Westword aptly named it a “Greek greasy-spoon go-to” at DU’s most recognizable intersection – University and Evans. Tired and ready for a facelift, Pete’s Cafe could not keep up with today’s restaurant demands and new economic realities. However, the memories of hangover omelets, meeting with friends, or just the family-friendly dining environment will last a lifetime for many. The current operation is a throwback to a different time when nearly everyone who went to DU spent time at Pete’s. It’s a sad, but not totally unexpected development for the space.

After thirty years of business at University and Evans, Pete’s University Park Cafe is closing shop on November 9th. Greek restaurateur Pete Contos took over in 1995. Contos owned and operated a number of restaurants in the Denver area over the years. Contos passed away in May of 2019 and his family continued his restaurant operation until now.

While the location proudly served the University community, the restaurant was showing the years of wear and tear. The area’s Denver city councilman, Paul Kashmann, held court monthly at Pete’s and had coffee and conversation with locals. Students and faculty would dip into Pete’s for a quick breakfast or lunch in the old-style Greek diner. Students and visitors would often meet at the dimly lit restaurant for coffee or Gyros, a Greek specialty. Or visitors would order off the massive menu:

Westword cited a family member, Dean Phillips, who said, “Consider the high school athletes who “come to Denver on a recruiting trip and sit here over lunch and decide, ‘I love it, I’m going to sign, and I’m going to come to DU to play lacrosse or play hockey or play volleyball.” He adds that Pioneers hockey coach Jim Montgomery plopped down at the Pete’s counter for breakfast after leading the team to its 2017 national championship – “with the trophy in hand.”

Said one Reddit poster, “What a bummer. Pete’s has been such a staple for the neighborhood, and I finally got to the point where they ask, ‘the usual today?” These OG diners have been dropping like flies since Covid. Wintertime Saturdays won’t be the same without a warm bowl of their avgolemono.” Said another, “This is just breaking my heart. I have SO many memories tied to Pete’s. I really hate where Denver is going, I barely recognize this city anymore.”

The reason is simple – economics. The headwinds of competition, increasing costs, and the changing tastes and habits of today’s customers led to the demise of Pete’s. However, generations of customers hold warm memories of Pete’s University Park Cafe and the Santos family.

The 1909 Floral Building, occupied by Pete’s, is over a century old. Historic documents suggest the name “Floral” refers to a former park from the University Park neighborhood’s original plan in the initial 19th-century plan for the area. “Floral Park” was one of four green spaces that featured gardens, trees, and flowers i the emerging University area. The Floral Park plan was bounded by Evans, Warren, Jackson, and Madison streets, near the University to the southeast, but it never became a reality.

No word on if and when a new replacement tenant has been identified for the gateway location.

Top photo courtesy of Pete’s Cafe