Roxy’s, an Indian Mexican fusion restaurant and electronic dance music venue, recently closed its doors in downtown Durango.
The business, which opened last April after relocating from Boulder, closed after the sudden death of its co-owner, Fletcher Starkey, Roxy’s announced via Facebook on May 22. Roxy’s officially shut its doors on June 2.
Starkey’s partner and co-owner of Roxy’s, Roshani Patel said that Starkey died of complications from pneumonia in May. Afterward, she did not want to continue the business without him.
“It was his idea, his concept. It was our thing together, and I'm not going to do it without him,” she said.
The restaurant is currently selling off bulk inventory, as well as restaurant and kitchen supplies. Bulk curries, chutneys, sauces and other goods have been made available for purchase.
In the roughly 14 months Roxy’s was open in Durango, the restaurant and venue built a strong following in Durango’s electronic dance music community – something Patel credits Starkey for.
Patel said Roxy’s had great community support and was a place for local DJs to showcase their talent.
“So many people said this is the perfect place for them to come. Girls would feel safe there dancing by themselves. He really made a space for people to come and party and be comfortable,” Patel said.
Starkey often served as the bartender, the chef and the house DJ, depending on the night.
Roxy’s was also known for its original take on Mexican and Indian cuisine, combining different curries and other Indian style cuisines, mixing the curries into burritos and tacos.
A celebration of Starkey’s life will be held on June 15 at Roxy’s, featuring multiple DJs and a fundraiser.
“He was always cheerful and positive, full of life, loved his job and was really good at it,” Patel said. “Hard working, believed in and full heartedly supported all types artists, loved skiing, he was a passionate chef, bartender, and DJ, he was an all around good dude.”
tbrown@durangoherald.com
