Biker Jim, Steven Kleinman Are Opening Pop's in Former Lower48 Space

What was Lower48 for two years will very soon become Pop's, a collaboration restaurant between Jim Pittenger of Biker Jim's and long-time Summit County chef Steve Kleinman. A master of all things sausage, Pittenger will run the breakfast component of the business. Kleinman, whose son Ian operates the magical Inventing Room next door, is taking lunch and dinner on.

Pop's, a tongue-and-cheek name that builds on the relationship between Ian and Steve Kleinman, will be casual, quirky, and somewhat eclectic. For lunch and dinner, guests will choose from a wide variety of flavors, some Creole, some Thai, some American, on a menu that maintains the flow and unity of approachable comfort food. Chef Kleinman, who has been cooking for over four decades mostly in the mountains, aims to create a spot where guests must return because they have to try more of his dishes.

For his part, Pittenger is stoked to focus on breakfast. "I have wanted to cook breakfast forever. There will be pancakes, waffles, sausages of course, eggs in a variety of preparations, and plenty of beverages to choose from," he shared. His draft menu so far is cheeky, ambitious, and extensive. Among the highlights, a reindeer burrito, Liege waffles, crab cake Benedict, and a corned beer scramble.

The space, which can host some 68 diners in the main area plus another 22 around the bar, is getting a major makeover with the intent of creating a "turn of the century expat in Paris type look," as Pittenger describes it.  Local artist Matt O'Neill is helping shape the design.

Expect Pop's to make an appearance for the St. Patrick's Day Parade at least with corned beef sandwiches and the full restaurant to open during the first week in April.