A sandwich counter that opened a second location in the Edgewater Public Market last summer has closed before the new year, with its owner citing consumer demand and rental costs in influencing his decision.
Tessa Delicatessen announced Sunday that its stand at the food and market hall, 5505 W. 20th Ave., had stopped taking orders. Owner Vince Howard confirmed the post Monday.
His flagship restaurant, the original Tessa Delicatessen at 5724 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver is still open. It’s where Howard will focus his efforts, crafting an impressive roster of sandwiches including chopped cheese, double pastrami and muffuletta.
“We just weren’t profitable out” at Edgewater Public Market, Howard said, adding there was little foot traffic at the counter outside of the lunch hours.
He also said the market was “asking for a lot of rent,” about $6,000 a month. A market representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tessa was one of the year’s new tenants at Edgewater Public Market, along with Saigon Noodle House and the rebranded vegan restaurant Gladys. The market also has stands selling arepas, pizza, empanadas, pastries and more.
Howard, whose original shop is seven years old and eight miles east of Edgewater, said he knew it was a gamble to expand his operations. “I had to figure it out the hard way,” he said.
Tessa Delicatessen will be open throughout the holidays except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The shop also serves pastas, salads and cheeseburgers.