A well-lit atmosphere comes in large part from the retractable roof
More than a thousand miles from the nearest ocean, in Denver, Colorado is Sushi Den, a destination for premier fresh seafood, flown in daily from the coast and sake. Next door is Izakaya Den, known for its creativity with global cuisine. Tourists and local residents flock here for incredible meals. They’ve made Sushi Den a favorite restaurant destination for more than 30 years.
When real estate next to Sushi Den became available, the two Kizaki brothers sharing ownership acted quickly to move their Izakaya Den restaurant, from its original location across the street to the space next to Sushi Den. With their stellar reputation for dishes like black truffle arancini, lobster gnocchi and hoisin duck crostini the brothers knew the new space required great style and ambiance to reflect the caliber of their cuisine. Their incredibly high standards were legendary within the Denver dining community.
Izakaya means “Small plates”
Roth Sheppard Architects and Jordy Construction stepped up to meet the challenge. A beautiful glass-walled two-level Izakaya Den now interlocks with the original Sushi Den. The two brothers’ restaurants share ambiance and space, but have separate menus, kitchens and some individual staff. One of the finest features of the newly built Izakaya structure, is its retractable roof covering part of the dining area and bar on the second floor. After taking the glass elevator to the second floor diners can enjoy their small plates and cocktails, weather permitting, in the open Colorado air. It’s the perfect place to be when Denver averages 300 days of sunshine each year.
The purpose behind this retractable roof and outdoor dining experience may be a little more strategic than simply providing fresh air and sun for the patrons. The Sushi Den is well known for its outstanding food and for its long but worthwhile wait for seating. The Kizaki brothers were raised in a cultural background where people aren’t expected to wait, so they originally opened the Izakaya Den to help address the long wait for their Sushi Den patrons, while keeping their business from wandering to competitors’ restaurants. The Izakaya Den still serves this purpose from its new location next to Sushi Den. When the reputation for the pre-dinner wait is as well known as the restaurant’s reputation for outstanding cuisine, a no-space-wasted approach was needed for Izakaya Den. Adding a rooftop enclosure allowed Izakaya’s outdoor dining space to be used year-round. Sudden storms are quickly addressed with the motorized retractable roof, which can easily be controlled with a touch of a button by staff members.
Color-changing wall for subtle ambiance
Open-air dining matched with one of the highest rated dining experiences in Denver is a winning proposition for the Kizaki brothers and their restaurants. When you’re in Denver we recommend a visit to these fine restaurants.
Details:
TEFSG-170 Model, 12 Bays, 2 Modules. Titan Frame used with a Custom Color selected by Architect. 1″ thick Solarban Insulated Glass. Motorized operation. SecurTrak and SecurLok. 1/3 is fixed and 2/3 is motorized.