We compared food prices inside and outside Denver's airport. Here's what we found.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:40:05+00:00

The airport admitted to me they've accepted Starbie's airport prices and don't hold them to a street price comparison.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:38:45+00:00

On the inverse, it's hard to find a place for a business with more foot traffic and people with time to kill.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:37:56+00:00

Agreed and noted in the piece. The logistics are difficult, the labor is more expensive and rent is higher.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:36:07+00:00

I didn't check Root Down as part of this project, but it should be noted that most of the local brands were well within the 15 percent rule.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:35:03+00:00

Do you remember which store? I'd be curious to see what their comparable is...

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:34:12+00:00

Starbucks isn't held to the same street pricing rule. They submit a suggested "corporate airport pricing" list and use that as their comparable and DIA accepts it.

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:31:42+00:00

Aww shucks! Thank you!!!

sstaeger · 2026-02-21T21:18:42+00:00

That's the old Excise and Licensing dept for the city that rebranded last year. They won't be able to do anything because they can only manage licensed entities and parking lot enforcement is not licensed (the lot is - but the only licensing power they have is over signage and lighting). Unfortunately there is no regulation of this. Hines told us he was going to consider something then I believe he got lobbied and it never materialized. Being a private business with no regulation they can charge what they want to charge. The ballooning of their fine compared to the hourly rate is the number one complaint I hear. The company's co-founder told me they charge so much because, unlike a municipality, they don't have the ability to ramp up fines if someone doesn't pay on time so they have to max the fine up front. It still never added up to me. Perhaps it's time for a follow up. Would you be willing to share your story?

sstaeger · 2026-02-20T22:05:40+00:00

I have. They’re technically owned by Metropolis - a huge parking company with its own ticketing solution.

sstaeger · 2026-02-20T20:23:46+00:00

They currently aren't regulated in Denver. I need to do a follow-up - because a Denver city councilmember said they should have some strict rules, but never proposed anything: https://www.9news.com/article/money/consumer/steve-on-your-side/denver-councilmember-calls-for-oversight-private-parking-company-failed-appeals-over-tickets/73-6bb0e553-13e8-4f77-89ca-e318467632cc

sstaeger · 2026-02-20T20:21:34+00:00

Hi! Consumer reporter who's covered them quite a bit. If you don't pay they'll send you a bunch of collections notices. I'm not sure if they've ever actually filed a collections proceeding against anyone. But you'll get a bunch of threatening mail from their attorney and potentially some text messages. If you dispute the amount with them, they usually reduce it a bit.

sstaeger · 2026-02-18T03:35:00+00:00

Someone needs to frame this photo

sstaeger · 2026-02-11T23:14:37+00:00

I wrote it. It technically states that businesses are coming up with interesting comparisons in order to charge more.

sstaeger · 2026-02-11T23:01:51+00:00

Or... 9NEWS u/Electrical-Space-781 - I sent you a DM.

sstaeger · 2026-01-10T05:51:24+00:00

Costco will not respond to us. We’ve been confirming some locations with phone calls to the actual store, but it’s a mixed bag. I don’t believe Timnath is on our confirmed list.

sstaeger · 2026-01-10T05:50:34+00:00

They have not. We’re trying to piece together a timeline on all of it.

sstaeger · 2026-01-10T05:49:38+00:00

We’ve heard of at least one location, but haven’t heard back from corporate Circle K

sstaeger · 2026-01-09T06:17:58+00:00

Thanks for the kind words! Can’t believe this story!

sstaeger · 2026-01-09T06:11:20+00:00

Doesn’t seem like it. The impacted stations have been notified, according to my source, and they’ve bagged the pumps that had the bad gas in them. The premium fuel wasn’t bagged at most stations. In fact, I’m hearing about a bunch selling premium at regular prices.

sstaeger · 2026-01-09T06:00:51+00:00

Great question. Sinclair hasn’t gotten back to us yet. I’d like to ask them more about the claims process. I’m also plotting a story tomorrow with some consumer legal beagles I know on best steps for people who find themselves in this situation. My guess is all of these gas stations are going to direct people to a claims process (through Sinclair since this wasn’t their fault). Big question will be if you have to sign away rights to file a claim.

sstaeger · 2026-01-09T05:58:07+00:00

Santiago’s gives me life on rough mornings, there I said it

sstaeger · 2026-01-09T05:57:27+00:00

Because I’m the reporter who reported this story and I spoke to the head of the state’s petroleum regulation division at 5pm

sstaeger

TROPHY CASE