DENVER (KDVR) — Vail Mountain and Avanti Food and Beverage are teaming up to jointly invest $4 million in the Golden Peak base area for the third Avanti location in Colorado.
Avanti is a food hall and chef incubator with multiple culinary options that is billed as a modern option for chefs to test restaurant concepts without having to invest in a brick-and-mortar store or try to run a food truck.
Currently, the company has two Colorado locations: one on Pearl Street in Boulder, which opened in 2020, and a second on Pecos Street in Denver. Both are known as trendy, photo-worthy locations that cater to young adults.
Avanti Vail would be the third Colorado location for the food hall, which is inspired by European markets and food truck roundups. The food hall will occupy the space previously held by Larkspur Restaurant.
“I am so excited to welcome Avanti Vail to Golden Peak. This partnership will elevate local chefs and business owners, enhance the employee and guest experience with additional dining options, and share Avanti’s world-class experience at our destination,” said Beth Howard, vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “I’d also like to recognize the incredible legacy of Larkspur Restaurant and chef Thomas Salamunovich, who was a wonderful partner to Vail Mountain for nearly 25 years.”
Golden Peak base is Vail Mountain’s third and smallest base, home to the resort’s ski school and a new clubhouse for Passport Club members.
5 concepts at new Avanti food hall at Vail
According to a release from Vail Resorts, the new food hall will feature five restaurant concepts. Chefs and restaurateurs interested in applying can email info@avantivail.com for more information. The plan is to offer “an array of delicious food and drink options at an approachable price point.”
“Vail has become an international destination with a thriving culinary scene, and we are excited to expand to Vail and be a part of the action,” Rob Hahn, of Avanti Food and Beverage, said in the Vail release. “I have lived in the Vail Valley for many years, and I think there is a great opportunity for local chefs to succeed in a food hall here. Our goal is to provide affordable, yet delicious dining options on the mountain where guests can come with groups and don’t need reservations. Our patio is going to be an après-ski hot spot, with great views of the mountain and a new outdoor bar.”
The restaurant spaces, according to Vail’s release, will allow chefs to modify and “enhance” restaurant concepts into quick service models and enable up-and-coming chefs to establish their brands at a fraction of the cost of a typical restaurant. The release also said that Avanti staff members will be offered housing and transportation.
Larkspur Restaurant at this time appears to be open as usual but said in a social media post that the owners would be selling everything in the restaurant — wall art, chairs, tableware and restaurant equipment included — in a late April estate sale.
