Jim Pittenger, the chef and restaurateur better known as "Biker Jim," quietly stepped away from his stall at Avanti Food & Beverage on Sunday after citing personal health issues. The move ends a comeback that began in late 2025, when Pittenger reopened a version of his brand inside the LoHi food hall. He says he will focus on his health while his mobile operation, Bikers & Bakers, continues to cater events and vend at markets.
As reported by The Denver Post, Avanti management made the vendor change and announced a replacement less than a week before Pittenger's final shift. The paper lists his last day as Sunday and notes that Pittenger cited personal health issues as his reason for stepping away.
Local Comeback Cut Short
Pittenger had returned to Avanti in late 2025 with a new Bikers & Bakers concept after rebuilding his presence through pop-ups and markets. Westword chronicled that residency and traced his efforts to reclaim the Biker Jim's name following business upheavals over the past few years.
Ciao Babe To Take Over The Stall
Avanti has named Ciao Babe as the new tenant for the stall, with a soft opening slated for June 25, according to The Denver Post. The paper reports that Ciao Babe is led by Niko Diamantopoulos, who previously brought Berliner Haus into Avanti, and will specialize in sandwiches made with schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread. The Post also notes that Bikers & Bakers will continue catering corporate events and vending at farmers' markets and city watch parties, including World Cup gatherings at Skyline Park.
What This Means For Diners
For now, fans who follow Pittenger's pop-ups and market dates should still be able to find his dogs around the city while Avanti moves forward with a new vendor lineup. The Denver Gazette covered the local excitement when Pittenger first returned to Avanti, underscoring why his sudden exit is being noticed among Denver diners and food-hall regulars.
