When Tessa Delicatessen opened on East Colfax in November, 2019, it was to showcase casual deli fare by chef Vince Howard. At the time it was all he and his wife and business partner Jessica really wanted when they moved their family to Denver from Los Angeles.
But now, fans get ready, Howard has taken the next step to expand his eatery to Edgewater Public Market this month. He’s taking over the soon-to-be former Gladys space, which is moving to the larger spot in the food hall where Meta Burger once stood. While the opening date relies on permits to go through, the goal is to open around July 20.
Expanding Tessa wasn’t at the forefront of Howard’s mind, but the current Colfax revitalization and construction project pushed him to consider it. He knows the road work is coming, and based on other restaurants’ situations with less customers, he wanted to have another form of revenue.
“I feel like I am going to have to change what I am doing down there, I have to be smart, and a lot of the new place is to help the present situation,” said Howard over the phone. “I am sure it [Colfax Avenue] will be great when it’s done and I will keep the narrative in a positive light since it won’t change regardless of how I feel.”
The basic sandwich menu also won’t change. Howard plans on serving most of the hot and cold sandwiches on his Colfax menu, including the Cuban, Brisket Dipper, Pesto Chicken, and St. Jude with turkey, salami, tomato, pickles, romaine, Italian vinaigrette, caper mayo, and provolone. Salads will remain too, including a personal favorite, the Roasted Brussels with Cotija. What is missing from the Edgewater menu is the burger line up, which Howard serves on his housemade milk buns at the original Tessa.
“There are so many people doing burgers around here, and I don’t want to cross lanes,” he explained, adding it will be easier to limit the menu in the smaller food hall space. “I want to hone in on the sweets and get my carrot cake here.”
As a fan and someone who lives on the west side of town, the opening is good news for sandwich lovers. And if Tessa Delicatessen is a new place for you, well, it’s time to give the sandwich matriarch a visit as soon as possible.
For now, visit Tessa Delicatessen at its current shop Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5724 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, tessadenver.com
