The iconic Mercury Café, a staple of Denver's eclectic charm, has been thrust back into the real estate market, with owners Danny Newman, Christy Kruzick, and Austin Gayer seeking a new proprietor or leaseholder. This development comes as a possibly unexpected turn to observers who have followed the café's history and recent labor disputes. The sale listing was confirmed by multiple sources, including BusinessDen, where Newman cited not breaking even and operational challenges as key factors in this decision.
A steep payroll to secure private security, amounting to $7,000 a week, was one of the pressures faced by the café, largely due to disruptions from the local homeless encampments as Newman explained. In a move to steady the ship, the City had awarded the Merc a $15,000 grant intended to mitigate damages. "(The encampment) really started to affect our business. We used to have an absolutely gorgeous outdoor patio; we’re known for our famous brunches. Fewer and fewer people were coming," Newman said, as per BusinessDen. Nonetheless, Newman acknowledged that conditions in the neighborhood have improved recently.
The labor issues, which have been simmering in the background, add another layer to the story. An Instagram account, presumably representing the Mercury Café Workers’ Union, highlighted an unfolding conflict between management and staff regarding sudden changes being instituted within the café's operations. Excerpts from the account were shared by OutFront Magazine, revealing a climate of dissatisfaction among employees.
This backdrop of labor tensions and operational challenges shadowed a couple who had bought the cafe amidst personal and pandemic-related upheavals. "When we saw that the Merc was for sale, we were so excited," Newman reminisced, as cited by Westword. Unexpectedly, family matters, particularly an unexpected pregnancy, drew their focus and energy away from the business, compounding the café's difficulties in an already demanding time.
As the Mercury Café once again seeks ownership, Newman and his partners hold out hope for a passionate individual or group to carry forth the business's unique legacy. Marilyn Megenity, the original owner before the Newmans and their partners, was quoted as hinting at "big and important changes" starting on August 4, details of which remain speculative, as per BusinessDen.
