ChippyNoms 😋

Arvada continues to attract major retailers, and one of the most anticipated additions is now taking shape. A new Whole Foods Market is under construction at the Northridge Shopping Center near West 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard, just steps away from the future Daiso location that many local shoppers have been eagerly following. According to city planning documents, the project will replace the former Hobby Lobby building at 7815 Wadsworth Boulevard. The approved plans call for a new grocery store of approximately 40,000 square feet, along with landscaping improvements, updated storefronts, outdoor seating areas, and pedestrian-friendly upgrades throughout the shopping center.

For Arvada residents, the new store will fill a gap in the area. The closest Whole Foods locations are currently in Westminster, Lakewood, and Denver, making this one of the most significant grocery developments in northwest Jefferson County in recent years.

The project is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Northridge Shopping Center, which is anchored by Target and already includes several grocery competitors nearby. Construction activities have been visible on-site as the former building is transformed into the future Whole Foods location.

What Whole Foods Is Known For

Whole Foods Market specializes in natural and organic groceries, prepared foods, and specialty products. Some popular offerings include:

Extensive organic produce selections

Fresh sushi and prepared meal stations

Specialty cheeses and charcuterie

Hot food and salad bars

Fresh bakery items and artisan breads

Local and regional Colorado products

Other Colorado Whole Foods Locations

Colorado shoppers can also visit Whole Foods stores in:

Lakewood

Westminster

Cherry Creek (Denver)

Capitol Hill (Denver)

Belmar (Lakewood)

Boulder

Superior

Highlands Ranch

Fort Collins

With both Whole Foods and Daiso on the way, this section of Arvada is quickly becoming a destination for grocery shopping, household goods, and specialty imports. For local residents, the combination could create one of the more interesting retail hubs on the west side of the metro area.

Website: Whole Foods Market

Instagram: @wholefoods

Edgewater is losing one of its most beloved neighborhood bakeries as Suzette Bakery & Cafe has officially closed its doors. The bakery's final day of service was Sunday, April 26, 2026, marking the end of a memorable run at 5901 W. 25th Ave. in the heart of Edgewater. Since opening in 2023, Suzette became a favorite destination for locals seeking fresh pastries, artisan breads, cakes, pies, and expertly crafted coffee drinks.

The bakery shared a heartfelt farewell message with customers, thanking the community for its support and reflecting on the relationships and memories built over countless cups of coffee, morning pastries, and special celebrations. While its time in Edgewater was relatively brief, Suzette made a lasting impression on many neighborhood residents.

Suzette opened in the former Pizzeria Forte space and quickly established itself as a welcoming gathering place. Its menu focused on scratch-made baked goods and cafe offerings, with favorites that included:

Buttery croissants

- Fresh-baked scones

- Cinnamon swirls

- Seasonal pies

- Cheesecakes and specialty cakes

- Espresso drinks and premium coffee beverages

The bakery's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques helped it stand out in a competitive market. Whether customers stopped in for a quick coffee, picked up pastries for the office, or ordered desserts for special occasions, Suzette became a valued part of the local dining scene.

Although the storefront is now dark, many customers will remember Suzette for the warmth and hospitality it brought to the neighborhood. Its closure leaves a notable vacancy in Edgewater's growing food and beverage community.

Location

5901 W. 25th Ave.

Edgewater, CO 80214

Learn More

Website: https://www.suzettebakerycafe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzettebakeryandcafe

Lakewood’s gluten-free dining scene recently gained a major addition as Moore Cafe & Bakery held its grand opening on May 16. The new cafe marks an expansion for the popular Denver-based bakery, bringing its dedicated gluten-free breads, pastries, donuts, and cafe offerings to the west side of the metro area.

Moore Bread Bakery is known for a completely gluten-free and celiac-safe menu, including donuts, artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee drinks.

Website: https://www.moorebreadbakery.com/

Denver’s matcha scene is getting a new addition. Idoru Matcha is preparing to open inside The Source Market Hall in RiNo, bringing a specialty matcha-focused concept to one of the city’s most popular culinary destinations.

