Here's what is taking over the former Blind Pig Pub in Fort Collins

Behind the papered windows of 214 Linden St. lies Armando Chavez's dream.

For years, the Fort Collins restauranteur, who opened Taqueria Los Comales, 111 W. Prospect Road, with his wife, Graciela Lucero, back in 2001, walked downtown Fort Collins and envisioned owning his own eatery there. After running Taqueria Los Comales with the help of their son, Daniel Chavez, the opportunity to open their own Old Town concept arose when Blind Pig Pub closed and vacated its sprawling downtown space late last year.

The couple took over the restaurant building in February and got to work turning it into Madre Cocina y Lounge — a Mexican steakhouse centered around traditional but elevated Mexican dishes; prime cuts of meat; a high-end Spanish-made Josper charcoal grill; and a full bar with high-quality tequilas, mezcals and more, Armando Chavez told the Coloradoan with translation help from Daniel. It is set to open late this summer.

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The family had hoped to open Madre Cocina y Lounge in Fort Collins years ago, but challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic upended that plan, Armando said. After years of hurdles, "everything fell into place" when 214 Linden St. became available, said Cesar Cardona, who will help manage Madre Cocina y Lounge.

"A lot of small doors closed, but a really big one opened," Daniel added, referring to his parents landing on their dream Old Town location.

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After revamping the unit from top to bottom — including a new kitchen, floor and bar — only cosmetic changes and finishing touches remain on the Linden Street space, Armando said.

It feels "like a dream fulfilled," he added.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Mexican steakhouse to take over former Blind Pig space in Fort Collins