Convict Coffee Bets on Colfax Ave With New Location as Corridor Prepares to Reopen
DENVER, CO — Convict Coffee Company has opened a new location along East Colfax Avenue, taking over an existing coffee shop space as the locally owned company expands its presence in Denver.
Founder Dan Klehm Inside Convict Coffee’s New East Colfax Location | Courtesy of Convict Coffee
Located at 2260 E. Colfax Avenue, Suite 102, the new Convict Coffee occupies approximately 700 square feet inside the Savigeau building and includes access to a large outdoor courtyard that will become a major part of the company's plans for the location.
The space previously operated as a coffee shop, allowing Convict Coffee to reuse much of the existing infrastructure rather than complete an extensive new buildout. Founder Dan Klehm said that was an important factor in choosing the location after previously going through plan review and permitting for the company's Evans Avenue location.
Klehm, his son Daniel and Daniel's girlfriend Jade handled the transformation themselves, focusing on bringing Convict Coffee's identity into the existing space. The team added seven seats along with new branding, artwork, a sound system and video games. The former ice cream area was converted for the company's dirty sodas and Red Bulls, while a new bar counter includes a Nintendo Switch 2 and Star Fox. Additional artwork created by incarcerated artists is also planned for the space.
Interior Bar at Convict Coffee’s New East Colfax Location | Courtesy of Convict Coffee
The Colfax shop is the latest location for a concept Klehm started with his sons in 2024. Klehm said the idea for Convict Coffee began during a major transition in his life in late 2023, when he became sober on Christmas Day after losing his job earlier that year. His sons joined him in opening the first Convict Coffee location in April 2024.
From the beginning, Klehm said the company was created with a mission of raising money for causes working to reduce recidivism while creating a restaurant company focused on supporting its employees.
That mission also played a role in choosing the East Colfax location. Convict Coffee is located next to RR Headlabs, which Klehm said shares the company's interest in supporting formerly incarcerated people. The history of the Savigeau building and its courtyard were additional factors in selecting the space.
Exterior Patio Seating at Convict Coffee’s New East Colfax Location | Courtesy of Convict Coffee
For Klehm, however, the decision to open on Colfax goes beyond the individual storefront. He previously operated multiple restaurants along the corridor and said he has long been drawn to its character and diversity.
“I have ran multiple restaurants on Colfax over the years and have always loved the gritty authenticity of this part of Denver,” Klehm told Developing Denver. “It has always felt like home.”
The opening comes as construction continues along East Colfax and businesses prepare for additional portions of the corridor to reopen. Klehm said the previous coffee shop owners struggled during the construction period and ultimately could not continue operating the location.
As that work progresses, Klehm sees an opportunity for the corridor to evolve while retaining the independent businesses and character that have historically defined Colfax.
Founder Dan Klehm Standing Outside Convict Coffee’s East Colfax Location | Courtesy of Convict Coffee
“Colfax has this incredible history as the coolest, weirdest, realest street in Denver and I hope that as the reopening happens, we can preserve and improve upon that,” Klehm said.
He also believes the future of corridors like Colfax will depend partly on where Denver residents choose to spend their money, arguing that locally owned businesses need community support to compete with larger national companies. Klehm also said he would like to see changes to permitting and licensing that make it easier for small businesses to open and operate in Denver.
The courtyard behind Convict Coffee is expected to play a significant role in the location going forward. The company plans to participate in a September 27 art show with neighboring RR Headlabs and Homeboy Industries and is targeting October 1 for a free drink day for East High School students.
Additional plans include collaborating with neighboring businesses on DIY punk shows in the courtyard. Convict Coffee also expects to eventually extend its hours later into the evening once the road reopens, with Klehm suggesting the space could host additional events in the future.
Learn more about Convict Coffee Company through its website or follow @convictcoffeecompany on Instagram for updates on the new Colfax location, upcoming events and more.
Project Team
Owner/Operator: Convict Coffee Company
Buildout/Interior Decor: Dan Klehm, Daniel Klehm and Jade
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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