The shop appears to focus on premium Japanese matcha drinks, including Uji matcha, iced matcha beverages, layered drinks, ceremonial-grade preparations, and seasonal matcha creations.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idorumatcha/

A longtime Denver bakery favorite has officially said goodbye. Happy Bakeshop, located in Denver's Highlands neighborhood, permanently closed its doors on May 2, 2026.

Known for scratch-made cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies, macarons, vegan/gluten-free options, and wedding desserts, Happy Bakeshop had been part of Denver's early gourmet cupcake movement since 2006.

Address: 3621 W. 32nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80211

Website: https://www.happybakeshopcolorado.com/

Texas de Brazil is Coming to Orchard Town Center!

Exciting news for Westminster foodies! This renowned Brazilian steakhouse is set to open at Orchard Town Center with an endless parade of flame-grilled meats carved tableside by skilled gauchos, alongside an elaborate gourmet salad area.

Location: 14644 Orchard Parkway, Suite 1200, Westminster, CO 80023

What to Expect:

Signature Meats: Picanha, Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon, Brazilian Sausage, Lamb Chops, Garlic Picanha, Parmesan Pork Loin

Gourmet Salad Area: Smoked salmon, manchego cheese, prosciutto, hearts of palm, couscous salad, shrimp salad & more

Hot Items: House-baked Brazilian cheese bread, garlic mashed potatoes, fried bananas

Other Colorado Locations:

Denver: 8390 E Northfield Blvd, Ste 1800

Colorado Springs: 140 Spectrum Loop

Website: texasdebrazil.com | Instagram: @texasdebrazil

Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience!

Get ready, Colorado! 📣 Chicha San Chen is brewing up excitement with its first location at Orchard Town Center in Westminster! 🇹🇼✨

Experience the authentic taste of Taiwanese bubble tea, freshly brewed with their patented teapresso machine for unparalleled flavor and aroma.

Discover Unique Offerings like:

Bubble Milk Tea with Taro

Honey Osmanthus Oolong Tea

Cassia Black Tea with Mousse

Bubble Volcano

Find us at: 14644 Orchard Pkwy, Unit 1300, Westminster, CO 80023

Stay tuned for opening updates and be sure to visit!

Follow @chichasanchen.orchard and @ChichaSanChen for more!

Japanese retail chain Daiso - Japanese Household Goods is celebrating the grand opening of its newest Colorado location this weekend in Aurora at Southlands. The highly anticipated store opens Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, bringing Daiso’s signature mix of affordable Japanese-inspired products to southeast Aurora.  

The new store is located at 23901 E Orchard Rd, Unit E in Aurora and will offer everything from household goods and kitchen items to stationery, beauty products, snacks, décor, storage solutions, toys, and seasonal merchandise. Daiso has become known for its “treasure hunt” shopping experience, where customers can browse thousands of colorful and practical products at budget-friendly prices.  

To celebrate the opening weekend, the first 200 customers each day who spend at least $20 will receive an exclusive Colorado-themed tote bag while supplies last. Additional coupon offers and giveaways will also be available throughout the weekend. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

The Southlands location marks Daiso’s second Aurora store and continues the company’s rapid U.S. expansion, which recently surpassed 200 locations nationwide. The retailer first entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has continued growing as demand for Japanese value stores and imported goods increases across the country.  

Colorado shoppers have already shown strong enthusiasm for the brand, with long lines reported during previous Colorado grand openings. Reddit users have described Daiso as “like a dollar store but with better quality items” and praised the store’s Japanese snacks, stationery, organization products, and Sanrio merchandise.  

Other Daiso locations nearby include:

Daiso - Centennial

Daiso - Aurora

Daiso - Fort Collins

For more information, visit Daiso USA or follow them on Instagram at @daiso_usa.

