Chef Bill Espiricueta to Open Costa Brisa in Boulder

The new Baja-inspired restaurant will replace the former Quiero Arepas space at Avanti Boulder.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Mexican Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a fresh shrimp tostada, evoking the vibrant flavors of the new Baja-inspired restaurant launch. — Chef Bill Espiricueta will open Costa Brisa, a new Baja-inspired restaurant, at the Avanti Boulder food hall on November 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chef Bill Espiricueta is expanding his culinary footprint to Boulder with the launch of his new restaurant, Costa Brisa. The establishment will debut on Nov. 2 at the Avanti Food & Beverage hall.

Why it matters

The restaurant represents a new expansion for the owner of Denver-based SMŌK as he brings a specific focus on Baja-inspired cuisine to the Boulder dining scene. The venture marks the latest change to the vendor lineup at the Avanti collective.

Located at 1401 Pearl St. on the first floor of Avanti Boulder, the restaurant will operate with closing times of 9 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Doors are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. on these days.

The players

Bill Espiricueta

He is a chef and restaurateur who also operates the SMŌK restaurant in Denver.

Avanti Food & Beverage

This is a food hall collective that provides kitchen space for various culinary concepts in multiple locations.

The details

Costa Brisa will serve a menu centered on Baja-inspired dishes, including shrimp tostadas and fish burritos. Weekend service will also feature breakfast burritos, taking over the stall formerly occupied by Quiero Arepas.

Bill Espiricueta began operating SMŌK in Denver in 2018.
Costa Brisa opens at Avanti Boulder on Nov. 2, 2026.

Culture Shift

The opening of Costa Brisa follows the documented trend of food hall models in urban retail corridors as restaurateurs utilize shared spaces to launch new concepts. This shift emphasizes flexible dining environments over traditional brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Boulder diners can expect to integrate the new menu items into their weekend routines starting in early November. Patrons should note that the restaurant will maintain distinct evening hours on Thursdays compared to the later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays.

The takeaway

The move highlights the ongoing evolution of local food halls as hubs for regional chefs to test new concepts. Visitors can plan their visits around the specific opening hours to experience the new menu once it officially launches.