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New Ownership Taking Over Grandpa's Burger Haven

The stand has been a fixture on Federal Boulevard for over seventy years, and its new owner will take the reins on October 25.
Image: blue and white sign
Grandpa's celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023. Molly Martin

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From newer spots to old-school favorites, Denver has a lot of burger options. One of the oldest is Grandpa's Burger Haven, a small stand at 23 South Federal Boulevard that celebrated its seventieth anniversary last year.

It was originally part of the local Jim's Burger Haven chain, which was founded in Thornton by Jim and Arlene Moser in 1961. (Jim's still has locations in Thornton and Westminster.)

The Federal spot split from Jim's and became Grandpa's in 1980; it's known for its wide, six-inch burgers — "#1 on the big bun," as the sign says.

In 2022, Denverite reported that current owner Randy Goddard was looking to sell — but was willing to wait until he found a new owner who would keep the place the same.
click to enlarge burgers
Mark Antonation
Now, he's apparently found that person. On October 25, a new owner is set to take over Grandpa's Burger Haven.

While an employee confirmed the news, he noted that the staff has yet to meet the person taking over the business. So will Grandpa's be open on Friday? "If they can get their license, we'll stay open," the employee said.

Eric Escudero, communications director  for the Department of Excise and Licenses, notes that Grandpa's Burger Haven does currently have a retail food license issued.

We will update this story as more information becomes available. In the meantime, Grandpa's is definitely serving.