In a recent turn of events, two years after shelling out $5.2 million for Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery, Houston-based RCI Hospitality Holdings Co. has announced its plan to bring the curtain down on this business on November 30th. This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering the property was purchased from renowned Denver chef and restaurateur Troy Guard in 2021 and initially known as Grange Hall, housing several of Guard's concepts along with a brewery and other restaurants.

Why the Decision to Close?

When asked about the decision to sell, Guard told The Denver Post that they weren't initially inclined to part with the business. However, RCI came back to them on three separate occasions, each time upping the price. Guard attributed the sale to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move has left the local food and beverage scene in a state of uncertainty.

The closure of Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery is not just a loss for the local community but also for the restaurant industry as a whole. It was a hub of culinary diversity and a gathering place for food enthusiasts. Now, with its doors set to close, many are left wondering what the future holds for this once-thriving establishment.

RCI, a publicly traded company with a diverse portfolio of restaurants and strip bars across the country, including Diamond Cabaret and PT’s Showclub, had seen Grange Hall as an opportunity to introduce its Bombshells sports bar brand, which bears a resemblance to Hooters and Twin Peaks. But despite these efforts, the business failed to sustain itself in the long run.

Changes After the Purchase

After acquiring the property, RCI took it upon itself to rename the food hall and make significant changes to the existing concepts. This transformation aimed to give the place a new identity and align it with RCI's business strategies. However, these changes did not seem to be enough to ensure the long-term success of the business.

The removal of Guard's original concepts and the introduction of new ones proved to be a challenging task. It took time for the new concepts to gain traction, and by the time they did, it was perhaps too late. The COVID-19 pandemic had already taken a toll on the restaurant industry, and Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery was no exception.

Despite the efforts made by RCI, the business faced numerous challenges, including competition from other local and national restaurants, changing consumer preferences, and the ongoing economic uncertainties. These factors combined to make it difficult for the food hall to survive.

Impact on the Local Community

Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery was more than just a restaurant; it was a community gathering place. It brought people together over good food and drinks, creating memories and a sense of belonging. With its closure, the local community will miss this vibrant space.

The loss of such a significant establishment will have a ripple effect on the local economy. Many vendors, suppliers, and employees were associated with the food hall, and their livelihoods will be affected. It will take time for the community to recover from this loss and find new places to gather and enjoy good food.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. The closure of Cherry Creek Food Hall & Brewery also presents an opportunity for the local food and beverage industry to reinvent itself. It will force other restaurants and businesses to step up their game and offer unique experiences to attract customers.

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