Hand-picked Central Denver and regional business news brought to you on a monthly basis. Please notify us of business-related news within your neighborhood so we can provide coverage. Email jeanne@lifeoncaphill.com.

OPENINGS:

MILE HIGH CLYDE

It’s never easy to decide which business to share first. This month, it was a tie. Both are worth your attention, so don’t stop reading.

Nostalgia won the coin toss for lead item, so my first feature is Clyde, a new eatery at 112 E. Eighth Ave. in the space that Le Central lovingly occupied for 34 years.

I have so many fond memories of Le Central that I couldn’t wait to see what owners/partners Chris Fehlinger and Jon Lipshutz had created in this famed space.

Clyde’s is a social café, an eatery, a wine bar and a design boutique all under one roof. The wine bar opened in mid-October. With your wine, try the anchovy fritters or the lamb and pork meatballs. The full menu rolls out in early November.

Wine service begins at 5:00p.m. and $5 wine is available until 6:00p.m. Check Twitter @mhclyde for the day’s pours. Eats include cheese and meat boards, lamb and pork meatballs with sundried tomato and basil butter, anchovy fritters and escargot with risotto cakes.

“We're a pop & pop operation. This isn't fancy,” said Fehlinger. “We're doing this on a dime with the support of the community. It's really important to us that we create a mentoring environment for our staff and a consistent, reliable good time for our guests.”

Fans of Le Central should find this new venture in the vintage space delightful. While the finishes are not high-priced, the results are quite charming. It’s a white tablecloth look that is fresh and inviting.

Be sure to acquaint yourself with Frank, the resident pheasant who dresses up the main room. Clyde is the name of the owners’ dog—a name conveying down-to-earth affordability and accessibility.

“We will strip the pretense from conversations on wine and focus on sharing our enthusiasm for it,” Fehlinger said.

The two men were drawn to this building and its smaller, distinct spaces. The main dining area and a private room that can serve six to ten are already open. The next phase involves the spacious sun porch on the south side, then a bar and more dining space in the second dining area.

“We like this because it's conducive to private parties and the sort of intimate dining experience that we want to achieve, and is not something you can experience in the cavernous spaces that seem to be ubiquitous these days,” Fehlinger said.

When dinner rolls out next week, it will feature share plates, family-style tapas—all designed to pair with the wines by the glass menu.

Clyde will also be home to a modern design store featuring housewares, accessories and furniture, some of which will be used in the restaurant. Many of the featured brands are not currently sold in Colorado, Fehlinger added.

Hours for the bar and snack menu are Tuesday-Saturday, 5:00-11:00p.m. Dinner will be served 5:30-9:30p.m., Tuesday-Thursday with dinner service until 10:00p.m. Friday-Saturday.

An a.m. coffee and house-made pastries service will be added soon, along with a Sunday prix fixe supper.

Call 303-861-4112 for reservations. More details when the design store opens in the coming weeks. Next spring, the Lincoln Street patio area will open as a dog-friendly eats space.

SHIFT BANNOCK WORKSPACES

The other compelling renovation I visited and fell for this month sits just five blocks northwest of Clyde. The old Fistell’s Electronics structure at 10th Avenue and Bannock Street has been lovingly converted into co-working office space and it’s a stunner.

Shift Bannock offers members concierge services, an open bar, a stunning rooftop deck and some of the best repurposed items of art I’ve ever seen.

There’s also a fitness center, numerous phone booths for private conversations, gourmet snacks, an on-site grab-n-go food bar and it’s all brought to you by the folks who opened Shift Corona several years ago.

While it’s truly breathtaking, what scores highest is the atmosphere. Founder and CEO Grant Barnhill said it was all in the plan.

“Our facility promotes a sense of well-being for our members and was intentionally designed to promote workplace happiness. We’ve learned that we all respond positively or negatively to our environment—that views are preferable to walls, light is preferable to dark offices and that working outdoors brightens our days.”

While rooftop decks and garage doors that bring the outdoors inside are a plus, the quirky interior décor is most memorable.

When Barnhill bought the old electronics shop, it was full of inventory and the owners wanted to sell it as-is. A slew of vintage parts were left—even cash was in the register.

After hauling out 55 semis full of trash, Barnhill contacted artist Chris Merrick and challenged him to turn the electronic junk into works to honor the building’s past.

Merrick turned out some amazing creations. The bar on the main level is fronted with panels of electronics that are back at work. The oscilloscopes undulate. The lights flash. Barnhill can control this gem from an app on his phone, too.

