Bova's Market replaces Smelly Deli on the Hill
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Signage for the new Bova's location on University Hill. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios Boulder
The latest round of musical chairs on University Hill will bring Bova's Market back, replacing longtime fixture Smelly Deli.
Why it matters: The switch highlights the volatility of the Hill's business scene, even for its most iconic establishments.
Driving the news: Smelly Deli, officially named University Hill Market, abruptly and mysteriously closed in August after almost 30 years at 1134 13th St.
- Bova's Market, which had to shut down its 1100 28th St. earlier this month as a student housing development got underway, will be its replacement.
Fun fact: The origin of the nickname "Smelly Deli" appears to have been lost to history, but it was in place by at least 2002 when the business was referenced in a Playboy article ranking party schools.
Reality check: Bova's return is ironic, because a Hill development project is the reason the market moved to 28th Street in the first place five years ago.
- Bova's opened at 1325 Broadway in 2004, but was forced out when the Moxy Boulder hotel came to the Hill in 2021.
The intrigue: Smelly Deli hasn't publicly explained — or even announced — its closure, and signage at the site only reveals the arrival of Bova's.
- There's also no indication whether the concept could open elsewhere, or if the owners are calling it quits for good.
- Meanwhile, Bova's hinted it would consider a return to its 28th Street spot after a housing project concludes, but didn't specify if it would operate both locations at that time, or if the Hill setup is temporary.
- Neither business could be reached for comment.
What to expect: The two businesses actually had plenty in common, so the change-up won't be too drastic for students on the hunt for late-night grub.
- Both paired convenience-store staples with Mediterranean-inspired grill menus featuring gyros, falafel, cheesesteaks and burgers.
- They also stayed open late, serving as popular student go-tos.
My thought bubble: I had a friend who briefly worked at Smelly Deli in my post-college years, so I was a regular, seeking free gyros after late nights spent … studying.
The bottom line: As University Hill continues its evolution, it's clear that no business' spot is a given.