Every Opening and Closing This Week: Two Mexican Spots Debut and More

This week we have only openings to report, including two new options for Mexican fare. Ash & Agave is the latest concept from Shucking Good Hospitality (SGH), a group that includes two locations of Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood as well as Oliver’s Italian, which opened in DTC in 2023.

According to a press release, Ash & Agave promises an “immersive culinary journey inspired by the sun-soaked flavors, relaxed elegance, and vibrant energy of the Mexican Riviera.”

“Ash and Agave was designed to give a feeling from the moment guests walk through the door. We wanted a space where the lighting, music, cocktails, and food all work together to create something transportive,” says SGH founder and president Sean Huggard. “It is lively, warm, and built for connection, whether guests are joining us for dinner, drinks, or a long evening with friends. We are thrilled to bring this incredible concept to Cherry Creek.”

It’s in the onetime California Pizza Kitchen in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and while we love seeing a locally-owned operation move into a space formerly occupied by a chain, it will be interesting to see how this addition competes with Cherry Creek’s other upscale Mexican eateries, including Richard Sandoval’s Toro and Johnny Curiel’s Alteño.

Over on Tennyson Street, Nicolas Medina is back in the space where he ran Tres Chiles before closing it in 2023 and renting the spot out to Santo Remidio. That concept has since moved to Jefferson Park, and now, Medina is back with Cenizas (Spanish for “ashes”) Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. One highlight of this new place: some tempting daily specials, including $5 margaritas on Mondays and half-off tacos on Tuesdays.

In 2024, Dave King took over as the new owner of DiFranco’s in Capitol Hill. This week, he expanded with a second location in Westminster that promises the same “counter service with a touch of elegance vibe” of the original, along with all the signature dishes that have become customer favorites, such as vodka penne, chicken Parm and meatballs.

Also new to the scene is Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, which took over the former Panera space in the CitySet development in Glendale. Outfitted with a drive-thru, it’s the third Colorado outpost of the Nashville-founded chain that serves both Southern fried and rotisserie chicken.

In Highlands Ranch, Old Blinking Light celebrated its grand reopening. It had been closed since January 1 for renovations and is under new ownership. Changes include a refreshed space and menu, as well as an “elevated cocktail program.”

In Arvada, the Grandview Tavern and Grill is operating under the same name it’s had since 2004, but it is under new ownership. Chef Jeremy Wolgamott has taken over the space, giving the interior a bit of a refresh while launching a Southern menu complete with $20 hot-plate lunch specials and a new cocktail program. It will be celebrating with a grand reopening all-you-can-eat crawfish boil on April 13.

In other openings and closings news:

• The Family Jones is closing its Spirit House tasting room on May 1 to focus on distillery operations.
• Szechuan favorite Noodle Express will close by the end of May because its building is set for demolitions as part of the redevelopment of the Belcaro Shopping Center.

Here’s the complete list of restaurants and bars that opened and closed this week*:

Openings

Ash & Agave, 3000 East First Avenue
Cenizas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 3900 Tennyson Street
DiFranco’s, 7727 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, 640 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale

Reopening

Old Blinking Light, 9344 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch
The Grandview Tavern and Grill, 7427 Grandview Avenue, Arvada

*Or earlier and not previously reported.

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