Lower 48 Will Shutter on November 7

Business partners Mario Nocifera and chef Alex Figura have announced today that they are closing Lower 48 after service on Saturday, November 7. The duo, who met while working at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, boasts an impressive hospitality career behind them, including stints at Vetri and Osteria in Philadelphia for Figura and front of the house positions at Michael Mina in San Francisco for Nocifera.

A contemporary American eatery, Lower 48 opened in the Ballpark neighborhood nearly two years ago to great reviews. Westword named it Best New Restaurant for 2014, 5280 Magazine listed it among the best 25 restaurants a year ago, and the Denver Post gave it a three star review.

But that was not enough, sadly. Nocifera has released this statement about the closure.

Good afternoon friends,

I am reaching out on behalf of the entire Lower48 team. Chef/partner Alex Figura and I started this adventure four years ago with sincere goals and I couldn't be more proud of what we, as a team, created.

I write to you with a heavy heart, as we have made the very difficult decision to close Lower48. Our last night of service will be Saturday, November 7, and we hope you will come in and join us in celebration and reflection of two great years serving the community.

To the team that helped open Lower48, to our fantastic guests, loyal supporters, friends & family, landlord and investors: thank you for your generosity, belief, unwavering support and tireless work to help grow and develop Lower48 into what it is today. Every day has provided a new experience forged with the opportunity to learn, develop and grow. Saying goodbye to our dream is no different.

Our number one goal is to support our loyal and talented staff; helping them through this transition and ensuring secure employment is extremely important to Alex and I. We encourage you to come help us say good-bye to Lower48 and to celebrate all of the hard work and commitment that the team gave day-in and day-out for the last two years.

We continue to be humbled by everyone's continued support and look forward to welcoming you to Lower48 in the next few weeks.

With sincere thanks,
Mario Nocifera