Two Denver Restaurant Groups Expand Out of State

For the last few years, Denver has seen an influx of out-of-state restaurateurs bringing their empires to Colorado. Now two Denver-born restaurant groups have proven their ideas locally and are expanding elsewhere. Tag Restaurant Group is taking Guard and Grace steakhouse to Houston, while Culinary Creative Group is collaborating on Sofia, an Italian restaurant opening in New Orleans.

Sofia, a modern Italian restaurant located by the new Auction House Market in New Orleans’ warehouse district, should open by the end of the year. It’s a collaboration between restaurateur Billy Blatty and Denver-based Max MacKissock, Katie O’Shea, and Juan Padro. The Denver crew spawned the Tap & Burger bars as well as Bar Dough, Señor Bear, and soon-to-open Morin. MacKissock — the chef of the group — is planning an Italian menu highlighted by Gulf seafood. Blatty already owns New Orleans spots Barcadia, Belle’s Diner, and Ohm Lounge, as well as the forthcoming Bohemia.

Meanwhile, Denver chef Troy Guard is expanding one of his eight restaurants to Houston’s business district. Guard and Grace’s Houston outpost will be in an office tower owned by Brookfield Property Partners (they’re also behind the steakhouse’s Denver building). One Allen Center in Houston is now under renovation, and the new Guard and Grace is expected to open there in 2019 inside a 13,000-square-foot, bi-level and glass-enclosed space with multiple private dining rooms and two outdoor patios.

• All Previous Eater Coverage of Guard and Grace [EDEN]
• What to Expect From Denver’s Next French Restaurant [EDEN]
• New Italian Restaurant, Sofia, Finds a Home in the Warehouse District [ENOLA]