A new Italian-inspired concept has officially joined the southwest metro dining scene. Cellar 36 opened its doors on April 24, bringing a cozy, wine-forward atmosphere and scratch-made comfort food to Littleton—while continuing the vision behind its sister restaurant, Bistro 36 Drinkery & Eatery.

A Sister Concept with a New Direction

Cellar 36 is described as a natural evolution of Bistro 36’s hospitality-first approach, shifting from French-inspired cuisine to a more Italian-focused menu. The restaurant emphasizes scratch-made dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and a relaxed, gathering-style dining experience built around good food and wine.  

Where Bistro 36 leans French and Mediterranean, Cellar 36 embraces the “slow down and savor” philosophy of Italian dining—designed as a more intimate, wine bar–driven space perfect for date nights or small groups.

What Took Over the Space

Cellar 36 replaces a former tea shop at the same Simms Street location. While official sources don’t prominently list the prior tenant name, the space has transitioned from a tea-focused concept into a full-service restaurant and wine bar, marking a significant shift in use and atmosphere.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Cellar 36 focuses on approachable Italian comfort food with a slightly elevated twist. While the full menu rotates, some standout elements include:

Handcrafted pastas paired with rustic, house-made sauces

Italian-inspired small plates ideal for sharing

A curated wine list and cocktails designed to complement the food

A focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients throughout the menu  

This positions Cellar 36 somewhere between a casual neighborhood spot and a low-key date-night destination.

Hours & Experience

Cellar 36 operates with a mix of lunch and dinner service later in the week, expanding into full dinner hours on weekends—making it a flexible option for both casual lunches and evening outings.  

Learn More

Website: Visit Cellar 36

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellar36denver/

Civic Center EATS Returns to Downtown Denver May 14 With Food Trucks Through October

One of Denver's most beloved lunchtime traditions is making its return for the 2026 season. Civic Center EATS officially kicks off on May 14 and will run through October 16, bringing a rotating lineup of local food trucks and vendors back to the heart of downtown.

Hosted in the scenic Civic Center Park, the event takes place most Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, making it a go-to option for downtown workers, residents, and anyone looking to upgrade their lunch break.

Civic Center EATS has built a reputation for showcasing some of the best of Denver's food truck scene, with a wide variety of cuisines typically represented. Visitors can expect everything from gourmet burgers and street tacos to international specialties, vegan eats, and creative desserts. The lineup rotates frequently, so there's always something new to try--even for regulars.

Beyond the food, the event offers a lively outdoor atmosphere with plenty of seating, green space, and views of the surrounding civic buildings. It's as much a social gathering as it is a lunch destination, drawing crowds who want to enjoy the warmer months in one of Denver's most iconic public spaces.

Whether you're planning a midweek lunch outing or just looking for an excuse to get outside, Civic Center EATS is once again set to deliver a flavorful and vibrant experience all season long.

Denver’s brunch scene just got a major upgrade. Paperboy, the acclaimed Austin, Texas brunch destination, has officially opened its first Colorado location in West Highland — bringing one of the country’s most talked-about daytime concepts to the city.

The restaurant has taken over the prominent space at 3940 West 32nd Avenue, a spot with a bit of recent turnover. It was originally home to FNG, the Troy Guard concept that closed in 2023. After that, the space briefly operated as Rooted Craft American Kitchen before going quiet again — until now.

Now, Paperboy is bringing new energy — and serious buzz — to the neighborhood.

Originally launched in 2015 as a food trailer in Austin, Paperboy quickly built a cult following before expanding into a full brick-and-mortar restaurant. Known for its elevated comfort food and creative brunch offerings, the concept has become a staple in Austin’s dining scene. Its Denver debut marks the brand’s first expansion outside of Texas.

The menu highlights the dishes that made it famous, with items like Texas hash, migas, seasonal pastries, and signature pancakes topped with brown butter. A full beverage program rounds things out, including specialty coffee, fresh juices, and brunch cocktails.

