The wait is almost over for The Metropolitan Downtown. Sam Galeotos' swanky new restaurant and gallery is on track for a soft open by the end of June, with a grand opening event to follow in July.

"We are so close," Metropolitan Marketing Director Katy Rinne told Cowboy State Daily. "We've started training staff and we're really excited (about) the people we have on board."

Last week, workers installed a neon sign inspired by the historic building on 1701 Carey Avenue, which was originally occupied by Burlett's Drug Store in the 1930s and later became a Walgreen's. Designers sourced photos from the Wyoming State Archives to recreate a vintage mid-century feel.

Executive Chef Juan Coronado will run the kitchen. The Texas native honed his culinary skills in Denver, where he studied at Johnson and Wales University before working at the Italian institution Panzano. He later teamed with renowned chef Troy Guard at Los Chingones, which became a Mile High hotspot and has since expanded to four Metro Denver locations.

The Metropolitan's "New American" menu will feature creative takes on classic dishes along with seasonal offerings, locally sourced ingredients and house specialties like the "Met Filet".

"The sense of community in Cheyenne is one of the things that brought me here, I have met so many great people, supporters of what we do, partners and visionaries of what Downtown Cheyenne could be one decade from now," Coronado said. "Cheyenne is ready for what we are trying to do. It has the opportunity to have its own food revolution."

Chef Juan Coronado, courtesy of OMI Restaurant Group
Chef Juan Coronado, courtesy of OMI Restaurant Group
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