Upstairs in the third story Barnhill added to the structure; there’s more art in the lounge where vintage TVs show old Andy Griffith shows. It’s more of Merrick’s handiwork.

The rebirth of this structure was two-and-a-half years in the making. Permits took nine months to obtain.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Barnhill.

Before founding Shift, Barnhill was co-founder and CEO of Boutique Apartments—one of the area’s best known apartment brands on The Hill. If you’ve seen those exteriors, you’ve witnessed his attention to detail.

He can finally relax. Dazzling doesn’t even come close to describing the results—not a descriptor I ever imagined using to describe a co-working business.

In all, Shift Bannock offers 87 offices and will house about 300 individuals. It’s geared to folks in mid-career but also welcomes others. Membership allows workers to utilize both Shift complexes.

Folks who office here can use the rooftop deck but it is also available for weddings and special gatherings. The view is extraordinary.

Rents start at $279/month for co-working space, $425/month for a dedicated desk and $625/month for a private office. The website for more information is shiftworkspaces.com.

THE SOAP SHOP

Just follow the bubbles floating in the air at Detroit Street and East Third Avenue in Cherry Creek North (CCN). A new handcrafted body products store opened a month ago at 313 Detroit St.

It’s Soap Shop, a handcrafted bath and body products store, now operating in the former Iviva young girls activewear space. It has a charming second story that Soap Shop reopened as more retail space.

Features include soaps made from organic vegetable oils and created with a distinctly Rocky Mountain theme. The founders cite their love of organic living and the preservation of the environment as their driving inspirations.

“We’re actually one of the largest soap producers in Colorado. We produce a ton for businesses like B&Bs plus for ourselves, and we now do pet products. A vet-recommended soap with citronella oil. It helps with pet allergies and citronella specifically takes away the dog smell,” said co-owner Nick Schupbach.

“We create all-natural vegan products that use organic oils. We feel that it is beneficial for you and leaves a gentle imprint on the planet.”

Blends include scents like black raspberry and vanilla, wild mountain rose and Colorado columbine—all stamped with a mountain image. Shaving essentials, crèmes, butters and lotions are also on the menu.

This is an expansion for a company that has operated in Idaho Springs for several years. It features far more than soap. The latest addition in CCN are bubble bars you drop in the bath for what promises to be a frothy experience.

Classes on making essential oils and on how to do a crystal bed sonic massage are offered. Call 303-353-2100 or visit sudsorama.com for the full line of inventory. Hours are weekdays 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m., weekends ‘til 8:00p.m.

WHITE FENCE FARMS

“Bring the chicken to the people.” The Hill’s newest chicken spot has a slogan unfamiliar to residents but it’s actually an old favorite. Confused yet?

White Fence Farms is opening its third retail location in the metro area at East Ninth Avenue and Corona Street.

“Capitol Hill is a great area … densely populated with not a lot of restaurants in the immediate area,” said GM Whitney Carloss. “We are beyond excited to be a part of the Capitol Hill community.”

White Fence is best known for its idyllic farm setting in Lakewood where diners have enjoyed fried chicken, cole slaw and corn fritters for decades. Now those items will be available to pick up at the Corona location along with homemade fudge.

While the carryout spots around town can’t compete with the farm’s animals, petting zoo, gift shop and other entertainment at the original farm, the meals should be familiar for fans. Hours are daily 11:00a.m. until sell out (usually around 9:00p.m.).

AMAZON LOCKERS

Meet Winifred—a large bank of yellow lockers located on the side of the 7-11 of Saint Paul Street and East Colfax Avenue.

This is Amazon’s latest answer to delivered package theft and a welcome addition to neighborhoods like Congress Park and City Park where porch thefts have been on the rise.

You can opt to have pricey merchandise sent to Winifred instead of having it dropped on your front steps. Amazon drivers drop orders into empty locker spaces—they will handle some moderately large shipments—then email the customer a numeric code. Enter it and a door will open. Voila! Your package safe and sound!

There is no additional fee to use lockers. You must pick up your package within 72 hours or it will be shipped back to Amazon. Not all items are eligible. The total size must be less than 16.5 inches by 13.8 inches by 12.6 inches and weigh under 10 pounds.

MILE HIGH HAMBURGER MARY’S

Hamburger Mary’s is back and enjoying a new incarnation as a sports bar.

