Arvada spans Jefferson and Adams counties northwest of Denver, and its best-known dining district is a historic downtown that now has its own commuter rail stop. Restaurant Finance Network gives Arvada owners one application that a broker shops to banks, credit unions and private lenders, whether the project is a patio in Olde Town or a new unit in the city’s growing northwest.
Arvada at a glance
- Population: 122,901 (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimate for July 1, 2025; the 2020 Census counted 124,402).
- Counties: Jefferson and Adams.
- Dining districts: Olde Town Arvada around Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and Grandview Avenue, the Ralston Road and Wadsworth corridors, the Arvada Ridge station area, and newer centers serving Candelas and other northwest neighborhoods.
- SBA coverage: the SBA Colorado District Office at 721 19th St. in Denver.
Olde Town, the G Line and the arts
Olde Town Arvada is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, roughly bounded by Ralston Road, Teller Street, Grandview Avenue and Yukon Street. Its revival traces back to an urban renewal effort that began in 1981, followed by restoration work, streetscape improvements and, later, pedestrian-friendly street closures that made room for outdoor dining. Today the district mixes restaurants, cocktail bars and brewery taprooms, including a Denver Beer Co. taproom on Olde Wadsworth.
RTD’s G Line commuter rail stops at Olde Town Arvada, Arvada Ridge and Gold Strike stations, linking the district to Union Station in downtown Denver. That connection brings visitors who would not otherwise drive out for dinner, and it has encouraged apartments near the stations that add nightly foot traffic.
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is another anchor. Its theater and concert seasons create pre-show dinner demand on nights that might otherwise be quiet. Arvada’s population was essentially flat between the 2020 Census and the 2025 estimate, so growth for most operators comes from winning share and from newer neighborhoods on the northwest edge rather than a surge of new residents citywide.
Financing that suits Arvada operators
- Construction and renovation loans for updating older buildings inside the historic district, where layout and code work can add cost.
- Brewery financing for taprooms and small brewhouses near the G Line.
- SBA loans for buying a long-running Olde Town restaurant from a retiring owner.
- Equipment financing for kitchens, bar coolers and draft systems.
- A business line of credit for patio-season inventory and winter payroll.
Second locations in the northwest metro
A concept that does well in Olde Town often looks next at Westminster, Broomfield, Lakewood or the newer northwest Arvada neighborhoods. Expansion loans fit that plan. Expect a request for statements from the Olde Town location, a summary of what you already owe and the landlord’s or contractor’s figures for the second address. Owners running three or more units can look at multi-location restaurant financing.
Licensing and local resources
In Arvada, the City Clerk’s Office accepts complete liquor applications, sets the neighborhood boundary used for evidence of need and desire, and schedules the hearing before the Arvada Liquor Licensing Authority. The Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division issues the state license after local approval. Because Arvada crosses two counties, free SBDC advising comes from the Colorado SBDC serving Denver Metro for Jefferson County addresses and the North Metro Denver center for Adams County addresses.
Questions owners ask
Does a historic district location in Olde Town Arvada change how a loan works?
The loan types are the same, but the budget often changes. Older buildings can need electrical, plumbing, ventilation or accessibility upgrades, and exterior changes may face design review. Lenders want contractor bids and a realistic timeline. Including those costs up front avoids asking for a second loan halfway through the build-out.
Can I buy an existing restaurant in Arvada with an SBA loan?
Often, yes. SBA-backed loans are commonly used for business acquisitions because terms can be longer than many conventional loans. Lenders review the seller’s financial history, your experience and the purchase agreement. Approval and terms depend on the lender. A broker can find SBA lenders actively financing restaurant purchases in Jefferson and Adams counties.
Who handles liquor licensing in Arvada?
The City Clerk’s Office manages applications and sets the neighborhood boundaries used to show support for a new license, and the Arvada Liquor Licensing Authority holds the public hearing and decides. The Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division completes the state approval afterward. Contact the Clerk’s Office early, because missing documents can push the hearing back.
Nearby cities
Return to the Colorado hub or read about Westminster, Lakewood and Broomfield. Ready to see options? Check what you qualify for.