The space itself leans into a bright, welcoming atmosphere with greenery, indoor seating, and a patio designed for relaxed brunch meetups — fitting right into the West Highland vibe.

For a location that’s seen a few quick transitions since FNG closed, Paperboy’s arrival feels like a strong — and likely lasting — addition. And if early hype is any indication, it’s already shaping up to be one of Denver’s must-try brunch spots.

Denver’s food scene has a hot new opening with the arrival of Chicken Riot, a fast-casual chicken concept from the team behind Riot BBQ.

Located at 2906 E 6th Ave in Cherry Creek, Chicken Riot officially opened this week and is already drawing attention as the newest project from chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber. The restaurant is being described as the sister restaurant to Riot BBQ, bringing the same smoke-driven culinary approach that made their barbecue spot a standout in Denver. 

This new concept shifts the focus from brisket and ribs to slow-smoked rotisserie chicken, blending Northern Mexico’s pollo asado traditions with Texas barbecue technique. According to early coverage, the chicken undergoes a meticulous multi-day preparation process that includes brining, marinating, smoking, and finishing on a rotisserie for crisp skin and juicy meat. 

Chicken Riot takes over the former The Truffle Cheese Shop space in Cherry Creek, giving new life to the small storefront along East 6th Avenue. The compact space features around 20 seats and is designed for quick lunch and dinner service, with an emphasis on grab-and-go meals and neighborhood convenience. 

The menu includes full and half chicken platters, salads, wraps, sides like black beans and dirty rice, and creative items such as a deviled egg chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. The concept feels like a natural expansion of the Riot brand while carving out its own identity around smoked chicken. 

For anyone wanting to visit, here are the direct links:

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FTWm76ShB8mePRJi7?g_st=ic

Instagram: Follow @eatchickenriot on Instagram

Website: https://eatchickenriot.com/

With Riot BBQ already building a strong reputation in Denver, Chicken Riot looks poised to become Cherry Creek’s new go-to spot for smoked chicken, wraps, and quick comfort food with serious technique behind it.

Popular Colorado brunch concept has officially landed in the heart of downtown Denver. HashTAG has opened its newest and largest location at 1125 17th Street, bringing its high-energy “boozy brunch” experience to one of the city’s busiest corridors.

A bigger, bolder downtown concept

Created by Chef Troy Guard and the TAG Restaurant Group, HashTAG has built a reputation for inventive breakfast and brunch dishes—and the downtown location takes things even further. The space features a rooftop patio, giving guests an elevated spot for cocktails and brunch with a view, along with extended hours that go beyond the typical breakfast window.  

Unlike many brunch-only spots, this location is designed to carry guests throughout the day. It’s open for brunch, lunch, and happy hour, with rooftop service and drink specials running into the afternoon and early evening.  

The result is a lively, all-day destination that blends restaurant, bar, and social hangout—something that fits perfectly into downtown Denver’s workday and nightlife mix.

A menu that goes beyond standard brunch

HashTAG’s menu leans heavily into bold flavors, playful mashups, and globally inspired comfort food. While classic breakfast staples are available, it’s the unique dishes that stand out.

Some highlights include:

Fried Spam Musubi with spicy mayo and sweet soy

Slow Roasted Pork Birria Hash with eggs, cotija, and birria jus

Hawaiian Meatloaf “Loco Moco” with kimchi fried rice and mushroom gravy

Bread Pudding French Toast with white chocolate and cream cheese icing

Lucky Charms Waffle topped with whipped cream and berries

Pho Real Hangover Cure, a brunch-friendly take on Vietnamese soup

French ’wich – a sandwich built on French toast with bacon and ham

The drink menu is just as creative, featuring items like a Maple Bacon Old Fashioned, mimosa flights, and large-format “Breakfast Punch” cocktails for groups.  

A social, all-day brunch destination

The downtown HashTAG is designed to be more than just a place to eat—it’s a social hub. The upbeat atmosphere, colorful interior, and rooftop patio make it ideal for everything from casual weekday lunches to weekend brunch meetups or post-work happy hour drinks.

