Sputnik, a longstanding bar and restaurant on South Broadway, is changing hands for the first time in its 21-year history, Denver Post reports. The business, located at 3 S. Broadway, has been sold to two former employees, Joe Phillips and Spencer Madison.
Phillips was an employee at the venue for a decade and owns Englewood’s Fellow Traveler, and Spencer Madison was a manager at Sputnik. They are working to keep up the reputation held by original owners Matt LaBarge and Alison Housely.
“Matt and Allison, the owners, were looking to sell. They told Spencer, who is one of my partners in this project. And when he told me, I said, ‘Well, we got to get it.’ So I ran into Matt and I said, ‘If he is serious about selling, let’s have the first crack at it,” Phillips explained to What Now Denver.
Conversations started earlier this year, and the changeover will take place this weekend. Most things will remain the same, although there may be a few menu updates for efficiency’s sake.
”We’re looking to carry on the legacy of Matt and Allison. This place has been around for 20 years, and it’s lasted that long for a reason, because it’s an important part of the community, and we take that very seriously,” Phillips added.
Opened in 2003, Sputnik was originally a sister bar to the Hi-Dive rock venue next door. The venue is open daily until 2 AM, with the kitchen open until 1 AM. Brunch is available on weekends until 3 PM, happy hour specials are from 2 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, and late-night drink specials happen from 11 PM to 2 AM.
