The Hoffbrau Bar & Grill, a dark two-level dive inhabiting the plot at 1301 Santa Fe Drive, closed quietly a few months ago, but is set to reopen next week under new ownership.

This morning saw a large group at work cleaning the place, and a friendly employee scrubbing the upstairs smoking patio informed passersby that a new owner and staff would serve a new menu starting Tuesday, August 17.

The owner, John Athensoupolos, was less firm on the date, saying he's aiming for Tuesday but could open any time next week. He's passed health inspection, but he has a couple of areas of the restaurant that he'd like to fix before opening the door. Like the two stairs into the dining room, for instance, which could use a little polish.

When he does open for business, Athensoupolos, who has owned several now-closed restaurants in Denver, will offer a Greek-American-Mexican menu to supplement the full bar.

Hoffbrau Colorado, 7699 West 88th Avenue in Westminster, is still open under the same name, but it's not affiliated with the new Hoffbrau here.

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