Colorado Losing Another Legendary Eatery Before Thanksgiving

The struggle is definitely real when it comes to owning/running any restaurant in Colorado these days. After 30 years, a spot in Denver that has served tens of thousands of people announced it would be closing in November of 2025.

Pete Cantos' Denver Dining Empire Once Held Nine Establishments

Pete Cantos came from Greece to Denver in 1956; by 1962 he had opened his first place, The Satire Lounge. The Satire would be the first of nine eateries in the Denver area that would have his name. By the end of 2025, sadly, there will be only three places left for Denverites and others to enjoy.

I don't visit Denver very often, but I have stopped in for breakfast at Pete's Kitchen on Colfax more than a few times; it's a tradition that a buddy and I have after "hitting the town" the night before. It's one of those "old greasy spoon" kind of place with great food and a laid-back vibe. I've become a big fan of the Pete Cantos legacy (Pete passes in 2019) and am sad to hear of one of his few remaining spots closing down.

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According to Westword, Pete's University Park Cafe, which has been open since 1995 at Evans and University, will have its last day on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Between Denver's minimum wage, and rising costs, the Cantos family just can't keep the cafe open. Furthermore, according to Westword, their three remaining spots (The Satire, Pete's Kitchen and Pete's Central One) a very much in jeopardy of not surviving as well.