Pull to refresh
Logo
Bubba's 33 gets Denver liquor license for former Red Lobster space

Bubba's 33 gets Denver liquor license for former Red Lobster space

Built World Denver, CO local

Construction permits filed in August, liquor license active as of September 25; opening date not announced

2 days ago: Liquor license issued

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Denver's Northfield neighborhood is getting a new Bubba's 33. Construction permits filed in August and an active liquor license issued September 25 move the former Red Lobster at 8268 E. Northfield Blvd. one step closer to opening.

Bubba's 33, a sports bar created by Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor, is repurposing the shuttered seafood restaurant. No opening date has been announced, but the licensing and permitting steps indicate progress.

Why it matters

If the conversion completes, Northfield residents gain a new dining option and the former Red Lobster space gets a second life.

Questions about this story

Free account needed to ask — your question is kept and asked for you right after sign-up. Answers are public.

No questions yet — be the first to ask.

Key Indicators

3
Permit and license records filed
Two construction permits (August) and one liquor license (September) for the Northfield site.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Ever wondered what historical figures would say about today's headlines?

Sign up to generate historical perspectives on this story.

People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

August 2026 September 2026

3 events Latest: 2 days ago
  1. Liquor license issued

    Latest Licensing

    Denver issued an active liquor license for a hotel and restaurant at the Northfield address.

  2. Construction permit filed for tenant finish

    Permit

    Denver issued a commercial construction permit for alteration and tenant finish work on the same property.

  3. Construction permit filed for addition

    Permit

    Denver issued a commercial construction permit for an addition to the building at 8268 E. Northfield Blvd.

Scenarios

1

Bubba's 33 opens in Northfield before 2027

Possible Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: Local food blogs and the contractor's own updates

If construction proceeds on schedule, the restaurant could open before the end of the year. Licensing is complete, and the conversion is in its later stages. The chain has opened similar conversions within months of permits.

2

Bubba's 33 opens in Q1 2027

Likely Resolves by Q1 2027

Discussed by: Local construction observers

Construction and final inspections could push the opening into the first quarter of 2027. The liquor license is active, but the building still needs to pass occupancy inspections. The chain may prefer a softer post-holiday launch window.

3

Opening delayed beyond Q1 2027

Unlikely Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Industry trade press tracking restaurant openings

Unexpected construction delays, supply chain issues, or permitting hold-ups could push the opening past March 2027. The conversion is complex, involving fire and mechanical systems. A history of similar projects suggests delays are common.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2013

Bubba's 33 concept launched (2013)

Kent Taylor, founder of Texas Roadhouse, launched Bubba's 33 as a separate sports bar restaurant. The name references the end of Prohibition in 1933, and the concept emphasized burgers, pizza, and a full bar.

Then

The first location opened in 2013 and expanded steadily.

Now

By 2026, the chain operates more than 50 locations, including two in Colorado.

Why this matters now

The Northfield Denver conversion is part of this ongoing expansion, showing how a brand created as a spin-off continues to grow.

Sources

(4)

More from Denver, CO

Openings, permits and council decisions in Denver, CO, in your inbox every Monday.