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‘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

Von Miller lobbying Broncos to bring him back (here’s the latest update)

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Von Miller lobbying Broncos to bring him back (here’s the latest update)


Von Miller has made it abundantly clear that he would like to return to the Denver Broncos and finish his career where it started. Miller has made that fact known at every possible opportunity, including a Von’s Vision charity event on Wednesday.

“I would love to bring back those Super Bowl 50 vibes, love to assist, to be the vice president to Bo Nix, to Courtland Sutton,” Miller said. “I’ve been the guy and also I’ve been the vice president as well. I would love to contribute to us getting back to the glory land, to holding up that trophy.”

Miller went on to note that he has lobbied coach Sean Payton to sign him (Payton coached Miller at a flag football tournament earlier this year).

Unfortunately for Miller, it sounds like there are no plans for a potential reunion with his old club. The Denver Post‘s Luca Evans reported that “as of last week,” there have been no talks between the Broncos and Miller’s representatives about a potential contract.

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With a crowded outside linebacker room, Denver seems unlikely to re-sign Miller, but the 37-year-old pass rusher said he will “for sure” play in 2026. After totaling nine sacks with the Washington Commanders last fall, Miller will probably be able to find a home as a rotational pass rusher, but it might not be with the Broncos.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.



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Denver, CO

Denver Summit FC delays opening of Centennial Stadium, will play next 2 home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

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Denver Summit FC delays opening of Centennial Stadium, will play next 2 home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park



Denver Summit FC will play their next two home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team was hoping to be at their new training facility in Centennial by July, but team says recent rain delayed construction, so they need to push back by two weeks.

Yazmeen Ryan #9 of the Denver Summit FC in action during the NWSL match between Utah Royals and Denver Summit FC at America First Field on May 23, 2026 in Sandy, Utah.

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Alex Goodlett/NWSL via Getty Images


That means their July 3 and July 12 matches will be at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.

Summit FC is hopeful to be at their stadium in Centennial for their July 18 game against the Portland Thorns.

Centennial Stadium will ultimately become Summit’s training facility. They’ll play their games there until 2028, when they hope to move into their official home stadium at the Santa Fe Yards at Broadway and I-25. The Santa Fe Yards stadium will have room for more than 14,000 fans.

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Denver Fashion Week Responds To Community Demand With Second Model Audition Date – 303 Magazine

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Denver Fashion Week Responds To Community Demand With Second Model Audition Date – 303 Magazine


Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.

According to DFW, the organization received a large number of emails and social media messages from models hoping for another opportunity to audition after the initial model auditions on May 17.
In response, DFW will host an additional audition date on August 9, giving fresh talent another chance to join one of Denver’s biggest fashion platforms.

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Known for its commitment to inclusivity and community-driven casting, Denver Fashion Week is searching for both traditional and non-traditional models with strong runway presence, personality, and confidence.

Audition opportunities include:

  • Male and female models ages 6–65+
  • Kids and teen models ages 6–14
  • Stylish moms and fashionable children for the “Mommy & Me” runway segment

DFW continues to emphasize its all-inclusive approach to casting and does not select talent based on race, religion, body type, height, age, or sexual orientation. Both agency-represented and independent models are encouraged to audition.

For first-time runway talent or anyone looking to sharpen their walk and stage presence, DFW highly recommends attending its Model Workshop ahead of auditions. The workshop is designed to help prepare models for the runway experience and provide insight into what casting directors are looking for during Fashion Week. REGISTER HERE

Audition Schedule

11:00 AM — Mommy & Me
Moms + children ages 6–12

11:45 AM — Ages 14+
Models 5’4” and under

12:20 PM — Kids & Teens
Ages 6–14

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1:00 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’5”–5’7”

1:45 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’8”–5’10”

2:30 PM — Ages 14+
Models 5’11” and taller

What To Wear

Models are encouraged to wear fitted clothing that allows the casting team to clearly view silhouette and movement.

Recommended attire includes:

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  • Black fitted tank top or t-shirt
  • Skinny or fitted jeans
  • Heels 3”+ for those auditioning in heels
  • Natural hair
  • Minimal makeup and jewelry

DFW also recommends avoiding loud accessories that may distract from the runway presentation.

Important Notes

Models who previously walked in Denver Fashion Week’s Spring 2026 season are not required to audition again.

No comp card is required, as DFW will take measurements, photos and video during auditions.

As Denver Fashion Week continues to expand its platform, the organization remains one of the few major regional fashion weeks actively prioritizing accessibility, diversity and opportunities for emerging talent.

Follow Denver Fashion Week on Instagram

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