Rio Grande restaurants to expand to Loveland

LOVELAND — Confirming rumors that have spread around Northern Colorado for months, owners of Rio Grande Mexican restaurants announced Thursday that they will open their sixth location early next year in downtown Loveland.

Known as “The Rio” and dishing up Tex-Mex cuisine, the new location will be at 225 Fourth St., directly across from the Rialto Theater.

“Back in 2024, we mapped out a five-year plan that included opening a new Rio in 2027,” said Pat McGaughran, founder and owner of the chain. “Historically, we’ve thrived in the heart of the action in larger towns throughout Colorado, but over time, we’ve seen smaller markets evolve into vibrant, energetic food scenes. Loveland is exactly that, it’s a community with character, momentum and a real appreciation for good food and fun times. It’s the kind of community we’re excited to be part of.”

Since opening its first restaurant in 1986 at 143 W. Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins, The Rio has added locations at 1101 Walnut St. in Boulder and 825 Ninth St. in Greeley, as well as in Lower Downtown Denver and Lone Tree.

Built in 1893, the 6,720-square-foot downtown Loveland building has hosted several businesses over the years, including a Mr. Neat’s formal wear store, but has been vacant since 2006. According to Sean Hawkins, executive director of the Loveland Downtown District, the city at one time “intended to tear it down and make it a pass-through” into parking areas.

“We’ve had interest and eyes on the region for years,” McGaughran said. “We love downtown areas, and had hopes there would be an opportunity there in Loveland somewhere along the way. One of our partners drives through there routinely on the way to Fort Collins, and he was contacted by the real estate company.

“That’s the risk of looking, is that you find things,” he said. “We got pretty excited about what’s happening in downtown Loveland, the energy that’s happening there. That entire area has been awaiting revival, and we certainly aren’t blazing any trails, but we’re joining a fine bunch of people who are excited to join the mix. 

“We at The Rio love joining in on our communities,” he said, “and so far we’ve been very welcomed.”

McGaughran predicted that the new restaurant would employ about 40 people. “We typically have a staff of 60 or 70 in our larger locations, he said, explaining that the Fort Collins flagship restaurant has 7,000 square feet on each of two levels.

He said Fort Collins-based VFLA Architecture + Interiors is designing the restaurant’s space.

“This has always been part of our plan — to grow when the timing is right and we have the team in place to do it well,” McGaughran said. “Opening a restaurant takes a lot of dedication and hard work, but it’s what we love to do. Get ready, Loveland, fun is on its way.”

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