Its location near major venues and office buildings also makes it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors exploring downtown.  

Website & Instagram

Website: Visit HashTAG website

Instagram: Follow HashTAG on Instagram

Other HashTAG locations

HashTAG continues to grow across the Denver metro area. Other locations include:

HashTAG Central Park

HashTAG Highlands Ranch

With its rooftop patio, extended hours, and anything-but-basic menu, HashTAG’s downtown debut adds another energetic brunch option to Denver’s dining scene—one that’s clearly aiming to keep the party going well past breakfast.

The Denver metro has quietly lost another seafood boil destination. Asian Cajun Crab Shack & Bar has officially shuttered its Alameda location, marking the end of its presence in central Denver—while its Westminster outpost continues to operate.  

The closure was noted in a recent roundup of restaurant openings and closings, which confirmed that the Alameda restaurant has ceased operations, though no detailed reason for the shutdown has been publicly shared.   For fans of the brand, however, it’s not a total loss: the Westminster location remains open and still serving the bold, messy, flavor-packed seafood boils the restaurant is known for.

A Fusion Concept That Still Lives On

Even with the Alameda closure, the surviving Westminster restaurant continues to showcase the concept that made Asian Cajun stand out: a mashup of Louisiana-style seafood boils with Asian-inspired flavors.

According to the restaurant’s official site, the menu blends “savory spices and herbs from Louisiana with the rich and aromatic spices of Asia,” creating a unique cross-cultural dining experience.  

Signature and standout menu items include:

Seafood boils loaded with crab, shrimp, crawfish, mussels, and more

Crawfish étouffée with a spicy, buttery kick

Lobster and shrimp Cajun Alfredo

Pork belly fried rice

Seafood ramen with Cajun flair

Soft-shell crab sandwiches and loaded Cajun fries  

The restaurant also leans into the full experience with hands-on dining, customizable seasoning levels, and a lineup of cocktails and micheladas designed to complement the bold flavors.

Social Presence and Where to Find Them

Despite the Denver closure, the brand remains active online and continues promoting its Westminster location:

Instagram: Asian Cajun Instagram

Website: Official Website

On social media, the restaurant frequently highlights crawfish season, seafood specials, and indulgent offerings like all-you-can-eat seafood nights featuring lobster, king crab legs, and more.  

What This Means for Denver’s Seafood Scene

The closure of the Alameda location reflects a broader trend of constant turnover in Denver’s dining scene, where even niche concepts can struggle to maintain multiple locations. Still, Asian Cajun’s continued operation in Westminster suggests there’s still demand for its particular blend of spice, seafood, and spectacle.

For those willing to make the drive north, the boil bags, buttery sauces, and Cajun-Asian mashups are still very much alive—just no longer on Alameda.

Another restaurant has quietly exited the Lakewood dining scene.

The Twin Peaks location at Colorado Mills has officially closed as of today, with a sign posted on the door stating it was the “last day open.” Social media posts from staff confirmed the closure, encouraging customers to stop in for final shifts and say goodbye.

The restaurant, located just off West Colfax near the Colorado Mills mall, had been a long-running sports bar known for its lodge-style atmosphere, 29-degree draft beer, and a menu of scratch-made items like wings, burgers, street tacos, and chicken tenders.

For years, it served as a go-to spot during big games, thanks to its wall-to-wall TVs and high-traffic location near Denver West.

What’s Still Open in Colorado?

Despite the Colorado Mills closure, other Twin Peaks locations in the Denver metro area are still operating—and importantly, they are in very different types of locations (not mall-adjacent), which may be helping them stay open.Twin Peaks at Colorado Mills Closes, Sign Marks Final Day

Another restaurant has quietly exited the Lakewood dining scene.

The Twin Peaks location at Colorado Mills has officially closed as of today, with a sign posted on the door stating it was the “last day open.” Social media posts from staff confirmed the closure, encouraging customers to stop in for final shifts and say goodbye.

