions for parking because p
No Parking: Various retail businesses along Colfax have been cordoned off from their customers.arking is critical for retail shops, hair salons, and food & beverage.” Unfortunately, the Johnson Administration is not inclined to promote parking. In fact, it is inclined to do the opposite.
If small businesses close, who comes in their place? Of course, it’s always the fear of big box chains and restaurants — the ultimate death and destruction of any local community. “What has always made Colfax is the unique nature of the businesses along the street,” says Brown. “Chain stores and restaurants erase the local character of their cities into a homogeneous sameness, and Colfax has a long-standing tradition of having locally owned small businesses as the dominant flavor.” “It’s been proven time and again that small businesses have a greater positive net impact on their communities and Colfax is evidence of that — from hiring locally, to keeping tax dollars in the community, to diversifying the neighborhoods, to reacting to community needs.”
One thing all these business owners agree on is that Colfax is the heartbeat of Denver. Colfax is as central to our city’s transportation as it is to our memories as Denverites, whether it’s catching a show at the Bluebird Theatre, getting a free rose at the PS Lounge, or grabbing a bite at Goosetown Tavern, everyone in the city has a story about Colfax.
“Colfax deserves a glow up,” says Spero. “I am excited for the curbs to be repaired and the potholes to be filled. Added trees will be lovely. I suppose only time will tell if the new bus stops will be beneficial and encourage more people to ride the 15.”
Campbell, like many other business owners, wants to remind people Colfax is still open. “Once a month, try a new restaurant or tavern on East Colfax, go see a concert, grab a drink at one of the quirky, cozy bars.” Plus, a chance to show your support in September with the Bluebird Bodega, a big music and food showcase to support the area businesses along Colfax.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2025 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Ricky King
Ricky King, a DJ at Glendale’s Shotgun Willie’s for 30 years, and a Glendale City Councilman from 2005-2014, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 62. After battling health issues that landed King in the hospital on a couple of occasions, he died of cardiac disease at AdventHealth Parker Hospital.
King will be remembered as a kind and generous person, and everyone who came in contact with him, took a liking to him. Growing up in Kansas, King had a Midwestern charm to him which is a large part of why there is an outpouring of support on social media.
A longtime friend and colleague, Rob Reese posted: “35 years of sharing DJ booths and microphones… from our days at PT’s San Antonio in 1990, to Shotgun Willie’s. You were a damn good soul with a big heart and a legendary voice. You were loved by all and will live on in legend and legacy among all of us who knew and loved you. Rest easy my friend… we’ll keep the show going in your memory.”
Many chimed in calling King “the voice of Shotgun’s.” If you stopped in on what the club calls Country Mondays, you would hear King bellowing out the next performer’s name and what stage she should report to.
“He was a decent human being who was full of honor and honesty,” said Deborah Dunafon, owner of Shotgun Willie’s. “He was a great team member who supported everyone around him and was always there when you needed him. I was proud to have considered him a friend and I have never met a more sincere person.”
King was considered a leader in his community, especially the eight years he served on city council in Glendale. He was also a devout Glendale Chamber of Commerce member. “I had enormous respect for Ricky,” said Jeff Allen, Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce COO. “He was always willing to lend a hand and help where needed. He was truly an authentic guy. He will be missed in our business community.”
King is survived by his wife Beth and son Wahaj. Ricky King’s celebration of life was held on June 25 where many of his friends and family gathered to tell stories of a man they all loved and admired.
by Charles Bonniwell | May 16, 2025 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Classic Development: The Belcaro Shopping Center was built in 1960 and considered a real asset to the adjoining Belcaro Park neighborhood. The Kentro Group’s proposed 12- to16-story low income apartments are considered by residents as little more than an eyesore that will acerbate traffic jams in the area.
Brave New Future: A once campus-like setting of the Colorado Department of Transportation facility is being replaced by the Kentro Group’s massive 103,000 square foot King Soopers and low income housing. The expected completion is Spring 2026.
High Density Development Coming Soon: Belcaro is an affluent neighborhood in Denver known for its large ranch-style homes and tree-lined streets. It is located between Cherry Creek and Washington Park, featuring the historic Phipps Mansion and a high average household income. It sits West of the proposed redevelopment on South Colorado Blvd.
The City and County of Denver is known for its extraordinary neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods are represented not only by city councilmembers, but also formal neighborhood associations (HOAs) formally recognized in the city statutes. Many of these neighborhoods are tree-lined sanctuaries that almost resemble suburban enclaves.
