Frasca Hospitality Group is on a roll. Last week, Michelin named one of the company’s Denver restaurants, Tavernetta, to its Bib Gourmand category, which are restaurants that it believes offer a meal of good quality at a good value.
Today, the company, which also owns Frasca Food and Wine and Pizzeria Alberico, both in Boulder, said it will open a new Italian concept dubbed Osteria Alberico at 3455 S. University Blvd., formerly home to Paxti’s Pizza, in Englewood next spring.
Osteria Alberico will be a sister restaurant to Pizzeria Alberico, which Frasca debuted in February after closing its flagship Pizzeria Locale. It draws inspiration from Italy’s neighborhood osterias and will have an affordable, approachable menu, according to Frasca Hospitality founding partner Peter Hoglund. That includes Neapolitan-style pizzas, handmade pasta and other dishes seen on Tavernetta and Frasca’s menus. The beverage program will offer wines from across Italy, plus a full cocktail bar with Italian spirits and amaro.
“This restaurant is really designed for anyone in the neighborhood, whether that’s a mom with a full minivan in tow after soccer practice looking for some great pizzas and salads or a couple enjoying date night with some pasta and branzino,” Hoglund said.
“A lot of our guests already drive up from south Denver to see us at Union Station, so if that’s where our guests are, then I think it’s wonderful to be able to deliver higher quality food and experiences not just to specific downtown areas,” he continued.
On Sept. 12, Michelin will announce whether it has awarded stars to restaurants in Denver and Boulder for the first time — and Frasca Hospitality’s restaurants could certainly be in the running.
“Fingers crossed,” Hoglund said.