Good advice from a successful businessman and restauranteur who has invested heavily in Downtown Denver. I hope the city leaders are listening. We need a vibrant downtown for the whole Metro area to be prosperous.

RECIPE FOR CHANGE

Why chef Troy Guard is betting on downtown Denver

By Chris Rourke – Managing Editor, Denver Business Journal

The situation seems dire — downtown Denver office buildings are experiencing their highest vacancy rates in decades as employers struggle to get workers back into the office. At the same time, Denver leaders search for the key to restoring its vibrant city center.

Amid the debate about how to put the zest back into Denver, chef and entrepreneur Troy Guard just may have the secret ingredient. He and his team at TAG Restaurant Group are betting on downtown.

Guard said it takes partnerships — such as the one he has formed with Brookfield Properties, one of his landlords. Brookfield has been one real estate firm making headlines because of buildings in financial distress.

Guard recently opened his latest dining venture, Done Deal, in the lobby of Republic Plaza — a Brookfield property that has had trouble with occupancy. The 56-story office building was rescued from default in July 2023. As recently as October, CoStar reported the city’s largest skyscraper had a vacancy rate of 38.3%.

Brookfield asked Guard to add his magic to the building’s lobby and give tenants the taste of his famous fare in a smaller, more casual setting. Much like office gyms, bike racks and meeting space, the chef said his cocktail lounge offers workers new reasons to be downtown.

“What makes you want to buy a house? It’s the location and the amenities,” Guard said about drawing tenants into a building.

In its first three weeks following its opening, Guard said Done Deal is performing better than expected.

“Knock on wood it keeps going that way,” he said.