Our Upper Downtown Neighborhood experienced an uptick in licensing activity over the last 2 months.
Bombshell’s Restaurant and Bar had an Excise & Licensing public hearing September 1. Having signed a Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA), UpDoNa attended their hearing, represented by Gary Gottsesfeld, Donna Mosley and Garis Smith. We testified in support of the license approval. They have not yet become an UpDoNa business member. Bombshells will occupy the old Oceanaire space at 1400 Arapahoe St. but has not announced an opening date. The restaurant will be military themed and offer a full menu until 2 AM. They expect a 65% to 35% food to liquor revenue ratio. We certainly look forward to enjoying a meal there.
La Diabla Nightclub will be moving into the old DazzleJazz space in the Bauer Building at 1512 Curtis Street. Because this was a license transfer, La Diabla did not require a public hearing. Nevertheless, LA Diabla not only signed a GNA but became an UpDoNa business member. David Wachsmann, principal, is shooting for a November opening. Looking forward to a margarita.
Casa Tequilas has opened in the old Rialto space. This was another license transfer and didn’t require a hearing. By code, objections to liquor license transfers must be based only on the character, record, and reputation of the applicants. Casa Tequilas is a family owned and operated business with another location in Evergreen. They have plans for an outdoor patio when the 16th Street Mall construction is complete. The owners have not yet signed a GNA or joined UpDoNa.
Que Rico is open and operating at the north end of the Pavilions Mall, ground floor. Although this was a license transfer, the owner, Javier Fernandez, has signed a GNA with us, but has not yet become a business member.
The Tag Restaurant Group, founded in Denver by Troy Guard, is opening a second venue, Done Deal, in Republic Plaza lobby. They currently own Bubu at the same location, as well as Guard & Grace, HashTags and Los Chigones. Their liquor license hearing was September 9 and Garis and Lisa attended. UpDoNa did not testify as they turned down our GNA and offer of support.
DazzleJazz has made the move to the DCPA at 1080 14th Street and are up and running in their new and cozier location. They recently invited all UpDoNa members to a free performance over a 2 night span. Please get out and enjoy some great jazz.
99 Bottles and 4 Play Whiskey and Tequila on 15th Street have finally passed all but one of their inspections, which they expect to do very shortly. After a final review with Excise & Licensing, they plan to open the first week of November.
Vanish at 1543 Champa, is still struggling with HVAC issues and city permitting delays. UpDoNa has reached out to our city councilman, Chris Hinds, to expedite the permitting issues and have passed on contact information to the bar owner. We’re hoping they will be operating in the very near future.
NPU, the San Francisco based entertainment provider, will announce details soon for their upcoming immersive experiences. In the meantime, they continue to host private gatherings at their location at Pavilion’s on 16th Street.
Garis Smith, Chair of GNC
