I own and operate Watercourse Foods and City, O’ City restaurants in the heart of Denver. For over a decade, my team and I have worked hard to create jobs, serve our community with our trademark delicious food and welcoming vibes, and contribute to the local culture that makes Denver so special. But over the past four to five years, I’ve watched too many fellow independent restaurants and small businesses close their doors: Something has got to give.
Every week, another neighborhood mainstay disappears, and it’s for the same reasons: costs have skyrocketed while sales fall short of pre-pandemic levels. A recent restaurant report backs up what I see every day: Between inflation, labor challenges, rising rent and property taxes, food costs and changing consumer habits, the math of running a small restaurant in Denver has become harder than ever to justify. It just doesn’t add up anymore.
Individuals and small business owners like me pay a lot to be in Denver, and the truth is that it costs more to live and operate here than what many of us can earn back. Small businesses are looking to our city and state leaders for practical ways to help control the rising costs pushing our restaurant community towards extinction…