Soul Food Truck Takes the Next Step: Welton Street Welcomes New Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant!

What’s new at 2801 Welton St.? A restaurant called What’s Happening is on its way, led by restaurateur Adrian Grace.

Next month, she will open her restaurant in the former space of Goed Zuur, which closed in 2023 after six years. Grace has been running a food truck since 2019 and now she’s ready to expand into a 2,500-square-foot space in Five Points.

The menu will feature soul food with a twist—think wings and a pulled pork grilled cheese, but also creative dishes like a western burger topped with honey bourbon, crispy onions, and barbecue sauce. Grace is also excited about her signature cocktails, such as the “Trash Can in an Uber,” which combines rum, tequila, gin, and vodka with fruity flavors. Local beers from breweries like WestFax and Landlocked Ales will be available too.

Grace describes her food as “soul food meets American food.” The restaurant will be near the Welton Street Cafe, a well-known soul food spot. Grace’s journey started at IHOP, where she worked her way up to management. However, health issues made her rethink her career, leading to the birth of her catering business in 2019.

While the food truck will pause once the restaurant opens, Grace hints it may return once the team settles in.

“I dream food,” she says passionately. The restaurant’s name comes from her sister’s quirky greeting. Grace reminisces about her childhood in Los Angeles, where family gatherings and TV shows shaped her love for food and hospitality.

Inside What’s Happening, you’ll find decor paying homage to her roots—walls adorned with posters of Denzel Washington and Janet Jackson, alongside inspirational quotes from figures like Malcolm X and Barack Obama. There’s even a nod to the Denver Nuggets’ recent championship win.

Opening the restaurant hasn’t been easy. Grace signed a five-year lease and faces monthly rent of around $9,000. She encountered hurdles with permits and installation costs for the kitchen, which ran about $85,000. “It’s been hard,” she admits, thankful for her husband’s support during the tough times.

With just over a month before the opening, Grace expresses her excitement to be part of the Welton Street community. She hopes to contribute to its revitalization, suggesting more greenery and art honoring local jazz musicians to enhance the area’s vibe.

As new restaurants open, they can play a crucial role in transforming neighborhoods. The revitalization of Welton Street could be a great opportunity to blend history with modern culture, drawing locals and visitors alike.

For more on local dining, you can check out the Denver Post’s food newsletter for updates and news.

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