Sofia’s Pizza is planned to join the Historic Sugar Building at 1530 16th Street Mall, Suite 101, Denver, CO.
Built in 1906, the Sugar Building was initially meant to house a sugar cooperative formed by six Colorado sugar producers including Charles Boettcher’s newly formed Great Western Sugar Company. With an immediate surge in growth, multiple stories were added to both the main structure and the warehouse just years after the building’s completion. The building was renovated in 2000 and again in 2019.
Project partner Lynne Burns shared with What Now Denver, “Sofia’s will be a casual, fun, and fast-paced pizza hangout.” Guests can expect a straightforward menu of delicious Roman pizza, salads, and something sweet, plus beverage options including soda, cocktails, draft beers, and wine. Sofia’s will also include a spacious outdoor seating area.
Sofia’s Pizza is expected to open in Winter 2022.
Correction: The address for Sofia’s Pizza has been updated along with comments from its business partner.
The article has been updated to include a What Now Denver interview with Project Partner Lynne Burns:
WND: Can you tell us a little bit more about Sofia’s Pizza?
LB: [As previously mentioned], Sofia’s is a Roman pizza concept based on high-quality ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and inspired by the old world.
WND: Why are you opening Sofia’s Pizza?
LB: We are passionate about people, both our internal team members and our guests. We are building a concept that is approachable for both lunch and dinner and [to fulfill a] specific need in Denver for a fun fast-casual concept that produces high-quality food and beverage.
WND: Where did the name come from?
LB: Sofia’s is named after one of our partner’s daughters.
WND: Why pizza?
LB: Roman pizza is approachable and delicious. High-quality ingredients add to the light soft texture of our crust making it enjoyable for lunch and dinner.
Each pizza will be built on an artisan crust with responsibly-sourced tomatoes, cheese, and toppings. Guests can purchase by the cut, half, or full pan
WND: What does pizza/food mean to you?
LB: Enjoyment, community, and a reason to gather.
WND: Aside from pizza, what will the menu offer?
LB: Beautifully balanced salads, soft serve ice cream, craft cocktails, small production wine, and beer.
WND: Which menu item(s) are you most excited about?
LB: The entire concept as a whole. The menu is simple, but the flexibility to change our pizza toppings based on seasonality is very exciting. Our bar program will be approachable and fun and have something for everyone.
WND: What can customers expect in terms of vibe/comfort/aesthetic?
LB: Our design aesthetic is based on Sofia returning home from living abroad in Rome. An open floor plan anchored by a curated comfortable banquette. Design nods to Rome are centered around tile work and a custom-built back bar.
WND: Is this your first independent restaurant endeavor?
LB: No, but it is the first effort for our group Work + Shop in Denver.
WND: What are your hopes for Sofia’s?
LB: That the community embraces us; that we create a space where all feel comfortable and welcomed; and that the quality of food, beverage, and service make our team and guests feel great.
WND: Anything else you’d like to add?
LB: Our group Work + Shop’s mission is to change the hospitality industry and build a sustainable model that is good for both our people and the community.
