PIZZA FROM THE FUTURE
707 Pizza Co., a new family-owned pizzeria that opened next to the Ed Robson Hockey Arena at Colorado College, might look more like a spaceship than a restaurant. The first restaurant and bar in the United States with interactive dining tables, the pizzeria features giant screens on the tables where customers can place orders, pay the check and play interactive video games.
The pizzeria opened two months ago, serving stone-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza with a modern twist. Its pizza, sandwiches and other dishes are made with naturally fermented dough, and the restaurant uses a zero-waste model to ensure sustainability. It uses reusable plasticware, compostable takeout containers, and all food waste is donated to farmers or composted.
However, within the first few days of opening, the restaurant faced immediate challenges with its new interactive tables.
“To build this dream, we put literally everything we own into this restaurant. Our house, our cars and all our possessions went into construction, equipment and custom tables. From the dirt floors of the building to the final details, we are now in for over $1 million — money we don’t have but risked because we believed in this dream,” wrote Kristina Bradley, the co-owner of 707 Pizza, on the restaurant’s new GoFundMe page.
The GoFundMe page details a list of struggles the owners faced when opening the restaurant. Bradley said construction took more than twice as long as promised, kitchen equipment failed, and the online software that was supposed to be the crown jewel of the restaurant malfunctioned immediately.
Restaurant owners in Colorado Springs and across the country already face an incredibly challenging industry with rising operating costs, supply chain disruption and labor shortages. Adding a completely new software system is a challenge most owners don’t have to deal with.
To mitigate costs, 707 Pizza Co. announced Tuesday, Sept. 30, that it will now offer takeout.
GoFundMe details are available on the restaurant’s Instagram page @707pizzaco. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 819 N. Tejon St.
707 Pizza Co.
NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUSED
Homegrown Tap & Dough, a traditional Italian restaurant that highlights Colorado’s history and culture, is opening locations in Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. The menu features house-made pasta and pizza, burgers and desserts, which guests can enjoy while sitting in vintage ski chairs and gondolas.
The Castle Rock location, at 221 Wilcox St., is scheduled to open in December 2025.
“Design-wise, Castle Rock leans into Colorado’s ranching heritage with rustic wood, Pendleton-inspired textiles and Western details for an ‘elevated ranch’ feel distinct from our ski-lodge-inspired spaces elsewhere,” said Madeleine Nasch, a public relations representative for the restaurant.
Although the restaurant serves Italian food, it emphasizes Colorado ingredients and flavors, sourcing local beer and featuring seasonal dishes.
Homegrown Tap & Dough is owned and operated by the Gastamo Group, a Denver-based hospitality group which has created several other casual-dining brands including Park Burger and Lady Nomada. According to its website, the group focuses on neighborhood-oriented restaurants, offering an alternative to larger national chains and fast-food options. Homegrown Tap & Dough currently has locations in Denver, Littleton, Westminster, Parker and Arvada.
The Colorado Springs location is expected to open in spring 2026.
“We’ll continue thoughtful, neighborhood-first growth across Colorado where we can build something special and lasting,” Nasch said.