The neighborhoods, especially the ones dominated by single family homes, are dimly viewed by the progressive Denver city planners at the Denver Community Planning and Development Department. They are seen as being anachronistic and an impediment to the type of very high density needed for a “sustainable” future for Denver.
Developers, in turn, realize that a key to profitability for them is turning low density areas in Denver into high density ones which could result in greater possibilities for “affordable housing” in the city.
More 24-hour Traffic Coming Soon: Virginia Village is a neighborhood in Denver with a population of 16,326. Virginia Village offers a balanced lifestyle with ample green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks like Garland Park and Ash Grove Park provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities. Now, it is coming under threat with a new 103,000 square foot King Soopers coming to town.
The battles between developers aligned with Denver city planners on one side and neighborhood residents on the other are breaking out throughout the city. At one time, neighborhood HOAs in Denver were politically powerful, but no longer. Occasionally, the residents win one of those battles (February edition of the Chronicle — “Park Hill Golf Course Miracle”). But those victories are few and far between.
One of those battles is going on along Colorado Blvd. Kentro Group, a Denver real estate developer, is engaging in two such developments that have outraged the Belcaro Park and Virgina Village neighborhoods. The development scheme involves reversing what the Denver city planners view as obsolete thinking of having commercial businesses and residential areas physically separated.
As they view it why not put residences in the form of affordable apartments on busy streets like Colorado Boulevard while moving high volume retail into or next to single family home areas?
King Soopers, a division of Cincinnati based Kroger Company, had operated a grocery store at a 7-acre site, 825 South Colorado Blvd., for over 65 years. It elected to close the store, sell the property to the Kentro Group, and build a new 113,000 square foot facility a mile south in the Virgina Village neighborhood. The 13.5-acre site on
The Campus: The old CDOT headquarters off Colorado Blvd. on Arkansas Avenue had a campus like aspect to it with no traffic after 5:30 p.m. or on weekends and fit in well within the Virginia Village neighborhood.
ce housed the CDOT campus headquarters between Arkansas and Louisiana Avenues and was purchased by the Kentro Group in 2018 for $19.3 million.
The site was zoned CMP-E12 or campus, educational/institutional site. It is limited to a maximum of 75 feet within 175 feet of protected areas, i.e. single-family homes. The idea that single family homes are to be protected is no longer a concept recognized by the Denver Planning Department. The entire property was quickly rezoned for high density apartments and commercial uses.
Kentro Group, with the blessing and encouragement of the Planning Department, built a four-story 151-unit low-income apartment complex called Krisana Apartments abutting the single-family homes. Next to it will be a 113,000 square foot new King Soopers that will generate high traffic and will stay open into the night to the detriment of the Virginia Village neighborhood.
Next up for Kentro Group and the progressive city planners was the redevelopment of the 7-acre Belcaro Shopping Center. Facing off against them were residents of the low-density, single-family neighborhood to the west of the old grocery store and an active Belcaro Park HOA.
At the preliminary development review meeting over a year ago the residents told Kentro Group and the city planners w
New Neighbor: Krisana is a 151-unit, 4-story apartment community located at Arkansas Avenue and Birch Street just east of Colorado Blvd. Krisana is now imposed on the Virginia Village neighborhood.
hat they thought of the 12- to 16-story low-income housing apartment building with first floor retail use.
The residents pleaded for a maximum of three stories redevelopment which appeared to fall on deaf ears. Kentro principal Chris Viscardi told the hostile crowd that “I think there’s an opportunity here.” Some agreed that there was an opportunity, but it was for the Kentro Group to help destroy a neighborhood for its own gain.
When later asked by a reporter for the Denver Gazette whether the city was the one pushing for a higher, denser project than what was originally envisioned, the Kentro Group conceded the same.
Sue Clinton, a Belcaro resident, stated at the meeting that: “The city is driving this change and not really listening to the neighborhood.” She noted that in her mind the neighborhood conveyed a suburban, rather than an urban feel, which the city planners wanted to alter.
Others noted that at one time city planners were the advocates for the residents of the city rather than its enemies seeking to destroy a way of life many have cherished for years.
