Bristol Brewing Takes Full Control of Ivywild School
The Colorado Springs community staple moves into a new era following a recent management realignment.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Bristol Brewing Company has assumed full ownership of the historic Ivywild School building in Colorado Springs. This ownership change follows a February 2026 management split between Bristol Brewing and the Blue Star Group.
Why it matters
The transition allows both companies to refocus on their individual business goals after operating the site as co-founders since 2013. The realignment aims to streamline operations at the landmark community gathering place.
The Ivywild School building was originally constructed in 1916 and served as a school before closing 18 years ago. Bristol Brewing, which marks its 30th year of operation, has now taken sole control of the facility following a management separation.
The players
Bristol Brewing Company
A long-standing regional brewery that has now assumed full ownership of the Ivywild School site.
Blue Star Group
A hospitality entity that co-founded the Ivywild School site in 2013 before moving its operations across the street.
The details
The Ivywild Refresh project, which began in early September 2026, has introduced a centralized point-of-sale system allowing customers to order from multiple vendors on one tab. New additions including Yellow Brick Bake Shop and Bluebird Breakfast have joined the facility, while Decent Pizza has closed.
Timeline
The original school building was constructed in 1916.
The Ivywild School reopened as a food hall in 2013.
The management split between the two firms was announced in February 2026.
The Ivywild Refresh project began in September 2026.
The Restless Chef is expected to open in mid-January 2027.
Market Landscape
The shift away from the co-management model established by the 2013 Ivywild School adaptive reuse project signals a move toward more focused, independent operations for local hospitality groups. This transition allows individual firms to better compete within the crowded Colorado Springs market.
Customers can now utilize a centralized point-of-sale system to purchase items from multiple vendors under a single tab. These changes are designed to simplify the dining experience for visitors navigating the various shops and eateries within the school building.
The takeaway
The transformation of this historic site illustrates how established venues continue to evolve to meet changing consumer demands. Visitors should look for updated signage regarding the new ordering system during their next visit to the school.
What happens next
The Restless Chef restaurant is scheduled to open at the Ivywild School location in mid-January 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local changes in the Colorado Springs Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.
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