The new iteration of Blake Street Tavern, once expected to debut by Rockies Opening Day, is still coming, according to its operator.
But the aim now is to open in December.
Jeff Moerke, who is working to open what will be called The Tavern on Blake Street, said the delay is due to a need to upgrade the building’s plumbing and HVAC systems, plus the back patio.
“We were at the 11th hour of the deal and had our (building) inspection with the landlord … They are working tremendously to try and combat this situation for our long-term goals and future. But it’s a million-dollar expense for us or them at the end of the day,” he said.
Since then, Moerke and his wife Ashley, who also own and operate The Tavern Kitchen & Bar in Snowmass, have been negotiating with Urban Renaissance Group, the Seattle-based owner of 2301 Blake St., over a lease for the 18,000-square-foot space.
Though nothing is finalized, Moerke said the parties have “literally one more grain of salt” to iron out before they can sign and construction can begin.
Andy Clemens, an SRS Real Estate broker representing the landlord, was similarly optimistic.
“We want to get this deal done, and he’s the right tenant,” Clemens said. “There’s a lot of homework to do on the mechanical systems and what needs to be done so someone can operate in there, but the plan is to get someone in there by the end of the year.”
Moerke said Urban Renaissance is likely covering the expected $1 million repair bill. He expects to spend another $500,000 on new tables, chairs, dishes and equipment.
Part of the reason Urban Renaissance will foot a large portion of the bill, he added, is because The Tavern is willing to sign a longer lease.
“The original negotiations were more of a shorter term, lesser-length (lease) at the beginning,” Moerke added. “But instead of us forcing the subject, we went back to the drawing board to come together with a long term plan to make The Tavern Kitchen & Bar a staple as long as I’m alive and running businesses.”
Blake Street Tavern closed in 2023 after 20 years in business. Operating there will be something of a homecoming for Moerke’s wife, who worked as a bartender for several years under owner Chris Fuselier.
Moerke also plans on hiring a “core group” of former Blake Street Tavern staff.
“We’ve communicated with a lot of them, and obviously with the timing of the situation and we made it clear that here’s what we’re doing, here’s the opportunities that are available and stay tuned,” he added.
Despite the setback in Denver, the couple has been busy in the meantime. They are also working on the buildout of a 40,000-square-foot Las Vegas outpost for The Tavern. They also run a retail operation in Aspen named after their kids Harper and Hudson.
Moerke said the planned Tavern on Blake Street will feature a menu similar to its sister location in Snowmass, with everything from an $18 burger to $100 caviar.
“When we get into the building, minus your daily breaks that happen from beating it up, the building should be in the best condition it’s been probably ever,” he said. “In order for us to get into profits immediately, we want to hit that New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, March Madness run. And then hopefully the Rockies do a 180.”
A costly repair bill isn’t the only challenge landlord Urban Renaissance Group has faced lately. The firm lost the Market Center complex in LoDo to foreclosure in March — it’s now facing a related lawsuit — and surrendered an office building next to the Tavern building to a lender in February.