This week marks the end of 2024, and with it comes a surge of news, both happy and sad. We welcome 2025 on Wednesday and the news of a fresh concept by the Dio Mio folk, the closing of a favorite condiment company, and the revamp of a tried and true restaurant in LoDo. Plus, plenty of great events that have nothing to do with the holidays.
Read on for more of this week’s top news stories and send us any tips via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Coperta said goodbye to long-time pastry chef Jodi Polson, who came to the Italian restaurant from the owners’ former spot, Beast and Bottle back in 2014. But while chef Paul C. Riley mourns the loss of her in his kitchen, he said on a social media post he is excited for her next chapter. Based on intel, it sounds like it’s going to be Mama Jo’s Biscuits and BBQ, which we will be following with excitement.
Kelly Schexnaildre announced the immediate closure of her decade-old hot sauce company, Merf’s Condiments. The reason, she said on social media, stems from troubles during and after COVID. But, she said added, it’s not the end for her. Currently she’s working to start a consulting company called Juicy Lemon, aimed at uplifting small businesses.
Since 2001 Tamayo by Chef Richard Sandoval has been a mainstay in the Downtown Denver dining scene, serving up a modern take on Mexican cuisine. Now, the restaurant will get a facelift and will be closed from January 1 to March.
“When I first opened Tamayo on Larimer Square in 2001, I wanted to introduce modern Mexican cuisine to Denver,” said chef Richard Sandoval, owner and world-renowned restauranteur, in a press release. “Tamayo has since become part of the fabric of Larimer Square and the community, and this renovation is an opportunity to honor our roots while embracing the city’s evolution. It’s not just a refresh, it’s a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
The Brewers Association announced its new president and CEO, Bart Watson, who currently holds the position of vice president of strategy and membership. He’s also the former chief economist of the organization. Watson enters office on January 6, 2025, succeeding Bob Pease, who is retiring from the association.
While it feels like beloved places are closing left and right (looking at you Fruition), chef Troy Guard just renewed his lease for Guard and Grace. For at least five more years the chef plans on keeping his downtown steakhouse going, even as he moves to Texas to open concepts there.
“Downtown Denver has always been close to my heart,” said Guard, who recently celebrated 10 years running Los Chingones in RiNo. “This renewal is about more than serving great food, it’s about investing in our city and standing by the community we love.”
Hot Openings In the News
It’s a pretty slow time for openings (and thankfully closings too), though we are excited about the news of restaurants coming later in 2025. So far we know about chefs Spencer White and Alex Figura’s future project, Johnny Bechamel’s, which they co-own with Lulu Clair. If the names sound familiar, the team runs Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza. The newest venture combines the two as the plan features pasta and pizza.
Leven Deli Co. branches off with Leven Supply, opening mid-January in the Wash Park Supply retail center at 300 E. Alameda Ave. Similar to the original deli in the Golden Triangle neighborhood, this concept will be a counter-service restaurant, as well as a grocer and gift shop. Expect grab-and-go-style meals and a curated selection of high-end goods and wine to take home.
Also on the list of hot openings, Mary Nguyen’s Olive & Finch Collective expands with three new locations. The first launches with breakfast, lunch, and dinner this winter in Denver Union Station, inside the space previously occupied by Snooze A.M. Eatery (which moved to the former Kitchen Next Door Spot, also in the station).
Finch on the Fly plans to open in Denver International Airport Terminal A sometime in late spring, early summer. Nguyen has also secured a space at the Denver Performing Arts Center. Opening this spring, it will serve the neighborhood, not just during show times and offers a private dining room.
Odie B’s chef-owner Cliff Blauvelt is ready to launch something new. Enter Boombots Pasta Shop, opening in Summer 2025. The main focus of this offshoot is playful pasta, for example Dirty Martini Bucatini with a vodka sauce puttanesca, Pastrami Agnolotti inspired by the Reuben sandwich, and a Smoked Duck Green Chile Mac.
Events
After ringing in 2025, make your way to The Block Distilling on January 1 for a special Hangover Brunch in the venue’s co-working space, Vacancy. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., try experimental coffees from Novo Coffee, breakfast burritos by Egg Belly, and flash tattoo art.
Also on January 1, head to Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen Five Points location for champagne and cocktails, special menu items, free snacks, and more as it celebrates 10 years serving the neighborhood. The party runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 725 E. 26th Ave., Denver.
Champagne Tiger too has a special New Year’s Day program. With two seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., enjoy the piano cabaret brunch featuring vocals by Anastasia Krystals and piano by Buddy Bravo. The duo return from 7 to 9 p.m. for pasta and piano, an event that takes place each Wednesday.
Journey to Japan on January 3 with an exclusive dinner Jax Fish House Glendale. The three-course meal runs $39 per person and includes dishes such as salmon belly yakitori, short rib ramen, and matcha green tea ice cream. Add on an optional sake pairing and shochu flight as well. Reservations are recommended, at jaxfishhouse.com.
Want to get a free taste of the locally-made Grüvi non-alcoholic craft beer? The Grüvi Dry Jan Takeover takes place on Thursday, January 9 at Hi-Dive, Colorado Campfire, Boulder Social, Number 38, The Local Drive, and Cherry Cricket locations. From 5 to 8 p.m., attendees can get a free Grüvi non-alcoholic craft beer and the first 25 guests at each location will snag a free Grüvi glass. All guests can register to enter for a chance to win free Grüvi for a whole year via the link here.
Celebrate Cucina Bella’s two year anniversary on Tuesday, January 14. Owners and brothers Luis and Heriberto Gutierrez whipped up a three-course dining experience featuring some of the most popular dishes. There will be two seatings, 5 and 7 p.m., and each prix fixe is $35 per person. Reservations can be made online at cucinabelladenver.com.
Enjoy a rodeo-style dinner on Thursday, January 16 at the Stranded Pilgrim inside Denver Milk Market (1800 Wazee St., Denver). The three-course meal revolves around steak paired with Pendleton Whiskey, runs $75 per person, and starts at 7 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, purchase here.
