Pete Contos, owner of Pete's Kitchen and more, passed away today at the age of 85, according to The Denver Post. Contos, who was the owner of Pete's Satire Lounge, Pete's Kitchen, Pete's Gyros Place, Pete's University Park Cafe, Pete's Greek Town Cafe, and Pete's Central One, was a one-man institution in the Denver restaurant scene.
Many tributes from diners, politicians and locals have poured out online expressing regrets to his family, praising his role in the cultivation of the Denver's culinary history, and even calling for a parade in his honor.
Rest in peace, Pete Contos. You will be greatly missed.