The old space in Uptown at East 17th Avenue and Washington Street changed its name to M Uptown earlier this year after deciding to let its franchise agreement lapse. A new group quickly gobbled up the franchise and Mary’s was reborn. This rebirth occurred just six blocks east of the original spot. The address is 1336 E. 17th Ave.—a space recently called B Side restaurant.

The gay-friendly venue features over 20 HDTVs. You can reserve a 60” TV in the Parlor to watch your favorite NFL games with friends.

Vintage thrift store finds and a hundred years of sports memorabilia complement the eatery’s vintage home perfectly. The main dining area is now much lighter and cheerier than past incarnations at this address.

“The property is very unique and the décor is fun and quirky/kitschy,” said Mark Price, one of Mary’s five owners. “The specific property was a fit because we were looking for something house-like and charming to fit with our idea to create Mary’s house.”

Each Mary’s menu nationwide is similar but not identical; Denver’s five founders hope to work in some personality. Here the stock Aloha hamburger is built with grilled pineapple chutney touched by rum rather than a boring ring of fruit.

“We’re definitely elevating the menu,” added co-owner Adriana Parkinson.

There are seven burger treatments on the initial menu and each can contain a beef, chicken or veggie patty. Other offerings include gluten free salads like the Power Hour packed with quinoa and veggies, then topped with lemon preserve vinaigrette.

The menu will evolve as Mary’s hits its stride. Brunch is on the way. They’re already dishing up the final check in grand (stiletto) style.

Mary’s opens daily at 11:00a.m. There’s a sunny patio in front along the avenue but the real gem is the one that’s tucked into the back. It will open next summer.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 11:00a.m.-11:00p.m. Friday-Saturday 10:30a.m.-midnight, Sunday 10:30a.m.-10:00p.m. You can reach Mary's at 303-993-5812.

DEPARTURE ELEVATED

The bar and lounge perched atop Halcyon hotel in Cherry Creek North (CCN) opened quietly in mid-September. While the hospitality group that runs Departure on street level and Elevated up top isn’t welcoming media photos, Instagram gives a sneak peek.

The bar makes its own drinks, features numerous seating areas and shares the roof with the Halcyon’s outdoor pool. If you go expecting a semi-tropical atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.

Departure Elevated currently offers an “off season” menu. Although the full Asian-focused menu is only available downstairs, similar cultural influences are evident here. Elevated’s menu features snack options, including Taro Chips with creamy cashew-jalapeno dip and Miso Deviled Eggs with bonito and spices.

Fire pits and heaters will be used this winter and early spring season. Private groups can also book special events from Nov. 1 until April 1.

For the remainder of 2016, Elevated is open Friday-Saturday, 5:00-11:00p.m. Reservations are taken with a food/beverage minimum but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

CHANGES:

SOL LINGERIE

It’s the one thing I hate shopping for more than jeans and I’m not alone. Many women develop an aversion to lingerie shopping. However, the folks at SOL believe it should be fun.

SOL Lingerie just relocated into a permanent home at East Sixth Avenue and Milwaukee Street after 19-plus years in CCN.

The new address features more space, more design lines, more inventory and more bra-sized swimwear inventory. Also featured: more dressing rooms and more help making the right buy.

“A good fit means everything,” says Cindy Johnson, co-founder of SOL, the largest women-owned, independent bra retailer in the U.S.

After renting for decades, it was time to buy a space that could be tailored to SOL’s unique needs.

“It’s been a 10-year goal of ours [to relocate]. We’ve watched a lot of our mentors and smart business owners purchase their own real estate. We’ve had 10 years to noodle on what we wanted in this building,” said co-owner Jeanie Peterson.

“After 19 years of talking to women about ‘fit, size and confidence,’ it was time for us to do the same,” Peterson added. “We’ve been growing with the changing ‘figure’ of Denver’s women who are more empowered than ever—culturally, personally and economically.”

SOL stands for store of lingerie but it could easily mean sisters of lingerie. These women are sisters, too.

The duo traveled to Europe and brought back a love of Tuscan style that’s evident at their 3400 square foot flagship store. SOL’s offices and showroom are finally under a single roof.

“My sister, Cindy, is a real wonder. She’s always known what she wanted to do. She just fell in love (with lingerie),” Peterson explained when asked how the business evolved.

The sisters count 60,000 women as members of their SOL sisterhood. Some have been customers since SOL opened. Some travel long distances to get SOL’s brand of customer service and its “feel good” outcomes.

