Boulder's Centro to close Nov. 14, replaced by Altura on Pearl Street

The restaurant Centro Mexican Kitchen will close its doors at 950 Pearl St. in Boulder on Nov. 14 after operating at that location for 20 years. The closure makes way for Altura, a new dining concept that Big Red F leadership describes as 'Mountain Mexican.'

The site at 950 Pearl Street has a history with the Big Red F company, which began operating in Colorado in 1994. Before Centro occupied the space, another Big Red F eatery named Rhumba used the same corner location for almost a decade. Big Red F currently owns 12 restaurants and bars along the Front Range, including the Velvet Elk Lounge, West End Tavern, and The Post Brewing Company.

The transition follows a pattern of updates within the company. Big Red F refreshed the menu at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar this year and remodeled its Fort Collins location last year. Dave Query, the founder of Big Red F, stated that after two decades, the Centro space required a major facelift. He described the plan as giving the venue 'some love.'

Query noted that while both Centro and Altura will serve Mexican-inspired food, the new menu will involve more intentionality, time, and attention to flavors and presentation. He said the team is reevaluating every aspect of the menu to reflect how people are eating today. Specific items for Altura are still being developed, but the dishes will be large and carefully curated.

The physical renovation will transform the interior of the building. The project includes adding a 16-foot folding glass wall on the northern, Pearl Street-facing side to open the dining room to the sidewalk. Other upgrades include new floors, booths, chairs, and lighting, along with structural updates. The walls will be whitewashed, and a large, colorful mural currently in the space will be removed.

Query explained that these aesthetic changes aim to create a more tranquil energy. He compared the current space to a long-term residence that has accumulated various items over time, resulting in a frenetic and loud atmosphere. The goal for Altura is to tone down the environment to make it feel calmer.

The timing of the closure aligns with several upcoming events in Boulder. Query cited the Sundance Film Festival arriving in January 2027, the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Pearl Street Mall, and the recent sale of the Pearl West building as factors that made now the right time to launch the new venture.

The kitchen team for Altura will include Query, Big Red F Culinary Director Sheila Lucero, and chef Jason Schmid. They will work together to bring the new menu to life. The name Altura, which translates to 'altitude' in Spanish, reflects the company's investment in the future of the downtown area.

Altura is scheduled to open on Dec. 8 at the same address. Query expressed confidence that patrons who enjoyed Centro will find the new concept even more enjoyable due to the increased focus on food, service, and surroundings. He assured that the restaurant will remain a place for enjoyable Mexican food.