Skyler McKinley
Audio By Carbonatix
Get ready to say so long to Pete’s University Park Cafe, the neighborhood staple in the University of Denver neighborhood that legendary restaurateur Pete Contos took over in 1995, and was one of eight restaurants that ultimately came to bear his name. But Pete passed away in May 2019, and the UP, as the Contos family calls it, will now close November 9.
This is the third of Pete’s eateries to close in recent years, and a restaurant’s closure is “never a good thing,” says Liz Contos, Pete’s widow and wife of fifty years.
In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of the news, readers agree…and serve up plenty of food for thought about this latest closure. Says Laura:
I grew up going here; I am 57. Glad I stopped in for a visit not long ago. Thanks for all the memories, University Cafe.
Adds Diana:
All our DU places are gone. It’s so sad! I miss the non-chain places. There was nothing better then Pete’s after a night out.
Suggests Nicole:
Ugh! Let me guess, another Lulumon…
Replies Rachel:
Or a Panera bread.
Responds Sean:
Clientele decides what businesses stay, and which fall away. I don’t have a lot of confidence in Denverites. They will choose chains over mom-and-pops all day long. Restaurants are harder hit by city council policies.
Offers Arlene:
Mom-and-pops are the heart of our communities, they bring character and charm that chains just can’t replicate. I’ve lived in this neighborhood since I was twelve years old. Sixty years later, the Denver we have known is dying … Bonnie Brae, U Hills, S. Broadway…
And Joe wonders:
What’s your issue, Westword? Here’s a restaurant closure, not on Ewast Colfax, yet somehow you still managed to write about the construction, AGAIN. Y’all need therapy or quit taking money to push this narrative. DU is miles away from Colfax, even longterm beloved family restaurants are closing because of costs going up and average people not having enough spendable income. Here’s another example.
As author Skyler McKinley noted in his piece, the Contos family made the difficult decision to close the UP in part to help save two other Pete’s eateries struggling through the construction on East Colfax Avenue: the Satire and Pete’s Kitchen. “We can’t lose that corner,” Dean says. “That’s Pete’s corner. That’s where he put his blood, sweat and tears.” By consolidating, the family hopes they can grow the other businesses just as Pete and Liz grew from the Satire to several restaurants to the third generation of the family business. “This is a chance for us to get back to the dream again,” Dean continues. “To start dreaming some more.”
What do you think of this latest closing? Post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.
