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Denver, CO

‘Local-first’ online grocer PineMelon closes because of financial challenges

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‘Local-first’ online grocer PineMelon closes because of financial challenges


A startup grocery service that provided a pipeline from area farmers and producers to customers in metro Denver has ceased operations after deciding it could no longer make a go of it financially.

PineMelon started business in April 2022, billing itself as a “local-first” online and grocery delivery service. Working out of a 30,000-square-foot warehouse on the north side of Denver, PineMelon featured fruits, vegetables, meat, breads, desserts and prepared meals from clients across the Front Range and on the Western Slope.

PineMelon said suppliers included 400-plus local farmers and makers. The company said its mission was “to build a food system that is better for our environment, builds our community, provides healthier food, and allows local food makers to thrive.”

The online grocer also proved to be an avenue of commerce for area producers once farmers markets closed for the season.

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PineMelon CEO Alex Lee said in a statement Friday that the company was grateful to the local farmers, ranchers and producers who had worked with it and to the customers who took a chance “on a whole new way to shop for groceries.”

But despite efforts “to remedy our current financial situation,” PineMelon would halt all operations Sunday, Lee said. “At this time, we do not know if or when we will be able to resume operations.”

PineMelon said it filled orders for pickup Monday and planned to close out by 6 p.m.

Christopher Ford, PineMelion’s chief marketing officer, said in an email that the company tried to develop a sustainable business model that put more money in the hands of local farmers, didn’t require a subscription and didn’t outsource jobs to gig workers.

“Managing the costs associated with these values has proven challenging,” Ford said.

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Company officials said PineMelon wasn’t able to sustain the high level of scale needed to make its business model work. PineMelon had 43 full- and part-time employees.

“I think I was one of the first local farmers that they brought on,” said Ryan Ericson, owner of Well Fed Farmstead in Fort Collins.

Ericson grows 100 different varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs on about  2.5 acres in the city. He said he made between $500 and $1,000 a week in 2024 by selling his products to PineMelon.

“I don’t really have another wholesale outlet like PineMelon in this area,” Ericson said. “I have a lot of different markets that I sell to, which is very helpful in this case.”

Ericson said he will likely sell more of his products to retail outlets and might go to more farmers markets.

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“I thought PineMelon was really innovative,” Ericson said. “They seemed excited about expanding. I’m sad to see them go.”

Updated at May 13, 2025,  at 11:21 a.m. to correct the number of suppliers that PineMelon worked with.

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Denver, CO

Denver ties mark Friday for second-latest date for a first snowfall

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Denver ties mark Friday for second-latest date for a first snowfall


Metro Denver residents in some areas woke up to wet sidewalks, marking the first measurable moisture the area has received in 24 days. But outside of the foothills, snow still hasn’t arrived, tying 1934 for the second-latest first snowfall on record.

There was fog and a light mist at Denver International Airport, with the temperature at around 40 degrees, as of 6 a.m. There is a 50% chance of light showers in the area through around 10 a.m. before things dry up again. The skies should turn partly cloudy with a high of 49 degrees and a slight wind from the north at 3 to 5 miles per hour, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service in Boulder.



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Denver, CO

Renovations begin at Denver’s Civic Center Park for the first time in 100 years

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Renovations begin at Denver’s Civic Center Park for the first time in 100 years



The first major renovations in Civic Center Park for the first time in 100 years began this week. The City of Denver wants to make the park more inviting for events and people while preserving the area’s history. 

Civic Center Park

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CBS


The park is a popular spot for concerts, protests, and festivals based on its central location in downtown Denver and also its large lawn space with flowers and concrete paths. 

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the park is in need of a makeover while embracing its past. 

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Renovations began in Civic Center Park for the first time in 100 years. 

CBS

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“We are both custodians of the history of this place, and we are also caretakers of the future, which means we have to make sure that we make the investments like this to prepare this public space for the next 100 years of events,” said Johnston.  

Phase one of the renovations is expected to be complete by Summer 2027.

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An artist’s rendition of the renovations at Civic Center Park. 

City of Denver


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Denver, CO

Rain returns to Denver metro on Thursday; snow stays mostly in the higher terrain

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Rain returns to Denver metro on Thursday; snow stays mostly in the higher terrain


DENVER — We’re in for a quiet night ahead, staying mostly dry and mild. The waiting game begins as the next system approaches Colorado.

Clouds increase throughout Thursday with cooler afternoon highs in the low 50s.

A complex storm arrives, and with models disagreeing on the details, confidence remains low for snowfall in the metro.

Expect rain to move in first. Pockets of rain and snow are possible later, mainly across higher terrain and areas farther east.

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Rain returns Thursday; snow stays mostly in the higher terrain

On Friday morning, rain will continue for most of the metro and plains.

However, the Front Range mountains, foothills, and the Palmer Divide could see snow accumulation.

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Precipitation should taper off Friday afternoon as the system weakens and moves east.

Heading into the weekend, dry air returns with temperatures bouncing back to slightly above normal.

We should stay quiet through the weekend.

Denver7

DENVER WEATHER LINKS: Hourly forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream

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