On April 8, restaurant owners and operators from across the Denver area came together at Trybal African Speakeasy, located at 1670 Champa Street, for a WhatNow Media Group Accelerate event.
The WhatNow Media Group Accelerate Program hosted a strong mix of hospitality professionals, bringing together restaurant owners, franchise operators, and industry partners for an afternoon focused on networking and collaboration across the city’s growing food and beverage scene.
The event was led by WhatNow Event Host Mariah Medley alongside Caleb Spivak, founder and CEO of WhatNow Media Group.
Guests in attendance included Collantine Nkaum of Trybal African Speakeasy, who helped welcome attendees into the venue, alongside Daniel Wagner of Starbird and Ryan O’Haro of Birdcall. Nico Christou also attended in support of CoClubs, contributing to discussions around nightlife and hospitality development in the region.
Restaurants
Birdcall: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
The president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta, and the new general manager, Josh Byrnes, prepare to make their mark on the franchise. Home game attendees can also get chicken sandwiches and salads at Birdcall.
Parea: 40 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Mile High nightlife veteran Regas Christou expanded his empire as it said goodbye to the end of an era. A new lounge called Parea was opened.
Emagine Entertainment: 18625 Stage Run, Parker, CO 80134
Emagine Entertainment brought its first Colorado theater to Parker, transforming the former AMC Classic Twenty Mile 10 into a luxury cinema set.
Venalonzo’s Tacos: 7824 Park Meadows Dr #300, Lone Tree, CO 80124
TooSteppin Brewing: 4843 Pearl St, Suite A1, Boulder, CO 80301
TooSteppin Brewing opened its first taproom, the TooSteppin Saloon, in mid-November of 2025 after it was granted a liquor license for the facility.
Montbello Fresh Food Market: Peoria St & Albrook Dr, Denver, CO 80239
The market occupies 5,200 square feet and is modeled after Boston’s Daily Table, a nationally recognized nonprofit grocery operator. A mission-driven nonprofit, which hires local residents and sources from Colorado producers whenever possible, offering fresh produce, grocery staples, and made-from-scratch prepared foods at affordable prices, the Denver Post reports.
I.C. Brewhouse: 2355 Mercantile St, Castle Rock, CO 80109
I.C. Brewhouse announced that it would be closing its two Colorado locations to undergo a complete rebrand. Champagne Velvet concepts took over the spaces, including the Castle Rock property at 2355 Mercantile St.
The Guest: 1432 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
Westword announced the upcoming reopening of The Guest, which offers an 11-course tasting menu and a one-of-a-kind experience in a speakeasy-style room at The Regular — 1432 Market St.
Vin39 Wine Bar: 2227 Prairie Center Parkway, Suite A, Brighton, Colorado 80601
Vin39 Wine Bar is led by a local couple, Spencer and Rianna Kelpe, who are the entrepreneurs behind the venture.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news, and provides timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. The platform shares news of thousands of openings across all 33 cities annually.
The industry-leading experts in What Now Media Group’s network of Preferred Partners help new businesses open and existing businesses grow.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2026. For more details, see the Accelerate page here
Click here for a complete list of our partners. To learn more about becoming a preferred partner, click here.
