There’s a new restaurant coming to Carbondale. And more than just a restaurant, proprietor Justin “Chester” White told The Sopris Sun, Main Line Social aims to be a place to gather and make personal and collective history.
Located at 522 Highway 133 — currently the site of a dilapidated strip mall — Main Line Social received redevelopment approvals from the Board of Trustees on Oct. 8 and will begin demolition and construction next year with the goal of opening in early 2026.
The name of the restaurant is a nod to the Rio Grande railroad, once called “Mainline of the Rockies” connecting Denver with Aspen. A prominent feature of the new building’s architecture will be a reclaimed railroad bridge acting as a second-story deck with a panoramic view of Red Hill.
Situated across from the Park and Ride and between the Rio Grande Trail, replacing that famous railroad of yore, and the Crystal River Trail (connecting south along Highway 133), White intends for this to be a “bike-first” destination with a new WE-cycle station and ample parking for all bicycles.
He hopes this will somewhat assuage concerns coming from businesses and neighbors down Dolores Way, across the intersection. As of now, Dolores Way will retain full movement onto Highway 133 (not limited to right-in, right-out) as will the new restaurant which will have only one entrance and exit compared with the current property’s two.
The restaurant will offer “wraparound services,” White said, with a simple breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner. The building is designed to accommodate many functions at once. For example, remote workers may be lounging upstairs while a business meeting rents out the semi-private event room and a handful of smaller groups enjoy lunch. The space will host occasional public and private events as well, including wedding rehearsal dinners.
And what of the food? “My operating philosophy is families have to agree on a lot, why make them agree on what they have for dinner?” White mused. He is inspired to introduce a global street food concept — serving common street foods from countries like India, Thailand, Mexico and Italy — with a permanent menu of fixed favorites plus rotating, more experimental items. Ingredients will be sourced locally when possible and ethically otherwise. The food will range from “affordable,” White said, to select items for special occasions with an elevated price point.
“If a commuter wants to pull over for a taco before they continue their journey to Rifle, we’re there for that.”
White is a resident of Carbondale desiring to raise his family here. With a background in elementary school education, he first came to Carbondale teaching with the High School High Scholar program at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. After returning to school to earn a master’s degree in responsible management and sustainable economic development from the United Nations University for Peace and a masters in business administration from American University, he decided to return to Carbondale with his wife, Molly. Currently they have an 11-month-old son with another boy coming in March.
“I’m inspired by the challenge to do something from the beginning,” White said. Also head of Less Talk, More Action Capital, White believes in balancing financial returns with societal benefits like advancing human rights and gender equality. He is elated to develop this business concept fresh, prioritizing from inception values like sustainability, local engagement and gender balance in leadership. The building itself will pursue LEED certification. Local talents will be employed for everything from the architecture to the artwork and even the plates people eat off — already the Clay Center has been contacted as a source of dishware. Only wine, spirits and beers from women-owned companies will be served.
Main Line Social also strives to be a “first-choice employer,” offering benefits and a healthy working culture. White wishes to “bridge the gap” between Latino and Anglo communities by having bilingual staff and offering programming that invites all cultures.
He wants the restaurant to be memorable in every way, with “a series of experiences” beginning with an open kitchen visible as guests walk in, flashing and aromatic. From the landscaped courtyard to the glass elevator, even the bathrooms will be “unforgettable,” White promised.
People with ideas or questions and artists wishing to be involved are all welcome to contact White directly at chester@mainlinesocial.restaurant
“We really look forward to providing a best-in-class experience,” he concluded, smiling.
