Johnson’s Corner to Shake Shack: What’s New in Northern Colorado?

Northern Colorado’s restaurant landscape continues to change, with some closing and some new ones popping up on our radar, plus some of our local favorites adding locations or shutting down for renovations and/or a rebrand.

From Fort Collins to Greeley and Windsor, restaurant owners point to rising costs, staffing shortages, and changing customer habits as major factors shaping the restaurant biz. Some longtime establishments have closed their doors in recent months, while others are betting on fresh concepts, new locations or niche menus to attract diners across NoCo.

Last year, Johnson’s Corner shocked everyone by announcing they were closing down the diner. In the end, it ended up being a new concept and new menu for the Black Bear Diner, but worry not, those old Johnson’s Corner cinnamon roles are still available in the store. Whew!

Back in September, Ted’s Sweetwater Grill in Windsor “temporarily” closed for daily dining, while other local favorites like The Breakfast Club in Fort Collins expanded with a Greeley location. Proof that some come and some go, but the scene across NoCo is always, always changing.

More: Old Chicago in Loveland Abruptly Closes For Good

One that is coming soon to Fort Collins that I couldn’t personally be more excited about is the arrival of Shake Shack to Northern Colorado. They’re slated to open at the Foothills Mall roughly in March, 2026, and here’s a pro-tip for you: a Chicken Chaser. No, that’s not a secret menu item… it’s simply to say if you and someone else eat there, get your Shack burger, but order a chicken sandwich as well, then cut it in half and share with your dining companion after you finish the burger. You can thank me later.

All these changes mean saying goodbye to familiar spots — but also discovering new ones. For fans of certain restaurants, or for those hoping new ones come to town, all these changes can really be a good thing.

Inside What Could Be Colorado's Coolest Seafood Restaurant

Sometimes you find a seafood joint that doesn't take itself too seriously, like this one you'll find in Fort Collins, and you just have a good time while having some seafood.

Gallery Credit: Dave Jensen

A Look at Fort Collins' New Black-Eyed Pea

Black-Eyed Pea Returned to Fort Collins in January of 2026 after being gone for several years. The new location took over the spot vacated by Outback Steakhouse along Harmony, east of Boardwalk Avenue.

Gallery Credit: Dave Jensen