⛳ The plan for the Park Hill Golf Course is...

📽️ Does Colorado Really Want Sundance?

The prestigious Sundance Film Festival is thinking about leaving Park City, Utah — and Boulder could be its new home. Gov. Polis is already talking about forking over millions in tax incentives to lure the fest. But one Sundance insider says when it comes to cost, economics, and the local film industry, there’s a lot more there for Colorado to consider. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⛳ Park Hill Golf Course Set to Become a Public Park

Following years of public controversy and debate, it appears the city finally has a plan for the future of the defunct greenspace. Pending final approval from Denver City Council and other stakeholders, officials hope to debut the property as Denver’s fourth-largest urban park later this summer. [Denver Post 🔒]

⛽ Lakewood Approves New Limits on Gas Stations

Lakewood City Council unanimously voted to impose new restrictions on where gas stations can be located within the city, putting additional space between stations and limiting their proximity to residential areas. The new regulation also applies to car washes. [Denver Biz Journal 🔒]

• Why we’re paying attention: Denver City Council is currently considering a similar proposal 👀 [City Cast Denver 🎧]

The new year is off to a spicy start for the Denver dining scene. Local foodies have been gut-punched by a number of unexpected closures this month, including several long-loved spots. Read on for some of the scene’s biggest surprises. (Spoiler: It’s a lot of new pizza 🍕)

New to the Scene

Adelitas Cocina y Cantina | 5495 W. 20th Ave. (Edgewater)

Opened Jan. 1

The delicious eats from this beloved South Broadway Mexican fave are now also available at the Edgewater Public Market near Sloan’s Lake!

Leven Supply | 300 E. Alameda Ave. (Wash Park)

Opened Jan. 13

Denver’s cult-followed Leven Deli has expanded to include a new Wash Park location now offering pizza and a market selling fresh housemade ingredients, wine, and grab-and-go meals.

Tua Mama’s & Mora New York Pizza | 616 E. 13th Ave. (Cap Hill)

Opened in December

In case you missed it, two new pizza joints have settled into the former Benny Blanco’s space in Cap Hill. Tua Mama’s specializes in gourmet pies and subs, while Mora’s slings vegan offerings including calzones, apps, and ‘za by the slice.

Last Chance to Visit

Lucky Noodles | 1201 E. Colfax Ave. (City Park West)

Closing Jan. 24

After five years feeding hungry patrons along East Colfax, Lucky Noodles plans to close the doors permanently this month. Owner Kamolrat “Ploy” Limpapath cited rising costs and the ongoing BRT construction for the decision, but also hinted at a “new project” in the works 🤞

Denver Stockyard Saloon | 4710 National Western Dr. (Elyria-Swansea)

Closing in April

Though this iconic cowboy bar isn’t set to shutter until April, right now is likely your last chance to visit during the National Western Stock Show (which runs through Jan. 26). The restaurant’s owner and the new landlords were unable to move past contentious disagreements over renovation plans for the historic building that houses this Stock Show fan-favorite.

Comal Heritage Food Incubator | 1950 35th St. (Five Points)

Closing Feb. 14

The RiNo training kitchen/restaurant that has helped dozens of immigrant and refugee women pursue a career path in the culinary arts is closing … for now. The nonprofit that owns the space says it’s looking for a “like-minded operator” to take over and continue Comal’s legacy with a “mission-driven culinary enterprise.”