Denver’s Secret Garden Café Closes Amid Unionization Efforts

In a surprising turn of events, the Secret Garden Café in Denver has closed its doors, a move that many former employees attribute to ongoing unionization efforts. The café, located at 1290 N. Williams Street near Cheesman Park, abruptly ceased operations on October 19, 2023, leaving its 22 staff members without employment.

Former barista and bartender Connor Devine expressed frustration, stating that management shut down the café just as employees were prepared to negotiate at the bargaining table. “After realizing that we were prepared to come to the bargaining table, management and owners of Secret Garden decided to shut down in two weeks,” Devine told local news outlet Denver7.

The closure was unexpected for many, including employees who were still serving customers at the café when management arrived to announce the shutdown. Tess Devillier, a former barista, recounted the chaotic scene: “I was working in there, serving coffee. They told people to leave. I’m crying as I’m having to finish these orders.” On the same day of the closure, off-duty employees had begun gathering signatures at Cheesman Park in support of their unionization efforts, which they deemed a retaliatory response from management.

The movement to unionize began earlier in the summer, driven by concerns over working conditions. Devillier noted, “We had no AC for all of the summer. They finally bought a fan, and they told us for customers and not for us. We were worried that our staff would pass out, so that’s why we initially got together and formed this union.” Employees sought to address issues of fairness and safety in their workplace.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 has condemned the closure as a violation of labor laws. In a statement, Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, criticized the action as unlawful union-busting. “This retaliatory closure… is just the latest in a string of unlawful acts committed by Secret Garden and its corporate owners City Street Investors to silence the voices of workers,” Cordova stated.

City Street Investors, which operates several well-known establishments in Denver, contends that the closure was necessary due to financial difficulties. Kirsten Becker, Director of Marketing and Branding for the company, explained, “The restaurant, which operated at a significant loss since opening 13 months ago, was not financially sustainable. The decision to close is entirely unrelated to the recent employee unionization.”

As the café’s website and social media pages have been taken down, former employees remain determined to continue their fight for fair working conditions. Devillier mentioned, “We’re just trying to make a living and ask for fair wages and not have our tips be stolen.” On Saturday, they continued to gather signatures from community members at Cheesman Park, seeking support for their cause.

“We are hoping that they meet us at the bargaining table,” Devillier added, highlighting the community’s backing in their efforts. The situation surrounding the Secret Garden Café raises questions about labor rights and the challenges faced by workers advocating for better conditions in the hospitality industry.