With the Denver housing market already beginning to suffer and Downtown Denver badly struggling, some residents are beginning to wonder with developers like Kentro Group and city planners like those Denver Planning Department whether housing affordability will someday be the least of the city’s concerns such has occurred in cities back East.
by Charles Bonniwell | May 16, 2025 | Main Articles
Good Work: Rich Wyatt leads fundraising efforts in Colorado for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to raise money for homeless veterans.
Hotel Conversion: The former Fairfield Inn on Colorado Blvd. will be converted into housing for veterans by Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
by Charles C. Bonniwell
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation founded by Frank Siller, in honor of his brother Stephen who died during the September 11 attacks in 2001, is a nonprofit foundation that supports families of fallen first responders and veterans while working to end veteran homelessness.
The organization is best known for retiring the mortgages for families of first responders who were killed in the line of duty. It also builds and gives mortgage free “tiny homes” (500 sq. feet) to eligible veterans.
Residences
Tunnel to Towers more recently has begun converting hotels into residences for homeless veterans in Atlanta, Memphis, Las Vegas, and now Denver. It plans to have six more properties purchased and remodeled over the next several years.
Tunnel to Towers acquired the Fairfield Inn hotel property at 1680 S. Colorado Boulevard (corner of Colorado Blvd. and East Mexico Ave. near I-25 and Colorado Blvd.) for $12.7 million in September of 2024.
It is to be converted into 120 apartments for homeless veterans in the Denver metropolitan area, The site will also feature support services including job training, benefit assistance, PTSD counseling, and addiction.
It is estimated that there are over 400 homeless vets in the Metro Denver area.
Fundraising
An additional 8 to 10 million dollars is estimated to be needed to convert and update the property.
In Colorado, fundraising is headed up by Rich Wyatt, who was a volunteer fireman, former police chief, and was featured in a reality TV show titled American Guns along with family members.
Wyatt became involved with Tunnel to Towers when his reality show, back in 2017, became very popular with disabled veterans. He would organize and lead gun adventures with disabled vets who had a high risk of suicide attempts, due to their inactivity caused by their disabilities, with little to look forward to.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Wyatt held a breakfast fundraiser across the street at 3900 E. Mexico hosted by Dutton Commercial Real Estate. In addition, 710 KNUS Radio host Peter Boyles spoke at the fundraiser which was headlined by 9/11 fireman survivor Tim Brown who inspiringly talked about his experiences on 9/11.
Wyatt and Tunnel to Towers are looking for individuals who will host fundraisers at their homes or businesses. If interested in doing so, call Wyatt at 303-475-5007. For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, visit www.t2t.org.
by Mark Smiley | May 16, 2025 | Main Articles
Dean Peterson, Co-Founder Of The Bull & Bush Brewery Died At Age 87
by Mark Smiley
Founding Fathers: Identical twin brothers Dean (right) and Dale Peterson (who passed away in 2009) often rode their bikes by the local dairy that would one day be the home of The Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery. In 1971, casting aside their stockbroker careers, the brothers built the Bull & Bush to kick-start a list of successful restaurants.
On May 3, 2025, Dean Peterson, co- founder of the Bull & Bush Brewery in Glendale passed away at age 87. Regarded by many as a pioneer in the industry, Peterson, along with his identical twin brother Dale, co-founded the Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery in 1971 in Glendale, Colorado. Back in those days, there was not much other than farmland around and it was difficult to get a loan from the bank. In fact, as you looked West from the Bull & Bush, you could see the old Riviera sign on Kentucky Avenue with nothing obstructing the view. Glendale was a few years away from becoming the spot for nightlife and the Bull & Bush was at the forefront.
Inspired by a fact-finding trip to England, they modeled their establishment after the original Bull & Bush Pub in Hampstead Heath, London, which dates back to 1645. They imported authentic artifacts, including a now-iconic warped copper top bar, to recreate the traditional English pub atmosphere.
The Peterson brothers were born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1937. Dale Peterson passed away in 2009 while Dean outlived his brother by nearly 16 years. After a three-year battle with cancer, Dean Peterson passed away. A celebration of life brought a standing room only crowd to the Bull & Bush Brewery on May 20, 2025. Dean’s nephews, David and Erik Peterson, entertained the crowd and kept the mood upbeat while others shared stories.
Peterson was born in Nebraska but moved to Denver as an infant. He and his twin brother and older sister, Charlene, lived at
Dean and His Daughter: Dean Peterson and his only daughter Tami Beardsley pose for a photo a few years ago. Beardsley was the inspiration for the iconic Bull & Bush logo.
