5336 DTC Boulevard

Cherry Cricket is no longer pursuing plans to take over the former Tavern Tech Center building at 5336 DTC Blvd.

A representative from The Henry Group confirmed to Naked Denver that the burger joint terminated its contract due to high renovation costs.

"There would be a significant amount of cost in a conversion to a Cherry Cricket, which is just much more pf a food-oriented concept," said Lee Driscoll, CEO of parent company, Breckenridge-Wynkoop, during a Greenwood Village City Council meeting. The company had been conducting due diligence on the 9,800 square foot space but ultimately walked away.

The property remains for sale, now listed at $5,400,000.

Once a staple of Denver nightlife, the Tavern brand no longer operates any restaurants. The decline follows a bitter legal battle between founder Frank Schultz and his mother, Terry Papay, who co-founded Tavern Hospitality Group in 1997. Each has accused the other of misusing company funds and contributing to the downfall of the business.

Several Tavern-owned properties have been sold, and are listed for sale.

The former Tavern Littleton building, listed for $3,500,000, is under contract to a buyer planning to convert it to an office building.

The Tavern Lowry property at 7401 E 1st Avenue is also for sale, listed at $3,900,000.

Despite the DTC deal falling through, Breckenridge-Wynkoop remains active in the metro area. The group recently opened a Cherry Cricket in Littleton and is planning another in Broomfield later this year.

As stakeholders continue to evaluate its prospects, the former Tavern DTC building stands as a focal point of interest, ready to contribute to the evolving narrative of Denver's commercial property scene.