After nearly four decades as a staple in Colorado’s Tex-Mex dining scene, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant has rebranded its downtown Denver location. The eatery is now called Rio on Wazee and is rolling out a more sophisticated menu, according to the Denver Post.
“We’re in a bunch of different markets in Colorado, and each of those markets is pretty different. Our Boulder market, for example, has a lot of focus on the CU population and the kids; we have college night on Thursday nights, we do a lot of graduations and banquets. In our Lone Tree store, we have a lot of families, and we do Kids Eat Free on Sunday night, geared toward that market segment,” said Steve Richter, Chief Operating Officer.
New culinary items debuted quietly in early June and were formally announced this week, along with the name change. The updates blend the chain’s signature classics with a selection of elevated entrees and shareable appetizers. Executive Chef Jesus Martinez has introduced items such as Colorado Striped Bass Veracruzana, Roasted Pork Shank Birria, Surf & Turf with Oaxacan mole, and delicious new salads.
To support the revamped menu, the restaurant also underwent physical changes in the kitchen, Richter explained. The business altered the line setup and put in new equipment to give the team a streamlined space to serve up the cuisine.
Rio on Wazee opened in 2022 after relocating from the chain’s longtime downtown location on Blake Street. The owners purchased it for $3.8 million, according to BusinessDen. The company also operates four additional locations in Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley, and Lone Tree.
