Three Restaurants Shut Down in Local Food Hall: Owner Cites Lack of Community Support – Here’s What You Need to Know

A food hall in Colorado Springs, called The Homestead Collective, has closed over half of its restaurants just two months after opening. The affected spots include the Garden of the Gods Cafe, Till Kitchen, and Campfire Pizza. Now, only Dad’s Donuts and Red Leaf Organic Coffee remain in operation.

The Homestead Collective explained, “We didn’t see the community support we needed to keep these restaurants going. We’re thankful to those who supported us and helped create memories here.” This announcement led to a flurry of reactions on social media. Many felt the food hall hadn’t done enough to promote itself and had shut its doors before establishing a strong presence.

A customer named Brayden Fallentine shared his thoughts, saying, “I think the lack of community support shows that people just didn’t know it was there. If more folks were aware, I believe they would have shown more support.”

The building at 9633 Prominent Point has a history of changes. Before The Homestead Collective, it housed Till Kitchen, then North Side Social, an entertainment venue, and later The Pinery North, a private event space. Owner Mitchell Yellen has seen a lot of turnover in recent years, which left some customers feeling confused about the frequent name changes. Fallentine remarked, “The constant changes threw me off. I thought it was just a building owned by someone else.”

Yellen hopes that Dad’s Donuts and Red Leaf Coffee will remain open until at least Spring 2026. The outdoor area with seating and pickleball courts is still available for visitors to enjoy. Other locations of Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe, as well as additional Dad’s Donuts spots, continue to operate.

This situation highlights the challenges food halls face in building community ties. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, nearly 60% of diners prefer small, local eateries over larger chains today. Ensuring visibility and creating a bustling atmosphere can often be crucial for survival. For The Homestead Collective, fostering community engagement could have made a difference in their journey.

As the food industry evolves, it’s clear that businesses must adapt to thrive. Building lasting relationships with local patrons is key, and The Homestead Collective’s story serves as a powerful reminder of that necessity.

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