Closed Colorado Brewpub Getting New Life After 2 Years

It's always sad when a longtime fun hangout in Colorado closes up shop; but then to watch the spot languish empty, makes it even harder. At least we now know what's becoming of the old place.

Officially, three businesses will be occupying the space, one welcoming visitors to the city, the other two will be new restaurants to the area. Where once, a (mostly) youthful crowd drank and shot pool, a much different crowd will be hanging out there.

As they say, the only thing constant is change: after decades of seeing the old brewpub and poolhall, how will we take to the change?

I can't tell you the countless times me and my friends had been into Coopersmith's Poolside in Fort Collins; good food, good beer, fun pool. My brother and I often held our own little "tournaments" at poolside; it was big shock in 2022, when it was announced that it would be closing.

What's Becoming of the Former Poolside in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado?

It was announced in early 2024, that part of Poolside would become a location of Visit Fort Collins, which was kind of disappointing, to me; I was really hoping someone would come in and take over the existing poolhall/brewpub.

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Then, the tension mounted, as there was still space left at the location - what else would be going in there? I kept watching; I tried to get information from the building's owner, but to no avail. Then, the Coloradoan dropped the news about the new restaurant.

Korean Restaurant Chain Bringing First Northern Colorado Location to Poolside

According to The Coloradoan, Bonchon, specializing in Korean fried chicken, will be coming to the former Poolside location. The restaurant chain started in 2002 in South Korea and is now in eight countries and 21 U.S. states.

As of summer of 2024, there were six Bonchon locations in Colorado; when the one opens at the former Poolside, it will be the first for Northern Colorado.

RELATED: Another Fort Collins Brewery Closing

The franchisee opening Bonchon will also be opening a salad restaurant at the location, "Salady." There's no information on any already existing Salady, so this looks like it will be a brand new endeavor, when both restaurants open in early 2025.