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The new and likely soon-to-be-hot development at 2930 Umatilla, next door to Linger, has locked in its last tenant: Sushi Ronin. The Japanese-inspired restaurant will sit in the 2,300 street level space of the five story building that almost belonged to Mizu, a restaurant whose lease fell through late last year. At the top of the building, restaurateur Justin Cucci will open a tapas-driven concept later this year. Cucci also owns RootDown, Linger, and the new and hot Ophelia's Soapbox.
The middle floors of the building developed by Denver firm Gravitas Development Group is occupied by office tenants. "We reviewed a variety of concepts for the street-level restaurant space at 2930 Umatilla and felt that Sushi Ronin was an ideal fit for both the building and the neighborhood," said Ryan Diggins, Gravitas Development Group partner. "LoHi needs a sushi restaurant to call its own."
Executive chef and partner Corey Baker is the force behind Sushi Ronin. The chef has over ten years experience and training in Japanese cuisine and the sushi craft. Baker was formerly a sushi chef at Denver institution Sushi Den, where he worked for nearly five years. Prior to that, he opened Sushi Hai, located in Denver's Highlands neighborhood, and ran the kitchen as the executive chef for three years. His resume also includes experience in the kitchens at Sushi Sasa, Sushi Yoshi, Sweet Ginger/Spicy Ginger and Rice Bistro.
When it opens late this year, Sushi Ronin will give its guests a seamless indoor/outdoor space, perfect for Colorado's weather, plus an attractive dining area and bar/lounge. With an omakase forward menu, Sushi Ronin will also offer a curated sake and spirits list to complement the menu.
"I'm looking forward to bringing my vision for Sushi Ronin to life," said Corey Baker, executive chef and partner. "The concept of Sushi Ronin is rooted in traditional sushi preparation, and this will be juxtaposed with an esoteric-traditional menu to create an intimate, yet energetic environment."