6th and Albion for years and Dean graduated from East High School in 1955. Fast forward to 1971, when they founded the Bull & Bush Brewery, Dean was seen as the back of the house “number cruncher” while Dale was the front of the house “glad hander.” It is in that back of the house, where Dean thought it would be a good idea to put their now famous green chili on top of mashed potatoes. He came up with this concept in the late 1970s and it is still on the menu today.
Just because he was seen as the back of the house owner, doesn’t mean Dean did not enjoy sitting at the bar talking to guests and swapping stories. “People would sit at the bar and get advice they didn’t need or want,” said David Peterson, co-owner of the Bull & Bush Brewery. “But everyone loved Dean.”
“My fondest memories of my uncle had nothing to do with the restaurant,” said Peterson. “Our family trips were a lot of fun and as we got older, we started to go to places like Las Vegas. We always had a great time with family and Dean was a big part of that.”
Initially, the Bull & Bush served as a lively gathering spot, featuring live music and one of Denver’s first dart rooms. In 1997, the Petersons expanded the establishment by adding a brewery, which has since gained acclaim for its innovative beers. Notably, their “MAN BEER” received a Gold award at the World Beer Cup.
Today, the Bull & Bush remains a family-run business, operated by David and Erik Peterson. They have continued the legacy by maintaining the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality. The establishment offers a diverse menu, a wide selection of whiskeys, and continues to brew award-winning beers, solidifying its status as a cherished Glendale institution, an institution that started with the late Dale and Dean Peterson. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifices my dad and uncle made 54 years ago,” said Peterson. “May Dean rest in peace and look down on how we continue to put smiles on people’s faces that walk through our doors.”
by Mark Smiley | Apr 18, 2025 | Main Articles
The Family-Owned Restaurant Opens First Location In Denver
by Mark Smiley
Now Open: Los Dos Potrillos opened at 11 a.m. April 15, 2025, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Los Dos takes over the space formerly occupied by Hacienda on South Colorado Boulevard. It is the first restaurant for the family in the city of Denver after decades in the suburbs.
Los Dos Potrillos, the family-owned Mexican restaurant known for its Mexican comfort food opened its first Denver location near Colorado Boulevard and I-25 at 4100 E. Mexico Avenue on April 15, 2025. The space was formerly occupied by Hacienda. The new Los Dos Potrillos has space for 253 patrons inside and 70 more on its patio.
They have been eyeing locations in Denver over the last several years but could not find the right area. “Whenever we look at any type of location, we always want to make sure it fits our way of going into any type of property,” said Danny Ramirez, CEO of Ramirez Hospitality Group, who owns Los Dos Potrillos. “We look forward to becoming a welcoming haven for our growing community, offering the same quality, consistency, service, and commitment that defines the Los Dos family,” Ramirez.
“Expanding to Denver is an important step for us, allowing us to connect and serve a new group of diners. Our Los Dos family is excited about this growth and cannot wait to bring our delicious food and overall dining experience to a new community in such a centralized location,” added Luis Ramirez, COO and President.
Fresh Remodel: Los Dos Potrillos spent six months renovating what is now their sixth location in Colorado.
This milestone brings their family recipes and welcoming atmosphere to the heart of the Mile High City, marking a new chapter and the seventh Los Dos Potrillos full service restaurant opening in the Ramirez family’s journey.
Founded by Jose Ramirez in 2002, Los Dos Potrillos has grown from a single restaurant in Centennial to a popular local brand with multiple locations across the Denver metro area. This Denver location represents the sixth addition to their growing family, joining the ranks of their other establishments.
The Colorado Boulevard location is the second largest footprint for the restaurant family next to the Castle Rock location which b
oasts 8,000 square feet of space.
The Denver Los Dos Potrillos will uphold the traditions and quality that have made Ramirez Hospitality Group a beloved household name across the region. Customers can expect the same welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and Mexican comfort food that have earned the restaurant group a loyal following.
Taking over an existing Mexican restaurant made it a bit easier to move forward. “There wasn’t much to do since it was a Mexican restaurant,” said Daniel Ramirez. “All we had to do is come in and put our touch to it. We changed the outside and changed the interior. The kitchen is in immaculate condition. We just added our spice to it, literally,” Ramirez said with a smile.
For more information, visit www.los2potrillos.com.
