Colfax construction takes out one-year-old pastry shop

After just one year of selling its pastries and sweets Le Clare s Patisserie disclosed it will close its retail operation on July due to the effects of construction on East Colfax Avenue Related Colfax restaurants say they are barely hanging on amid BRT line construction Instead owner Maggie Kates will convert the space at E Colfax Ave into what they are calling a culinary collaborative called ViDa Eats Culinary Collaborative That will include hands-on cooking classes Airbnb culinary experiences and private dining experiences seasonal high tea parties and brunches themed events charcuterie small bites and custom desserts catering This decision has not come lightly as unexpected construction challenges have created a dramatic decline for visitors to all businesses along Colfax Instead of closing the doors and walking away we choose to pivot Kates wrote on social media A three-year-long project called the Bus Rapid Transit BRT line is being built between downtown Denver and Aurora The project has torn up the street and forced several businesses and restaurants to close while creating a challenging situation for numerous more Our vision is filled with intention and highlights in a more interactive and intimate way the sense of group and collaboration we designed into Le Clare s storefront she continued While our charming walk-in shop will no longer be open for pastries during set hours this pivot allows us to create more hours of offerings with even more time to connect and hear the stories and inspirations we want to share in the same space Le Clare s first opened in July Subscribe to our new food newsletter Stuffed to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox