Denver Dining: Olive & Finch at DIA, Ruby Good Shoes tax dispute
A new airport location joins a wave of local brands at Denver International Airport while a Park Hill restaurant navigates a brief closure over back taxes.
By Layla Richardson ·
Denver International Airport Concourse C now hosts a new dining option for travelers. Olive & Finch, a Denver-based restaurant concept founded by Mary Nguyen, opened its location this week. The space includes the main Olive & Finch menu, a venue called Bar Finch, and a 24-hour self-service kiosk designed for grab-and-go meals.
This expansion continues a trend of local eateries establishing presences at the airport. Recent additions include Tocabe, The Bagel Deli, Williams & Graham, The Bindery, and Uncle. Jax Seafood House is also scheduled to open at the facility in the future.
In the Park Hill neighborhood, Ruby Good Shoes experienced a temporary shutdown earlier this week. City officials attempted to seize the property on Wednesday due to unpaid back taxes, penalties, and fees. Following public outcry from supporters and social media figures, as well as involvement from the mayor's office, the restaurant reopened on Thursday.
Owner Hasena Williams stated that she still owes approximately $5,000 to the city. She indicated that the balance consists mostly of penalties and fees on late tax payments. Williams has publicly requested that the city waive these charges and provide a low-interest loan to support the business. The duration of the restaurant's current open status remains uncertain.
Ruby Good Shoes also houses La Croissanterie Denver. This bakery features pastry chef Rafael de Jesus Rufino, who blends classic French techniques with influences from his native Brazil. Rufino is a nominee for the HOSPY award for Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year.
Another long-standing family business, La Mexicana Taqueria, has reopened under a new name. The establishment is now operating as Don Raúl’s Mexican Cuisine. Alejandra Hernandez, who owns and operates the restaurant, said the rebrand honors her father’s legacy on the block. She noted that her mother suggested the name Don Raúl’s because it is short and familiar to the community.
Hernandez said she wanted to modernize the menu while keeping it shorter and recognizable. She described the new identity as a way to honor her father’s contributions to the neighborhood.
Three new bakery locations opened in the Denver area this week. Black Box Cafe opened at 5901 W 25th Ave. in Edgewater. This sit-down space is an expansion of the popular Black Box Bakery located in the Edgewater Public Market. The new venue offers ice cream, chocolates, and coffee. It is located less than one mile from the original shop.
Eternal Flavors Bakery completed its move to 1886 S Broadway on Friday, November 6. It now occupies the former space of Azúcar Bakery. In Aurora, Maiwand Bakery & Cafe opened at 10551 E. Garden Drive.
Other openings this week include Benihana Express at 1370 16th St., Kura Sushi in Greenwood Village on November 4, and Onto Coffee at 140 Clayton Lane. Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters closed at 5600 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada. The 5280 Burger Bar at 500 16th St. is currently temporarily closed.
