Colorado Springs, CO — Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF) recently announced an Oskar Blues restaurant/music venue and taproom to downtown Colorado Springs at 118 N. Tejon Street. DeGraff Building, LLC recently signed a 15,589-square-foot lease at the historic building with the Longmont-based company.
“A landmark based restaurant in a landmark location; it’s a great win-win,” commented Dan Robertson, managing member, DeGraff Building LLC. “The DeGraff Building provides an updated historic presence ideal for Oskar Blues’ new concept. Known for handcrafted beer and flavorful American food, Oskar Blues will bring its great reputation for creating fun concept eateries to the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.”
The four-story masonry building was constructed in 1897, restored in 1982, and was then home to Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom for 33 years. “Situated in the heart of the central business district, the historic DeGraff Building is one of the few remaining commercial buildings dating from the boom period following the Cripple Creek gold strike,” added Simon Penner, director at NGKF. “This location offers high-pedestrian traffic, adjacent private parking, space for front and rear patio dining and a full lower level ideal for Oskar Blues’ creative uses. It was high-visibility space, which was quickly filled.”
Plans for the $1.2-million renovation for tenant build-out at the property will begin in February 2017. Both the brewery & restaurant group – known for innovative concepts, including providing the first craft beer in a can – is working with Boulder architect Jim Bray at Urban West Studio to design a venue with a vibrant edge to reflect the company’s irreverent heritage, yet stay true to the historic nature of the DeGraff Building and highlight the downtown location.
“The plans include a multi-tap concept eatery, featuring as many as 43 rotating craft taps including Oskar Blues and others. The menu will be anchored by an eclectic blend of Americana food, fueled by founder Dale Katechis’ bluesy southern roots, live music and edgy family fun including a party area in the lower level,” stated Jason Rogers, partner and chef, Oskar Blues Fooderies. “Our anticipated opening is June, 2017.”
Over the past few years Oskar Blues Fooderies has strengthened its initial assets of the original Lyon’s Grill & Brew and Longmont’s Home Made Liquids & Solids restaurants with two CHUBurger fast-casual locations in Longmont, CO and Denver’s Coors Field along with the full-service CyclHOPS Bike CANtina concept. The group is set to kick off 2017 with a bang, opening another CHUBurger and the first Hotbox Roasters eateries in Denver’s burgeoning RiNo district.
“Hot on the heels of our recent Denver expansion, Oskar Blues is bringing to fruition our long-time goal of a Colorado Springs location,” stated, Anita Gray, Oskar Blues Fooderies operating partner and regional district manager. “We found an iconic venue at the DeGraff Building for our flagship restaurant – the historic nature of the building, the ideal location on Tejon, and the successful history of Old Chicago’s presence piqued our interest. We anticipate becoming a vital member of the Springs’ community.”
“This will be our seventh Colorado restaurant – and we are enthusiastically looking for new locations. I can also see the Springs would be a perfect market for CHUBurger, our craft casual concept,” Rogers added.
Oskar Blues Brewery has grown alongside the Fooderies, expanding breweries into Brevard, N.C. and Austin, TX, while continuing innovation with creations like The Crowler®; sealing 32-ounce cans of to-go beer from the tap. The company has spawned spinoffs like REEB Cycles, Hotbox Roasters coffee and a destination “REEB Ranch” mountain bike & events ranch in Brevard, NC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Oskar Blues Fooderies to the downtown Colorado Springs market,” commented Susan Edmondson, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership, noting the restaurant is expected to create 75 new jobs in the Springs area. “Oskar Blues is a renowned employer, with strong benefits and a coveted company culture. It is a good opportunity for both the restaurant and for the Springs. Their presence builds on our downtown’s reputation for great food, award-winning craft beer and a fun, welcoming vibe.”
NGKF’s Simon Penner represented DeGraff Building, LLC on the lease transaction; Ken Himel with David Hicks & Lampert represented Oskar Blues Fooderies.
Image courtesy of NGKF
