Two more Larimer Square spots will close by the end of 2022
Frank Bonanno's Green Russell and Russell’s Smokehouse closings follow the exit of Bistro Vendome, which is moving
After 12 years in Larimer Square, Green Russell and Russell’s Smokehouse, 1422 Larimer St., will close their doors after New Year’s Eve, according to owners Frank and Jacqueline Bonanno.
Bonanno Concepts is closing both the high-end barbecue joint and the underground speakeasy for the same reason Bistro Vendome announced at the end of September that it would be moving its Larimer Square location. Asana Partners, which bought the 1400 block of Larimer Street in 2020, is beginning much-needed repairs to the infrastructure of the 143-year- old Sussex Building where all three businesses are located — something that could take up to three years.
Bistro Vendome has plans to move its French restaurant to the former home of Tables, which closed in August, at 2267 Kearney St. in Park Hill next year.
The Bonannos are hoping to find another location for Russell’s Smokehouse Chef Bryan Rosen to open a restaurant, although it may not be under the same name, Jacqueline Bonanno said.
The restaurant group won’t reopen Green Russell, but Jacqueline said they plan to open a new cocktail bar in Capitol Hill around Valentine’s Day, although she wasn’t ready to disclose specifics.
Osteria Marco, Bonanno Concepts’ Italian restaurant located on the other side of the street of Larimer Square, will continue to operate as usual.
Green Russell and Russell’s Smokehouse both opened in Larimer Square in 2012. Green Russell, named after Denver pioneer William Green Russell, is set in the era of 1940’s cocktail culture with velvet booths and antique parlor furnishings throughout, and Russell’s Smokehouse is a nod to the spirit of the West, serving a variety of smoked meats and barbecue-inspired dishes, including brisket biscuits, pulled pork sandwiches and puff-pastry bacon bombs.