After over 10 years in Fort Collins’ Old Town Square, the pieces finally came together for the Little Bird Bakeshop to spread its wings. Per a report in the Coloradoan, owner Amy Corliss will move to a larger space on 613 S. College Ave. in March. A historic home, the location housed Canino’s Italian Restaurant from 1976 until 2022.
Corliss told the Coloradoan that scoring this location was a rare opportunity — a large space with a lot of character and potential. This is why Corliss and her husband Glenn were the first people to view the available property this past August (per the Coloradoan).
In addition to space to expand, the setting sports an east-facing sunroom, an “ideal morning seating” to sip coffee, and a 900 square foot west-facing patio. Inside the large dining room, the number of available seats are double Little Bird’s Old Town locale, and there is a server station for Little Bird service and counter workers. This should come in handy given the bakery will also be inheriting Canino’s liquor license. Over time, Corliss also plans to add more savory meals and plated desserts in the evening. On the second floor, Glenn Corliss will house his interior construction business, DBF Kitchens.
This spread contrasts with the current Little Bird, which is bursting at its 35-seat seams. During warm weather, this squeeze can spill outside, but in the cold, the confines can get tight. This is no surprise given the delicious, fresh-baked pastries, pies, cakes, and light sweet and savory eats Corliss and her team serve up. There is also more parking outside with 12 dedicated off-street spot.
According to the Coloradoan, this cozy, comfort food sparked the bakery to a pandemic and post-COVID boom that’s left a need for bigger digs in its wake. While the couple prepares for the move, they are giving the former restaurant and future location a fresh shine. This includes ripping out carpet in favor of hardwood floors to give the dark inside a fresh glow.
The current Old Town Square Little Bird Bakeshop will stay open through Valentine’s Day. The bakery plans to sublease the vacated space post its move.
