20 Years of Centro End as Boulder Restaurant Rebrands for December

Centro Mexican Kitchen will close its doors on November 14 after operating at 950 Pearl Street in Boulder for 20 years. The shutdown paves the way for a new restaurant called Altura, which is scheduled to open on December 8 at the same address.

The transition involves a soft renovation of the existing space. Big Red F, the parent company, stated that the project will include structural updates and aesthetic changes. The new concept is described by the company as a Mountain Mexican eatery born from the vision of Dave Query, the founder of Big Red F.

Query, a longtime resident of Boulder, explained that the decision stems from the age of the facility. He noted that after two decades, the restaurant requires a major refresh to meet current standards. The goal is to provide the space with renewed attention and care. This is not the first time Big Red F has updated its properties. The Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar menu was refreshed this year, and its Fort Collins location underwent a remodel last year.

The new menu at Altura will continue to feature Mexican-inspired dishes. However, Query said the focus will shift toward greater intentionality in flavor and presentation. Specific items are still being developed, but the operator described the plates as large, tasty, and carefully curated. The previous Centro menu included staples such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, carne asada, and posole.

Physical changes to the dining room will be visible from the street. A 16-foot folding glass wall will be installed on the northern side facing Pearl Street. This addition will allow the dining room to open onto the sidewalk. The interior will receive new floors, booths, chairs, and lighting. The existing colorful mural will be removed, and the walls will be whitewashed to create a calmer atmosphere.

Query compared the current state of the restaurant to a lived-in home that has accumulated various items over time. He stated that the renovation aims to tone down the frenetic energy of the space. The new design will feature a more tranquil aesthetic. The name Altura translates to altitude in Spanish.

The culinary team for the new venture includes Sheila Lucero, the Big Red F Culinary Director, and chef Jason Schmid. They will work alongside Query to develop the menu. Big Red F has been operating in Colorado since 1994 and currently owns 12 restaurants and bars along the Front Range. Its portfolio includes the Velvet Elk Lounge, West End Tavern, and The Post Brewing Company.

The timing of the relaunch aligns with several upcoming local events. The Sundance Film Festival is scheduled for January 2027, and the Pearl Street Mall will mark its 50th anniversary. The recent sale of the Pearl West building also contributed to the decision to proceed now. Query expressed confidence that patrons who enjoyed Centro will appreciate the new concept. He stated that the new restaurant will offer more time and energy dedicated to food, flavor, service, and surroundings.

The new space is intended to remain a destination for Mexican food. Query clarified that the rebrand is not a shift to a different cuisine. He assured that the dining experience will be enjoyable and focused on high-quality Mexican cooking. The renovation will affect the entire address, with the aim of improving every aspect of the location.