The building that formerly housed Brown Cycles on downtown Grand Junction’s Main Street has been sold and is undergoing renovations to become a new restaurant. The property, located at 549 and 555 Main Street, was purchased by 549-555 Main Street LLC, an entity belonging to local business owner Uwe Kirch, according to Mesa County Assessor’s records.
Kirch, known locally by his nickname Trout, also owns Rocky Mountain West Insurance and The Rockslide Brew Pub in downtown Grand Junction. He acquired the building on June 9 for $1,000,001 from The Maken Do LLC, which belongs to former Brown Cycles owner Chris Brown. The sale occurred before Brown announced the closure of Brown Cycles, which had operated for nearly 26 years.
Uwe Kirch said he has experience working with old buildings in downtown Grand Junction and understands what to expect with such projects. He stated that he saw the 549-555 Main Street building listed for sale, walked through it, spoke with Brown, and then "I threw a number at him, and he took it."
The new restaurant will be named Valle di Sera, an Italian phrase meaning "valley of the evening." Kirch described the concept as an international theme, not limited to a single ethnicity or country. He plans to select dishes from a variety of cuisines, mentioning possibilities such as German, Brazilian, and Moroccan influences, aiming to introduce flavors not commonly found in the Grand Valley.
Valle di Sera is intended to offer an elevated dining experience with a strong focus on service. Kirch drew comparisons to other local establishments such as the former 626 on Rood, The Winery Restaurant, Bin 707 Foodbar, Devil’s Kitchen, and Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano. He noted that the restaurant will use locally sourced meats, specifically mentioning "bison and venison that you’d find in Colorado."
As a nod to the building's history, Kirch suggested that the menu might include a drink or dish named after Chris Brown. The main dining area is expected to accommodate 50 to 60 people, with an additional, more private area in the back. This separate space will feature a custom-built 24-foot-long table, envisioned for events like wedding rehearsals.
Kirch expressed his desire for Valle di Sera to distinguish itself rather than try to appeal to everyone. He commented on a perceived tendency in Grand Junction restaurants to "find the middle ground," which he believes can lead to avoiding bold flavors. He stated, "We should not be afraid to put flavor into things." Summing up his perspective on the venture, Kirch said, "We’re thinking there’s opportunity there." He humorously added, "If it flops, we can make it a taco joint."
Meanwhile, the front half of the 555 Main Street portion of the building will continue to be leased by Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive, which has occupied that space since 2014. The back half of 555 Main Street will be integrated into the new Valle di Sera restaurant.
