The Carriage House is preparing to open in Denver’s Cheesman Park neighborhood, bringing a European-inspired café concept to the former Secret Garden Bar & Café space.
The café, located at 1290 N. Williams Street is expected to open its first phase on July 28 according to a media release.
The Carriage House will launch in phases, with the first phase offering a European-style café menu of sandwiches, pastries from Black Box Bakery, ‘toastettes’, salads, coffee, wine, beer and all-day fare on the tree-lined patio or to-go.
A second phase is planned for September with a full cocktail bar, expanded menu offerings with a remodeled indoor cafe space with oversized French doors opening onto the park, and expanded happy hour.
The Carriage House is owned by Denver-based entrepreneur John Goscha and long-time hospitality pro Jake Riederer. Goscha said the summer opening is phase one of the larger vision for the historic property. The partners also plan to donate all profits from the café to local community causes.
“This project started with a simple idea, create a spot in the neighborhood people would really want to spend time in. I love Cheesman Park and live in the neighborhood, so when I found out this spot was available, it felt like the right next step. We’re taking our time with the rollout, opening in phases with coffee and food first and the full bar to follow, because we want to get every detail right,” said Goscha.
The menu has been developed by Riederer and 2025 James Beard semifinalist Melissa Yanc.
“Of all the places I’ve worked over the years, a café or coffee shop is unique because you see your guests every single day,” Riederer said. “That kind of regular connection is what real hospitality is about, meeting people where they’re at.”
