Reader: I wouldn't invest in Atomic Cowboy's new location sober

The original Atomic Cowboy rode onto East Colfax Avenue a decade ago, and the bi-level bar lassoed a wide range of regulars when it added to its corral with Denver Biscuit Company, serving early-morning eats, as well as Fat Sully's, for lunch and late-night slices. Fat Sully's already had a...

By Patricia Calhoun

November 11, 2013

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The original Atomic Cowboy rode onto East Colfax Avenue a decade ago, and the bi-level bar lassoed a wide range of regulars when it added to its corral with Denver Biscuit Company, serving early-morning eats, as well as Fat Sully's, for lunch and late-night slices. Fat Sully's already had a walk-up branch on South Broadway this spring when the Crimson Canary called it quits next door, and Atomic owner Drew Shader grabbed that location for a second Atomic Cowboy, which opened last week. "We've created a second home for our community of staff and customers," says Shader. "Our goal was to make a comfortable, inviting space that complements the original Atomic Cowboy on Colfax, but also fits into the Baker neighborhood, and with Atomic South Broadway, we got the opportunity to take our brand to the next level while still staying within the aesthetic we've built over ten years on East Colfax."

Will the second time be a charm? Before it housed Crimson Canary (itself a sophomore venture by the folks behind Interstate), this corner spot was home to a second location of Mona's -- a breakfast/lunch spot that has been a longtime hit in the Platte Valley, but didn't make it on Broadway.

Sarah has no doubts that the Baker neighborhood Atomic Cowboy will be a hit.

Yes!! just like on Colfax but in 1 building instead of next door to each other. Great concept, great people. Congrats and thank you for making such yummy biscuits!!

But John offers this:

The site has a history of failure. I wouldn't invest in it sober.

What do you think of Atomic Cowboy's new location? The changes on South Broadway in general?

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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