Ahead of RiNo Location's Opening, Park Burger Is Going Global

It seems as though there is always a new development coming from Jean-Philippe Failyau, chef and founder of Park Burger. Last year saw the addition of a third Park Burger in Hilltop, juice bar Denver Roots Juicery, and pizzeria Homegrown Tap & Dough. A fourth Park Burger is slated to open in RiNo early next week. And now comes news that he plans to take the brand to Kuwait.

The Middle East location will be a franchise, the first in the portfolio. And why Kuwait? After a group of Kuwaiti exchange students attended the University of Denver and frequented the Park Burger location in Platt Park, they wanted to open a store in their home country.

According to Failyau, the Kuwait spot is currently in the middle of construction and looking at an early-March opening. As maintaining the quality and experience you find at the Colorado stores, Failyau plans to still be very hands-on. The same recipe for the buns—which come from the Grateful Bread Company—will be utilized there, with the baking done in-house.

"Obviously there's always challenges in ingredients out there," says Failyau. "But with different food distributors, we find the beef that's comparable to what we're using here, and then everything else from American cheese to barbecue sauce and all that, it's already pretty well distributed out there with all the other restaurants."

In place of Colorado craft beers, which have become a signature offering, and other alcoholic beverages, the franchisees plan to increase the number of milkshakes on the menu.

As for the imminent RiNo location, look for the doors to open next Monday or Tuesday, pending final sign-offs from the city. As the largest location to date, there will be some additional menu items like wings, pepperoni rolls, and more salads.

A cabaret license means live music can be offered, which may occur on a weekly basis once business is underway. A large garage door will open up to the 1,500-square-foot patio, and a TV wall is also part of the plan. Expect afternoon and late-night happy hours, though the details are still being worked out.

Park Burger RiNo is located at 2615 Walnut Street and will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.