Backcountry Provisions about to provide for LoDo

Backcountry Provisions is shooting to open its LoDo store on Thursday morning -- just in time for Friday's Colorado Rockies home opener. The sandwich shop/deli has moved into the former Willie Matthews Gallery space at 1617 Wazee Street -- and don't worry, says Denver store manager Chelsey Moore, "We're keeping the cowboy." That's the iconic Matthews mural on the side of the building.

Backcountry will also keep the menu that's made it such a popular stop in Steamboat Springs, where it got its start, as well as Fort Collins and Jackson Hole.

"It all started with Dave Pepin and Pete Boniface, the two founders, who wanted to create food that could be taken out by hikers and snowboarders, extreme travelers, if you will, so they could have a hearty meal that wouldn't weigh them down," explains Moore.

A variety of artisan cheese and meats go into "pretty unique sandwiches" with names like Fourteener, Bushwhacker and Avalanche. Backcountry also has an extensive list of salads and breakfast items

The Denver store will be open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and have about fifty seats for those who want to eat in. Look for a grand opening party on April 16. In the meantime, you can reach Denver's Backcountry at 303-534-7900 -- as soon as the phone is turned on.