Reader: There Are Too Many of These Damn Food Court Things

Even as Junction Food & Drink touts its rejuvenated food hall, one a few miles to the north looks deader than a dinosaur. Last week Molly Martin visited Zeppelin Station, the RiNo food hall that debuted at 3501 Wazee Street in 2018, and it now resembles a ghost town, housing just one food vendor, Uptown & Humboldt, The Zeppelin Station sign has been removed from above the front door, and no website exists for the building.

“I think something major has to happen. I hope it does,” says Uptown & Humboldt co-owner Gio Diaz. Like others, he was excited about Clever Girl, the dino-themed takeover of the space that was announced in February. But the dinos never showed.

In their comments on the Westword Facebook page, readers have several other explanations for why Zeppelin Station is almost extinct. Says Clarke:

Hasn’t it been dead for a while? I was in the area about a year ago and popped in; it’s so off the beaten path and really had no energy inside, with nothing that made me want to return. With nothing else interesting in that area, it’s not really a destination and it seems like neighborhood locals don’t frequent it, either. Was adding dinosaurs supposed to change that?

Responds James:

It was weird from the start, a giant building with barely anything in it.

Suggests Walt:

A terrible marketing plan plus COVID was the death knell.

Suggests Adam:

The economy is falling apart, but the narcissism of the hipster chic didn’t help.

Adds Christian:

There’s too many of these damn food court things. There are too many restaurants in general. Oversaturation coupled with significant financial pressures because of supplies and very increased labor costs is a recipe for disaster. You’ve also got that crazy-ass property tax that the City and County of Denver charges. It’s not a very friendly environment for bars and restaurants or food halls. The city did this to itself in a big way with flawed policy. It sucks.

Responds Katie:

Food halls are the dumbest trend to ever catch on. It’s just mediocre food truck, but indoors. And your friend spends the whole time telling you how you have to try the tacos next time.

Comments Kial:

Sad what happened to RiNo. It used to be a neighborhood where you could paint wherever and no one cared. Where artists could find somewhat manageable rent and a space that could get messy. Now they’ve gentrified the soul of the neighborhood out.

Concludes Dawn:

First rule of real estate….location, location, location and this one sucks.

What did you think of Zeppelin Station? Food halls in general? Post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.