121 combined years of eats, brews, and memories bite the dust with closings of Paramount Cafe, Marlowe's, Govnr's Park, and Lala's Wine Bar + Pizzeria.
Denver's food scene is changing again. Restaurants owned by Premier Ventures Inc., including 16th Street eateries Paramount Cafe and Marlowe's; Govnr's Park Tavern, the circa 1976 watering hole on Logan Street; and Lala's Wine Bar + Pizzeria, at 7th and Logan, will all be closed by the end of the year. These closures are just a few of the many Denver dining staples that are pouring their last drink and serving their last meal this year, including Old Spaghetti Factory and Famous Pizza.
“We regret to announce, after a combined 121 years of business, at the conclusion of our leases, we are closing the doors of our four Denver restaurants,” Premier said in a statement.
The Paramount closed out its 33-year run without fanfare or notice on Sept. 2, simply going dark. The three other establishments will close as leases expire, with Govnr's Park shutting on November 11, Marlowe's on December 22, and Lala's on December 23.
John Ott, Premier Ventures Inc Partner, said that there isn’t just one reason why the group is choosing to shutter the restaurants, but rather a combination of factors that include changing neighborhood demographics, labor shortages, and the changing face of Denver’s food scene, in general.
Many will no doubt lament the loss of 2-for-1 happy hours on the Paramount patio. But, as is with much of rapidly changing Denver, our sentimentality isn’t enough to keep favorite fixtures afloat. If you were a devoted customer, head over to the three restaurants that remain to reminisce, make a few new memories, and eat a last meal or two while you still can.
“To our guests, we say thank you. We enjoyed serving you and it has been our pleasure to share in your memories over countless lunches and dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations of all sorts. You are part of our family, and we could not have succeeded for so long without you,” Premier concluded.
How do you feel about the four restaurant closures? Are you sad or glad about Denver's changing food scene? Let us know in the comments below.
On the plus-side, Voodoo Donuts is opening a second location! Click here to learn more.
