Welcome to the Denver Gazette’s Metro Moves. You’ll get the latest metro Denver openings, closings, hiring and promotion news here. To submit your company’s news, drop an email to dennis.huspeni@gazette.com.

American Freight expands to four Colorado stores

American Freight furniture, mattress and appliance stores opened a new Westminster location at 9180 Wadsworth Parkway this month. 

It’s the company’s fourth store opening since August, with other locations in Centennial, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. 

“We’re thrilled to launch our redesigned store format as we celebrate the grand opening of our Westminster location and continue our Colorado expansion,” said Peter Corsa, CEO of the Home Segment of FRG Inc., the parent company of American Freight, in a news release. “Our plan is to roll out the new store concept to more locations over the next year to provide an even better experience for our customers nationwide as they shop our wide selection of affordable home furnishings, mattresses and appliances from trusted national brands.”

The new, 23,000-square-foot showroom in Westminster includes “interactive retail technology” and “enhanced product storytelling” with a more spacious layout. The company plans to expand the new layout to all its stores in 2024. 

Smashburger opens Arvada location

Smashburger opened its 32nd Colorado store earlier this month at 7240 W. 56th Ave. in Arvada. 

“Smashburger’s growth in Colorado has been phenomenal, and we look forward to continuing our expansion and welcoming guests to our newest location in Arvada,” said Toni Bianco, chief global licensing officer for Smashburger, in a news release. “Perfect for families, friends and co-workers, the Arvada community will now have the opportunity to enjoy a great tasting, high quality burger any time of day every day.”

The burgers are known for being fresh, never frozen, Certified Angus beef “smashed on a hot seasoned grill in an open kitchen.” 

Sides include crispy brussels sprouts, “Smashfries” and salads. Beer is available, as well as milkshakes. 

Closed for renovations

Illegal Pete’s DU, located at 1744 E. Evans Ave. near the University of Denver campus, will close for renovations starting Dec. 31, according to an email to regular customers. 

The quick serve restaurant is known for it’s good selection of craft beers on tap and Mexican food, such as burritos, tacos and nachos.

“We have enjoyed 15 incredible years at Illegal Pete’s DU, and want to thank you all for every single day of it!” the company said in the email. “The community has given so much love to Illegal Pete’s DU, and now it’s our turn to do the same.”

“Don’t worry, we will reopen in May better than ever and ready to make some new memories!” the company said, noting the restaurant will undergo a “full remodel.”

There are several other Illegal Pete’s locations in Denver — in LoDo at 1610 16th St., 270 S. Broadway, 2001 E. Colfax Ave. The company has two more in Boulder and one in the Denver Tech Center at 5312 DTC Boulevard #400. Two new locations are coming to Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge.

Closed for good 

The beloved and always-busy Sam’s No. 3 Aurora restaurant will close after Sunday, Dec. 31. 

The boozy brunch spot at 2580 S. Havana St. has been a fixture in the area for more than 25 years.

Famous for its green chili, epic Bloody Marys and fast, friendly service, Sam’s No. 3 has been an institution in Denver since 1927. It’s thought to be the first Denver breakfast and lunch diner to serve alcohol, starting a trend that other popular restaurants, such as Snooze and the Denver Biscuit Co., have since emulated.

The other two Sam’s No. 3 locations at 435 S. Cherry St., Glendale, and 1500 Curtis St., Denver, will remain open.