DENVER (KDVR) — A popular Colorado restaurant with multiple locations in the metro is expanding beyond the state’s borders with a new location in Las Vegas.
Chili Shack, which first opened in 2020, is a Colorado-based chain that is known for its Mexican American offerings, smothered in green chili.
The restaurant serves customizable burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchilada plates, Southwest-inspired burgers and more. The restaurant described the “soul” of its menu as the chain’s signature green chili, “which brings every dish to life with a perfect balance of heat, spice, and flavor.”
The restaurant’s founder and CEO has opened five locations in Colorado, with a sixth on its way in Brighton. Now, the founder has his sights set on his first location out of state: Las Vegas.
“Opening our first restaurant outside of Colorado in downtown Las Vegas is more than a milestone—it just makes sense,” said Chili Shack founder and CEO Abraham Olivas in the restaurant’s announcement of the new location. “Vegas is a city built on bold flavor and big energy, and that’s exactly what Chili Shack brings to the table. We’ve had fans from Nevada making the trip to Colorado just to get a taste, and now we’re bringing the heat straight to them. Downtown Las Vegas is a hub of culture, creativity, and hustle—the perfect fit for our growing brand.”
The Las Vegas location, which first opened its doors on Oct. 25, is at 707 E. Carson Ave., Las Vegas, just a block from East Fremont Street. The area is known for the “Fremont Street Experience,” a pedestrian mall and attraction in downtown Las Vegas.
Olivas’s venture with the Chili Shack was inspired by cooking alongside his parents, especially his father, who was a professional chef for over two decades. After running a landscaping business, he opened his first restaurant location in Lakewood.
The company announced earlier in October its plans to open as many as 100 new locations across the U.S. in the next several years through franchising, targeting other parts of Colorado, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and New Mexico. The company called its food offerings at that point “comfort food without the sticker shock.”
“Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, a late-night bite, or just craving something satisfying, we guarantee something for every appetite,” said Olivas, noting that most items cost between $10 and $16.
The menu also includes take-home items, like beans, rice, salsa, red chili, green chili and chicharrónes that are available in cups, pints, quarts and gallons.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
