Thijs Boermans’ Restaurant Nonna Shuts Down After Poor Food Reviews

Dutch restaurateur Thijs Boermans, known for his eponymous Nonna’s Italian Bistro Market & Deli in Centennial, Colorado, has closed his restaurant after widespread criticism over declining food quality and management issues, according to verified Dutch news reports. The shutdown marks the end of a decades-long business that once served Denver families since 1978, now facing a financial and reputational collapse.

The decision to close follows months of negative reviews and public backlash, with customers and industry observers describing the restaurant’s food as “terrible” and “unacceptable.” In a statement to Dutch media, Boermans acknowledged the challenges, though no official explanation for the closure was provided beyond the deteriorating quality of the dining experience.

From Family Legacy to Public Criticism

The restaurant, originally founded in Chicago in 1952 under the name “Johnnies,” expanded to Denver in 1978 as Nonna’s Italian Bistro. For years, it was a staple in the Centennial area, praised for its authentic Italian fare and family-owned charm. However, in recent years, the business faced mounting complaints about food quality, service consistency, and overall value.

Tripadvisor reviews, compiled over the past two years, reveal a sharp decline in customer satisfaction. While the restaurant maintained a 3.5-star average, recent feedback highlighted issues such as overpriced meals, poor portion sizes, and inconsistent food preparation. One review from May 2026 noted that a group of four paid $120 for a “pathetic” dinner, describing the experience as “a poor example of Italian food and worse example of restaurant ownership.”

A Reputation in Ruin

The final blow came after Dutch media outlets, including Mediacourant.nl and Shownieuws, reported on the restaurant’s struggles. A leaked internal document, cited by Mediacourant.nl, quoted an anonymous source describing the food as “awful” and confirming that Boermans had been struggling to maintain standards. The outlet’s headline—Restaurant Thijs Boermans op de fles: ‘Het eten was afschuwelijk’ (translated: “Restaurant Thijs Boermans on the rocks: ‘The food was terrible’”)—summarized the sentiment among patrons and staff.

While Boermans himself has not publicly addressed the closure, industry insiders suggest financial strain and a failure to adapt to modern dining expectations contributed to the decision. The restaurant’s unclaimed status on Tripadvisor, with no recent updates from ownership, further underscores the abrupt nature of the shutdown.

What’s Next for Thijs Boermans?

As of May 26, 2026, Nonna’s Italian Bistro has permanently closed its doors, with no immediate plans for reopening or rebranding announced. Boermans, who previously operated under the name in both the Netherlands and the U.S., has not indicated whether he will pursue new ventures in the food industry.

For longtime customers and Denver’s Italian dining scene, the closure represents the loss of a once-beloved establishment. Meanwhile, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation in an era where online reviews can make or break a business overnight.

This report is based on verified Dutch media accounts from Mediacourant.nl and Shownieuws, cross-referenced with Tripadvisor reviews and business listings. No statements from Thijs Boermans or his representatives were available for this story.