Retro Building in Fort Collins to Become Home of Popular Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurants in Colorado vary in they way they approach their menus, but they all seem to have a great customer base. One in Fort Collins is making a move that old and new customers will embrace.

Panino's Italian Restaurant Moving to New Location to Make Room for Students

It was in March of 2025 that we let you know that Panino's would be closing their location on Prospect Road near College Avenue in Fort Collins after 25 years. The closure being due to the entire building coming down to become CSU student housing.

There seem to be more and more Italian restaurants within the Fort Collins dining landscape, so for one to keep succeeding decade after decade speaks to that restaurant's greatness. Panino's in Fort Collins fall under that category.

On one hand it is great that more and more students are interesting in attending Colorado State, but on the other, pushing out longtime restaurants for student housing isn't fun. In this case, it looks like the restaurant got lucky in finding what many will say (including Panino's) is a better location.

READ MORE: The Real Story About Leo's Italian Kitchens in Colorado

According to The Coloradoan, Panino's has struck a deal to move into a spot on College last occupied by The Post Chicken & Beer, at 1002 South College. The building still looks like it did when it was an IHOP for so many years.

Panino's Bringing New Name to New Location

According to the Coloradoan, with the move Panino's will be naming the new location Focolare by Panino's. "Focolare," means "hearth" in Italian and will be referring to several fireplaces that will be inside the new spot, which they hope to open in early June of 2025.

The new spot will have better access, outdoor seating, and better visibility there at Elizabeth and College. "When one door closes..." as they say.