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 [email protected].

A coastal Mexican restaurant is coming to Cherry Creek

The owner of Blue Island Oyster Bar and Oliver’s Italian is bringing another restaurant to Denver and this time in one of the city’s most popular business neighborhoods.

Restaurateur Sean Huggard, the owner and founder of Shucking Good Hospitality, announced plans to open a new coastal Mexican restaurant in Cherry Creek.

It’ll be in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center where the California Pizza Kitchen used to be, a spokesperson said.

The new restaurant will be called Ash & Agave. It will feature flavors from the Mexican Riviera, Mexico’s coastal region along the Pacific Ocean. Ash & Agave will have wood-fired cooking and mezcal-forward cocktails, the announcement said.

It’s set to open in early 2026. 

The Blue Island in Cherry Creek is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. The Lone Tree location opened in 2022, and has been extremely popular — especially for “Shuck Mondays” (both locations), where customers can get premium oysters for $1.35 each. 

The Molecule Effect closes Washington Park cafe

Denver coffee shop The Molecule Effect closed one of its locations in Washington Park last Saturday.

The cafe announced on Instagram that it closed its coffee shop and bar at 300 S. Logan St. after being there for five years.

The Molecule Effect said it would close because it decided not to renew their lease.

“We are endlessly thankful for the relationships we’ve built, the fantastic people we’ve met, and the memories made in this space. Thank you for being part of our story here,” the post said.

But the coffee shop still has another location that is “still going strong,” they said.

The Molecule Effect has a cafe open on 2215 S. Broadway from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Monday and Thursday and closes later at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ichigo Matcha opens two new spots on Auraria Campus

A popular Japanese dessert cafe on Denver’s famous 16th Street is coming to the Auraria Campus.

And not just with one new spot, but two.

Ichigo Matcha opened a spot inside the campus’ Administration Building and the North Classroom Building on Monday.

The expansion of Ichigo Matcha is set to help the 150-acre campus by downtown grow its food and beverage strategy, said the campus’ CEO Colleen Walker in a press release.

“We’re intentionally curating dining experiences that reflect the diversity, energy, and evolving tastes of our student body and community,” Walker said. “As we look ahead to new growth and developments on campus, our focus remains on bringing in partners who offer both cultural richness and culinary excellence.”

The cafes serve match teas, boba drinks, soft serve ice cream, ramen and rice bowls.

“Ichigo Matcha is exactly the kind of dynamic food partner we’re proud to bring to campus,” stated Alyssa Nilemo, the Auraria Campus deputy chief activation officer.

BERNADETTE BERDYCHOWSKI | The Denver Gazette