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Another Michelin in the making?
Chef Johnny Curiel, one of Denver’s fastest rising chefs, is opening another restaurant soon.

Fonda Fina Hospitality, the restaurant group owned by Johnny and Kasie Curiel, announced it plans to open a new “Spanish neo-bistro and wine bar” in Cherry Creek’s Clayton Hotel. It will be called Mar Bella Boqueria.

The restaurant will feature a chef’s counter and a conserva bar (In Spain, conservas are tinned seafood specialities).

It’s inspired by Curiel’s trip to Spain, the first country in Europe where the husband-and-wife team visited together.

“There, amid the warmth of the Basque coast and the convivial rhythm of pintxos culture, the idea for Mar Bella Boqueria was born,” the announcement said.

So far, Fonda Fina Hospitality’s four restaurants have all received some kind of Michelin recognition.

Alma Fonda Fina and Mezcaleria Alma in Denver each have a star. Cozobi Fonda Fina in Boulder earned a Bib Gourmand distinction. And Alteño, also located in Cherry Creek, made the Michelin Guide’s recommendation list.

While the other restaurants focus on Curiel’s roots in Mexico, Mar Bella Boqueria’s menu will celebrate Spain’s coastal cuisine.

It will feature seafood tapas, conservas, pâtés, dry-aged fish and a jamoneria offering hand-cut Jamón Ibérico and a curated menu of meats and cheese.

The owners haven’t set an opening date yet, but the announcement mentioned it would open this winter.

Marczyk Fine Foods coming to the Dairy Block

Denver’s gourmet market Marczyk Fine Foods is opening a new location in Lower Downtown.

The market will open in the Denver Milk Market in early 2026, the Dairy Block’s food hall announced.

Marczyk Fine Foods will have a 450-square-foot space inside the Denver Milk Market, featuring a mix of its top specialities including prepared to-go dishes, dairy products, soup, salads and sweets. It will also have a selection of grocery products.

The Milk Market expansion marks Marczyk Fine Foods fourth outpost in the city. The business was founded in 2002 and opened a second location on East Colfax in 2011. It recently expanded into Denver International Airport last year.

The Dairy Block’s food hall has revamped its offerings over the summer, bringing in new additions such as Konjo Ethiopian Food, Lucky Bird Fried Chicken and YumCha.

Safran Defense & Space names new president to run its space hub in Parker

France-based aerospace and defense company Safran named a new president to run its growing U.S. space business in Colorado.

Safran Defense & Space, Inc. announced last week that the new president of Space Solutions will be Christropher Keeler, who will run the new Space Hub located in Parker.

The facility specializing in small-satellite manufacturing and spacecraft propulsion debuted in April after the company selected Colorado for its expansion.

Colorado awarded Safran Defense & Space Inc. $371,000 in job growth tax incentives in July 2024 when the company was considering between the metro Denver area and Irvine, Calif. It’s expected to generate 20 jobs.

Previously, Keeler worked as vice president of Space Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems and had leadership roles at Northrop Grumman and Orbital ATK. He also has led satellite and mission programs for both government and commercial clients. He has more than 25 years of experience, Safran Defense & Space, Inc. said.

“Safran’s commitment to advancing U.S. manufacturing and enabling space technologies that protect and empower our nation deeply resonates with me,” Keeler said in a press release. “The work underway in Parker, Colorado and across the country is shaping the future of resilient, responsive space systems.”