The restaurant, located just off West Colfax near the Colorado Mills mall, had been a long-running sports bar known for its lodge-style atmosphere, 29-degree draft beer, and a menu of scratch-made items like wings, burgers, street tacos, and chicken tenders.

For years, it served as a go-to spot during big games, thanks to its wall-to-wall TVs and high-traffic location near Denver West.

What’s Still Open in Colorado?

Despite the Colorado Mills closure, other Twin Peaks locations in the Denver metro area are still operating—and importantly, they are in very different types of locations (not mall-adjacent), which may be helping them stay open.

Twin Peaks near I-25 and Arapahoe Rd

Twin Peaks I-36 and Flatiron Crossing near Flatiron Crossing

Are More Closures Coming?

At this time, there are no confirmed reports that other Colorado Twin Peaks locations are closing. The Centennial and Broomfield restaurants both remain listed as active and operating.

However, the closure of Colorado Mills raises some questions:

It was the only true mall-adjacent location in the state

Foot traffic patterns at malls have shifted significantly in recent years

The brand has been navigating financial restructuring nationally

That suggests this may be a location-specific shutdown, rather than the start of a broader Colorado pullback.

What Happens Next?

The closure leaves a noticeable vacancy at Colorado Mills, one of the more prominent restaurant spaces near the mall’s exterior entrances. Given the visibility and proximity to Denver West, it’s a space that could attract a new tenant fairly quickly.

For now, Twin Peaks fans in Colorado will need to head to Centennial or Broomfield—but the sudden nature of this closure is something worth keeping an eye on, especially if similar signs start appearing at other locations.

A viral street food favorite is officially on its way to Littleton. 88 Hotdog & Juicy Korean Street Food is preparing to open inside Southwest Plaza, bringing crispy, cheese-filled Korean corn dogs and colorful street snacks to the mall. While there’s no official opening date yet, typical mall buildouts suggest it’s likely about 1–2 months away from opening.

⸻

What Is 88 Hotdog & Juicy?

88 Hotdog & Juicy Korean Street Food is a Korean street food concept known for its over-the-top corn dogs and fresh fruit drinks. The brand originated in South Korea as a juice and snack concept and has expanded into the U.S. with a focus on crispy corn dogs and made-to-order beverages. • 🌐 Website: https://www.hotjuicy88aurora.com/ • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotjuicy88_aurora

Their menu typically includes Korean corn dogs, tteokbokki, croffles, and smoothies made from fresh fruit.

⸻

What You Can Expect on the Menu

If the Southwest Plaza location follows the same format, here’s what’s likely coming:

🧀 Korean Corn Dogs • Mozzarella-filled corn dogs with cheese pulls • Half cheese / half sausage combos • Potato-crusted corn dogs • Optional sugar coating (a classic Korean twist)

These stand out thanks to a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior — a signature of Korean-style batter.

🍢 Korean Street Snacks • Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) • Sausage + rice cake skewers • Croffles

🥤 Drinks & Desserts • Fresh fruit smoothies and juices • Yogurt drinks and milk teas • Soft serve

⸻

Try It Now: Aurora Location

If you don’t want to wait for the Southwest Plaza opening, you can already visit: • 88 Hotdog & Juicy Korean Street Food 📍 2225 S Peoria St, Aurora, CO 80014

This location offers the same crispy corn dogs, drinks, and street snacks — giving a solid preview of what’s coming.

⸻

Another Option: Colorado Mills

There’s also a similar Korean street food option inside Colorado Mills: • ThirsTea Tiger

While it’s not the same brand, it offers a comparable mix of trendy snacks and drinks if you’re looking to try Korean corn dogs sooner.

⸻

Why This Opening Matters

Korean corn dogs have exploded in popularity across the U.S., driven by social media and their signature combo of: • Crunchy coatings • Gooey cheese interiors • Sweet + savory flavor combinations