Flight Club, a new “eatertainment” concept in downtown Denver, has quickly become a standout destination since its arrival last June. The social venue chain brings people together and redefines the game of darts with its trademarked “Social Darts.” Alongside these innovative dart games, guests can indulge in customized cocktails and shareable bites.
Regional General Manager CJ Cloyes said the business opened in the challenging landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic but has seen a steady stream of customers ready to return to life as we knew it.
“Flight Club recognized a great opportunity in its proximity to historic Union Station,” Cloyes said. “This bustling area of LoDo is a hub of activity, attracting a high volume of locals and tourists eager to explore all that Denver has to offer.”
Before the pandemic, Denver thrived in a period of remarkable growth and prosperity. The city’s skyline was speckled with construction cranes, reflecting its strong economy and reputation as a desirable place to live. However, the onset of the pandemic abruptly halted this momentum, plunging downtown Denver into a struggle for survival.
Following the pandemic, the downtown area faced significant hurdles. The retail and hospitality sectors were hit hard prompting a shift toward nighttime and visitor-oriented activities. Reduced foot traffic and soaring vacancy rates—reaching an all-time high rate of over 24% for office spaces in the third financial quarter of 2023—dealt a severe blow to businesses.
“Though Downtown’s return-to-office rate is outpacing the national average, our office market is facing significant challenges, with vacancy rates continuing to climb,” said Denver Downtown Partnership President and CEO Kourtney Garrett in the 2023 State of Downtown Denver report. “With this comes the opportunity to explore meaningful ways to bring new uses and new life to aging office buildings through methods like adaptive reuse, and to continue to invest in building a strong workforce and talent pipeline, which starts with the more than 35,000 students earning degrees downtown at the Auraria Campus.”
The Downtown Denver Partnership tried to support new businesses on the 16th Street Mall, yet many faced obstacles like administrative hurdles and security concerns. But in the report, Garrett expressed optimism about the city’s post-pandemic recovery, highlighting the opportunities to shape its future.
“This year’s State of Downtown Denver report represents progress, optimism, and, most importantly, opportunity,” Garrett said. “As our economy continues to rebound post-pandemic, we are seeing once-in-a-generation opportunities to shape our future.”
In the face of these challenges, voices like Troy Guard, owner and executive chef of TAG Restaurant Group, express the importance of community support in revitalizing downtown Denver. Guard, with two decades of experience in the area, emphasized the historical richness and potential for revival. However, construction and other obstacles threaten progress.
“The ongoing construction of 16th Street Mall is a clear example of this struggle,” Guard said. “It’s not that I oppose the idea of improving the area—I’m all for it. But I’m concerned about the lack of support for the businesses affected by the construction chaos.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Guard discussed the struggles faced during economic downturns and the pandemic, citing the closure of his restaurant, Mister Tuna, due to extensive construction on Brighton Boulevard.
“The construction of the area took a lot longer than expected—over two years—and it was hard to maintain steady business while dealing with everything going on outside our front door,” Guard said.
Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, but construction projects can notoriously take a long time to complete due to labor shortfalls. Neighborhood associations and city officials are collaborating to tackle other issues by enhancing safety measures and combating homelessness.
Several matters pose a danger to the survivability of restaurants and bars, but Guard said there is hope. He underscored the value of partnerships in driving business success and community engagement, sharing the positive impact of his collaboration with Brookfield Properties. This partnership led to the opening of Done Deal, a popular cocktail bar in Republic Plaza’s lobby.
“Brookfield approached me to enhance the building’s lobby by bringing in my culinary expertise, offering tenants a fun hangout and meeting space in the building where they work,” he said.
Despite obstacles, Guard remains optimistic about downtown Denver’s future, highlighting its allure and potential for growth. He said a key factor is inclusivity in decision-making processes, advocating for greater involvement of businesses in city discussions and planning.
“Having the businesses that are directly impacted involved in the conversations early and giving them a heads-up would be my suggestion,” he said.
In envisioning the future of downtown Denver, Guard remains committed to supporting its growth and success, counting on the city’s resilience and potential to thrive in the years to come.
“It’s crazy to think I’ve already been here for over 20 years now. This place has so much to offer,” Guard said. “I’ll continue to bet on the city and do my part to help it grow.”
Operating in downtown Denver comes with unique challenges and opportunities, particularly considering the impact of the pandemic. Adapting to the local market, Flight Club has implemented specific strategies, such as introducing happy hours and launching a brunch menu.
“Our goal is to be an integral part of the lively downtown atmosphere, actively contributing to its development and rejuvenation with our distinctive indoor ‘eatertainment’ destination,” Cloyes said. “Being a positive presence in the community is critical, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for Flight Club in Denver.”
