The Carriage House to Bring New Life to Historic Cheesman Park Café Space
DENVER, CO — A historic café space overlooking Cheesman Park is preparing to welcome visitors once again. The Carriage House, a new European-inspired café from Denver entrepreneur John Goscha and hospitality professional Jake Riederer, will officially open its first phase on Tuesday, July 28, bringing new life to the historic Tear-McFarlane House at 1290 N. Williams Street. The property has remained vacant since Secret Garden Café closed in October 2025.
Rendering of The Carriage House | Courtesy of The Carriage House & Feed Media
The new concept aims to create a neighborhood gathering place inspired by the intimate cafés found throughout Europe. Following an extensive renovation, the interior now features white marble countertops, wainscoted walls, vintage mirrors, glass light fixtures, and a Parisian-style checkerboard floor. Oversized French doors and a tree-lined patio overlooking Cheesman Park are designed to create a seamless connection between the indoor café and the surrounding park.
The project will open in two phases. Beginning July 28, guests will be able to enjoy coffee from Novo Coffee, pastries from Black Box Bakery, sandwiches, salads, toastettes, wine, beer, and grab-and-go picnic provisions. The café will initially operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. While a second phase is planned for September and will expand the concept into a full cocktail bar, additional indoor seating, a broader food menu, expanded happy hour offerings, and extended operating hours.
The culinary program was developed by Riederer, whose hospitality background includes OPEN Sandwiches, Congress Park Market, Work & Class, and Super Mega Bien, alongside 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist Melissa Yanc. Menu highlights include a French onion grilled cheese served with onion consommé for dipping, a North African tuna pan bagnat, and house-made toastettes featuring a variety of sweet and savory toppings.
Rendering of The Carriage House | Courtesy of The Carriage House & Feed Media
While the café is intended to serve both neighborhood residents and park visitors, the ownership team says the vision extends beyond food and beverage. Goscha, a Denver native who previously founded and sold several technology companies, said the goal is to create a welcoming community gathering space beside one of Denver's most iconic parks. The Carriage House also plans to donate all profits to local community causes as part of its long-term mission.
With the reopening of one of Cheesman Park's most recognizable café locations, The Carriage House marks the next chapter for a property that has long served as a neighborhood destination.
Development Team
Owner: John Goscha
Partner: Jake Riederer
Menu Development: Jake Riederer & Melissa Yanc
Coffee Partner: Novo Coffee
Bakery Partner: Black Box Bakery
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
4 minute read • The Carriage House will open July 28 inside the historic Tear-McFarlane House beside Cheesman Park, bringing a new European-inspired café to one of Denver's most recognizable neighborhood gathering spaces.