DENVER — Since 1991, a mainstay in Denver’s Baker neighborhood has been packing its bags and leaving town.

Senor Burritos closes his 1st^st The Avenue location highlights Denver’s increase in the minimum wage, as well as homelessness in the area.

The family that runs the business has built deep connections in the neighborhood over the past three decades.

“We have customers who come here with their families for the first two years, when their children are young. And now kids are coming with their own kids,” said Martha Atta, whose parents founded the burrito shop. “We have formed really good friendships with many customers. This is home.”

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Leaving the area is difficult for Vicente Baylon, the restaurant’s cashier and Martha’s nephew. He learned the tricks of the trade from the family before him.

“It’s kind of bittersweet right now to say goodbye to all of our customers, our neighbors, our friends,” Baylon said.

However, the family believes the move is necessary to stay financially afloat.

The minimum wage in Denver in 2020 was $12.85. Increased $17.29 in 2023 And $18.29 in 2024. In 2025, the city’s minimum wage will increase to $18.81.

“The minimum wage in Denver is getting pretty high again,” Baylon said. “It’s hard for a small business to compete on minimum wage here.”

The family said they have also seen an increase in the number of homeless people outside their store over the past few years.

“It was tough,” Baylon said. “I know times are tough right now with the homeless situation, but it’s hard to see them in front of the restaurant, in the camps, and at the back door.”

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“We have customers who don’t show up because they have to go through campsites,” Atta said. “They stay ahead and linger. They do their business around the restaurant. And in this sense it is difficult for us. “We want it to be safe for our customers to come with their children or themselves… I’m sure it’s scary for them too.”

1^st The Avenue location will close permanently on Monday, December 23. The 2553 Kipling Street location in Lakewood will remain open. The family plans to open the new Westminster store, located at 7195 Federal Boulevard, in mid-to-late January.

Although the venue has changed, the family said the recipes have not.

“Nothing changes,” Baylon said. “Green pepper remains the same. Burritos remain the same.

If you want to know more about the restaurant, You can check them out on Instagram.