There’s far more than brassieres here. Undergarments, pajamas and cashmere robes are also in ample supply. After all, we’re in cashmere season. SOL also sells men’s briefs from a single company. A woman often originally purchases the SAXX briefs, but her significant other is the one who comes back to stock up. Designed to prevent chafing, these boxer briefs have created quite a following.

Another focus is bra-sized swimwear. SOL has worked with some of their manufacturers to meet the needs of their clientele. The company also supports five organizations that help women and children, including the Gathering Place and Free the Girls.

“SOL is a place you can laugh, share stories, let loose and have fun with your ‘SOL sisters.’ The bigger store will make space for new fittings, new stories and even more laughter,” Peterson said.

Another plus of the move? Off-street parking for customers. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. The address is 3010 E. 6th Ave. The number is 720-219-1060.

TACOS, TEQUILA, WHISKEY

Pinché Tacos at 1514 York St. marked its fifth anniversary on Halloween night. It’s been a fun run for Kevin Morrison, who started with a humble food truck before launching this first brick-and-mortar space.

Along the way, he ran into a trademark challenge from an L.A. eatery and rather quietly, the name became Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey.

Morrison now employs over 100 workers. He plans to open two new restaurants a year for each of the next five years. The next to open is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Then Governor’s Park will get a taco spot. It’s been a learning experience.

“Things have changed dramatically,” he said reflecting on the past five years and the lessons learned. “It’s most important to have a great team working with you rather than doing it solo.”

Morrison opens his second concept Friday, Nov. 4, at 3514 Larimer St. It’s a seafood-focused eatery called Fish ‘n Beer Oysterette.

ACE EAT SERVE

Fall is in the air and on the range—the one at ACE Eat Serve in Uptown. The ping pong-focused bar-and-eatery is rolling out a new fall menu geared to warm you up in the coming months.

The food’s still Asian in influence and ACE prepares 350 pounds of kimchi each week. Those pickled veggies appear in a variety of dishes, including kimchi fritters with charred scallion aioli—a customer favorite.

You can warm up with Tom Kha soup—a blend of chicken, creamy coconut milk, three types of mushrooms and herbs or bulgogi—a marinated ribeye with kimchi, Asian pears and rice.

ACE has found a local farm—Living Local—to grow all the Thai basil ACE needs. You can browse the full fall menu at aceeatserve.com.

The pong room calendar is also online, as are the offerings at the raw juice bar. 501 E. 17th Ave. is the eatery’s address. Hours are weekends 4:00p.m.-midnight, weekdays 11:00a.m.-midnight.

LA FILLETTE

The shortage of craft ice cream on the beat has worsened again. La Fillette bakery and café at 4416 E. Eighth Ave. started churning up some unique flavors this summer to fill the void, but discontinued the offerings a month ago.

La Fillette is the retail outlet of Sugar Vision, an upscale bakery serving a number of local cafes with goodies. Melissa Yanc founded the company several years ago and added a retail outlet in 2015.

Now, Yanc is moving to New York City to follow a dream. Her business partner Keturah Fleming plans to keep the retail and wholesale bakeries and their irresistible almond croissants in ample supply.

Hours remain Monday and Wednesday-Friday, 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m., weekends 8:00a.m.-3:00p.m. The number for the shop is 303-355-0022. Check out sugarvisiondenver.com for details.

YOGURTLAND

Denver’s Yogurtland spot at 550 Grant St. opened six years ago but just wrapped up a 10th anniversary celebration based on its parent company’s 2006 launch and 300 locations nationwide.

Denver has been good for Yogurtland’s business model.

“When we first opened [this location], we led the nation with Yogurtland sales,” said co-owner Melissa Krischuk.

I asked Krischuk whether the concept has gone through a bunch of changes since she opened her space.

“Not that much,” she replied. “It’s pretty cool to know that we’ve survived 10 years while staying true to our vision.”

A few changes are notable, however.

“[The company has] added a lot more flavors and promotional flavors that we can roll out.”

Since FroYo contains dairy products which some cannot eat, Yogurtland added a selection of sorbet flavors. A gelato experience that’s higher in milk fat is now in the works.

With the recent departure of Red Mango, Yogurt Guru, Cloud 9 and Menchie’s, this spot still dishes up daily FroYo fixes whenever the mood strikes. Daily hours are 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m.

MASSAGE QWEST

Massage Qwest just celebrated its two-year anniversary. This mobile massage business is based on Capitol Hill but travels to your home. The concept is catching on.

“September was our best and busiest month yet and we are anticipating a very busy winter. People love the fact that with the cold months coming they don't have to go out in the elements and they can have massage therapy in the comfort of their own home,” said co-owner Steve Koehler.

