Four Local Institutions to Close by End of Year

A major Denver restaurant group began the process of shuttering four independent stores on Monday with the closing of Paramount Cafe on 16th Street. By end of year, sister spots Govnr’s Park Tavern, Marlowe’s, and Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria will close as well.

Premier Ventures, Inc. announced this week that it would not renew the leases after this year on four restaurant locations in Capitol Hill and downtown Denver. Paramount Cafe was the first to close, Govnr’s Park will operate through November 11, Marlowe’s will shutter December 22, and Lala’s closes December 23.

“We recognize the impression these restaurants have left in Denver, so we wanted to give as much notice as possible,” owners Mike Plancarte and John Ott said in a release. “We want to not only properly say goodbye, but also give our staff timely opportunity to find their next position. This is of utmost importance to us as we end this era.”

It is unclear why the restaurants are closing now and how many employees will be affected. Premier did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ott and Plancarte have overseen the group for over 20 years, but their restaurants have even more history between them. Govnr’s Park Tavern opened in 1976. Both Marlowe’s and Paramount Cafe lasted more than 30 years on 16th Street. Lala’s, the newest of the bunch, brought happy hour wine steals to East 7th Avenue in 2008.

• All previous Eater coverage of Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria [EDEN]
• All previous Eater coverage of Govnr’s Park Tavern [EDEN]