Eight’s company for Juan Gonzalez.
The owner of Wapos Cantina will soon open three new locations of his Mexican restaurant, adding to the several he has around the area. Two of the new spots will be in Denver, marking the first time Gonzalez has ventured into Colorado’s capital.
“It’s a younger crowd, and it’s more trendy,” Gonzalez said of the city, noting he mostly targets suburban families at his other outposts.
His first Mile High spot will open in two weeks at 215 E 7th Ave. in Capitol Hill, the home of Wild Taco until its August closing.
The second Denver Wapos will come to the former home of Wendell’s, the diner that said goodbye to 3838 Tennyson St. on Sept. 21. Gonzalez expects that one to debut in Berkeley in early November.
Both will be 2,000 square feet with a patio, where customers can enjoy Wapo’s carnitas tacos, enchiladas Jalisco and crispy relleno plate – the spot’s three most popular dishes. Gonzalez, who opened the first spot with his wife Adriana 15 years ago in Boulder, said he signed a five-year lease for both.
Gonzalez also will open up another joint in Englewood in December or January. That 3,600-square-foot space was formerly home to El Tepehuan, which closed in 2023 after 45 years in business. Wapos signed a 10-year lease at 3495 S Broadway. When it opens, it will be the chain’s eighth location.
Brian Frank of Axio Commercial Real Estate represented Gonzalez in all three deals.
All three will be a near copy of Wapos five existing locations, which are in Boulder, Arvada, Westminster, Erie and Thornton. The Capitol Hill spot will be the first to open because it’s a turnkey Mexican spot, Gonzales said. The other two are currently undergoing renovations with a $100,000 combined price tag.
“Erie by far is the busiest location,” he said. “We hope (Capitol Hill) and Tennyson are in the top 3 as well.”
Gonzales described Wapos as a modern Mexican sports bar with affordable food. Customers can get four tacos for $15 any day of the week. He’s also been trialing a Taco Tuesday special — three plus a drink for $11 to $13, depending on the beverage.
“It’s very simple but very good,” Gonzalez said of Wapos.
Gonzales started expanding beyond the original Boulder restaurant in 2018 with a since-shuttered spot in Lafayette. Since 2022, he’s been adding one or two stores per year.
In 2026, Gonzalez is eyeing debuts in Loveland and Longmont, which should both be open by the summertime.
“My wife said ‘I’ll divorce you if you open more than 10,’” he said through a laugh. “So that’s probably it.”
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