Machete Tequila + Tacos Closes Denver Colfax Location
After a decade on Colfax Avenue, Machete Tequila + Tacos has closed its location at 3570 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, as first reported by BusinessDen in January 2024. Owner John Wallrath cited the expiration of the lease combined wiht the ongoing construction of the Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line as key factors in the decision.
Impact of BRT Construction
Construction on the Colfax BRT project, which began in late 2024, substantially impacted foot traffic and accessibility to the restaurant. Wallrath noted that the perception of difficulty in traversing the area and finding parking contributed to a decline in business. While the city aims to improve the area through the BRT project, Wallrath stated it ultimately wasn’t viable for Machete to continue operating at that location during the construction period.
Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Challenges
The closure follows a period of fluctuating business performance. While Machete experienced a sales spike in 2022 and 2023, business declined by approximately 70% in the years leading up to the closure. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Colfax location benefited from pre- and post-concert traffic, leveraging its outdoor patio and popular menu items.
Remaining Locations and Future Plans
Despite the closure of the Colfax location, Machete Tequila + Tacos continues to operate successfully at its Cherry Creek (opened in 2011) and Union Station (opened in 2014) locations. Wallrath recently renewed the lease for the Union Station location. Machete also operated a stand at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in 2023, and Wallrath is currently in discussions to return for the 2024 season.
Wallrath indicated that the Cherry Creek and Union Station locations are both profitable, with Union Station perhaps having higher volume and Cherry Creek potentially having higher profit margins due to building ownership. He hasn’t ruled out opening additional machete outposts in Denver in the future.
Key Takeaways
- The closure of the Colfax Machete location was primarily due to lease expiration and the negative impact of the colfax BRT construction.
- The restaurant industry faced important challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Machete Tequila + Tacos remains operational at its Cherry Creek and Union Station locations.
- The possibility of future expansion remains open.
Published: 2026/01/22 22:04:29
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