Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. closes downtown Denver restaurant
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Closes Doors After 18 Years in Denver
After nearly two decades of serving seafood, the popular Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, located across from the Colorado Convention Center, has shut down and is facing legal action over unpaid rent.
The iconic restaurant at 1437 California St. officially closed its doors last week, as confirmed by the landlord.
A sign on the front door, featuring the restaurant’s smiling shrimp mascot, reads, “Unfortunately, we have permanently closed. Thank you for allowing us to serve the Denver community.”
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. first opened its doors in Denver in 2006 with plans to stay for the long haul. However, after facing challenges such as a decrease in customers due to nearby hotel construction in 2016, the restaurant struggled to stay afloat.
Despite efforts to support the restaurant during difficult times, including rent reductions and assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the landlord, Cherne Investment Co., filed a lawsuit against Bubba Gump and its parent companies for unpaid rent and fees.
Named after the beloved film “Forrest Gump,” the real-life Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. was acquired by the Landry’s restaurant group in 2010. However, following the closure of the Denver location, there are no plans to reopen it.
With the iconic building at 1437 California St. now up for sale after 65 years under one family’s ownership, the future of the property remains uncertain. The owner, Kent Cherne, expressed willingness to let go of the property and explore other potential uses for the space.
Despite the end of an era for Bubba Gump in Denver, Cherne remains optimistic about the property’s future, acknowledging the changing landscape of downtown Denver and the need for new opportunities.
As the city considers the property’s demolition eligibility, Cherne reflects on the building’s history and the legacy left behind by Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Original article by BusinessDen.
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