Our Story
The Next chapter
After 13 years of gathering, celebrating, eating, drinking, and making memories, Ivywild School is entering a new chapter. As ownership of several Ivywild favorites transitions from Joseph Coleman to Mike and Amanda Bristol, we’re taking the opportunity to refresh some of what happens inside these old school walls while staying true to what has always made Ivywild special. Starting Sept. 21, 2026, you’ll find new food, drinks, and experiences alongside many of the familiar favorites you already know and love.
At the Principal’s Office, things will feel much the same, with a new fall cocktail menu and coffee served all day beginning Sept. 21. On Oct. 5, mornings will get a little more delicious with expanded hours, hot breakfast from Bluebird Breakfast, and breakfast pastries, desserts, and fresh breads from Yellow Brick Bake Shop. Ivywild Kitchen will also welcome a refreshed menu from new Executive Chef Paul Ryan, with plans to eventually move the kitchen to the north end of the building alongside a new indoor counter for Spark BBQ.
Some things are changing, but plenty is staying right where it belongs. The Bristol Pub, Salad or Bust, Axe and The Oak, and Odds & Ends will continue on as Ivywild staples. Decent Pizza will be taking a pause, making room in January 2027 for The Restless Chef, a new lunch and dinner concept that will explore food cultures and flavors from around the world, with a menu that changes throughout the year. Gold Star Bakery will also be moving across the street to the new Blue Star restaurant.
We’re also making it easier to experience Ivywild as one big, wonderfully eclectic gathering place. A new ordering system will allow guests to have one food and beverage tab throughout most of the building, order from their table with a QR code and have their food brought right to them, or keep things simple with counter service. Construction at the north end of the building will take place through the end of 2026 as we make room for the new kitchen spaces, and we’ll do our best to keep the work from getting in the way of a good time. And this is just the beginning: more live music, art, events, weekend brunch, private events, and catering are all on the horizon.
The building may be changing, but the spirit of Ivywild isn’t. There’s still a seat at the table, and we can’t wait to see you there.
About US
Ivywild School is a place where neighbors, friends, colleagues and visitors can meet and mingle. A place where you can enjoy great local fare and share ideas. But it’s also much more than that. It’s a flourishing communal atmosphere linking commerce and community with gathering spaces, local cuisine, education, art and gardens. Formerly an elementary school, Ivywild’s façade still holds true to its roots as reimagined spaces fill the halls once again with the voices of children and adults alike.
A virtual and literal hotspot of activity throughout the day, Ivywild is always full of energy. Wide hallways afford plenty of space for relaxing or viewing the ever-changing art offerings. Multiple patios provide al fresco seating in the building’s beautiful Rocky Mountain setting. And a highly-walkable “public square” will host markets, festivals, and other special events.
So whether you just want to pick up a cup of Joe, linger for lunch and an afternoon cocktail, or a hand-crafted Beer, Ivywild School will be a hub for meeting, eating, drinking and neighboring.
History
Originally an elementary school built in 1916, Ivywild School was closed in 2009. It was shortly thereafter that the wheels started turning and the idea to move the 18-year old Bristol Brewery over to the space, along with a bakery, espresso/cocktail bar, delicatessen and office space, started to take shape. It was a unique and bold proposition that would take years of planning and a lot of great minds to achieve but it was just what the neighborhood needed.
The concept behind creating this multi-use district combines the idea of linking commerce and community from Joe Coleman and Mike Bristol with a vision of building sustainable facilities, neighborhoods, and communities from local architect Jim Fennell. After winning support from neighbors and community leaders, the group purchased the old school building in March 2012.
The thinking was inspired by the idea of strengthening the neighborhood’s identity by restoring its historic centerpiece. But more importantly, it was an alignment of beliefs in which they all stood behind – the common good of a community, local business and the environment. By bringing together like-minded people and businesses, sharing byproducts and eliminating waste, they were attempting to do something that had never been done before in the heart of a Colorado Springs’ neighborhood.