T
om Secrist is parting ways with Atomic Cowboy after selling the restaurant group's East Colfax properties for $3 million. The sale includes the 3,200-square-foot restaurant and 2,500-square-foot office at 1515 Adams St., which Secrist had purchased in 2000 for $390,000.

    Secrist plans to use his newfound freedom to explore other business ventures, possibly focusing on fix-and-flip projects. "I just hope what I've done has helped improve the selection of offerings on the street," he said. The buyer, Li H Xu, is an investor who sees potential in East Colfax's insulated market.

    Justin Brockman, a broker at Required Properties, listed the properties and was under contract within a week. He advises other property owners on East Colfax to consider selling due to high demand from investors. Atomic Cowboy's lease at its original location expires in 2033, but Secrist had already begun exploring options for his portfolio.

    Secrist purchased the retail condo and house with a friend in 2000, rehabbing the space into a restaurant that caught the attention of Robert Thompson, who later started Punch Bowl Social. Thompson launched Atomic Cowboy, which has since grown to seven Colorado locations under current CEO Drew Shader's leadership.

    The sale also benefits Secrist's friend, who invested $80,000 and walked away with $661,000 at closing. The remaining property on East Colfax, a hair salon at 3221 E. Colfax Ave., is still listed for $550,000.