Qwest uses graduates of the Denver School of Massage Therapy. The firm is a participant of the 9News Heath Fair. Appointments are available 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m. daily. Call 303-949-6003 or email at contact@massageqwest.com. The website is massageqwest.com.

BUTTERCREAM BAKESHOP

Big Fat Cupcake on East First Avenue and Adams Street has morphed into Buttercream Bakeshop. It’s still run by the owners who took the reins last fall.

“We changed the name in the spring for various reasons. We had heard customers say that the word ‘fat’ in the name was a little off-putting [and we] agreed,” said Sarah Joyce.

“We also just kind of wanted to make it our own, put our style on things. We wanted a name that sounded sweet and simple, but also wanted a name that we could possibly grow and expand with, as opposed to being stuck only making cupcakes.”

The recipes and quality ingredients are still in use and the cupcakes are in ample supply, but other goodies like coffee cake and cookies can also be found. The number is 303-322-2253.

Hours of operation are Monday, 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

THE BAR CAR’S SWINE EMPORIUM

When Denver Deep Dish tossed its final pie at The Bar Car last year, it left a food void at the neighborhood bar.

Now the kitchen is in business again and the folks at Bar Car are dishing up some BBQ. The result is Swine Emporium and it offers fare that’s a far cry from typical pub grub.

The menu is topped by dry-rub BBQ, available in chicken, hot links, pork or rib versions. There’s also chili, burgers and bacon-dusted mac ‘n cheese. Keep looking and you’ll also find sandwiches and five kinds of fries on the menu, too.

Hours are Sunday-Wednesday, 3:00-10:00p.m., Thursday-Saturday, 3:00p.m.-midnight at 819 Colorado Blvd. The number is 720-524-8099.

PARK TAVERN

Amazingly, this hangout on East 11th Avenue at Ogden Street is still open despite construction that has now boarded up most of the windows.

The plan is to add a rooftop deck and roll out other improvements. Looks like the build should be wrapped up in a couple months.

HATCHED BY NEST and FIREBIRD BOOKS & TOYS

Both the ‘tween clothing store Hatched by Nest and Firebird Books & Toys on East Sixth Avenue were temporarily closed in October. Both are slated to reopen Friday, Nov. 4. Still digging for more details.

CLOSINGS

THE IRISH HOUND

After 15 years, the Irish Hound has closed … just for a bit. A major renovation is in the works—new floors, seating and a new team training to take the helm.

Sources say the popular bar will reopen as simply The Hound with the word Irish removed from the name. It will reopen as a more food-focused establishment as owner Little Pub Company breaks out some of its properties to focus on eats vs. drinks. Stay tuned for reopening details.

FIVE-BUCK DRINKERY

The latest offering from the owners of Lime XS at East Sixth Avenue and Clarkson Street has fizzled. Five-buck drinks and eats evidently didn’t deliver the expected draw.

Now signage on the property promises “Uno Mas” coming soon. Wonder what this new concept will feature?

CONTINENTAL DELI

The deli downstairs at the 250 Steele St. complex has closed after numerous decades. For over 30 years, the Continental Sausage Company operated the Deli but sold its ownership in late 2015. The new owners evidently struggled.

However, fans of Continental’s signature sausages, including its smoked elk and pork brats, are in luck. The company now operates under the Charcutnuvo brand. Its products are available online at charcutnuvo.com or at stores like Costco and Whole Foods.

NUHU MONGOLIAN EXPRESS

Opened in early 2015 and now permanently closed. That’s the story at NuHu Mongolian Express on East 12th Avenue just west of Broadway.

It was the first casual concept from HuHot Mongolian Grill. It was anchored by a large, round grill perfect for stir-fry. Now, it’s gone.

HARMAN’S EAT + DRINK

The run is done for Harman's Eat + Drink on East Second Avenue in CCN. As LIFE reported last month, the company decided to close rather than renew its lease and end up paying much higher rates.

B&B SHOE REPAIR

The shop at 1900 E. Colfax Ave. across from Holiday Chalet B&B is now a vacant shell. The number is disconnected, so hopefully they’re not holding your favorite shoes for pickup.

CO-OP VAPE

Co-op Vape at 2220 E. Colfax Ave. is closed, although this may be temporary.

Opened in late May of this year, the company’s Facebook page indicated a change of management is underway.

Send biz news to Jeanne@lifeoncaphill.com.