Here’s a brief Platt Park Neighborhood Business Update…and a few other things!
Happy holidays to everyone out there in the neighborhood. Hard to believe we’ll soon be putting the wraps on another year. Being finally set free of the grip of Covid has been a standout blessing of 2022—not that we are totally out of the woods on that yet. It’s been fun to see the neighborhood returning to some sense of normal with the buzz returning to local hangouts, the Farmers Market thriving and just more of you out and about! You look good by-the-way.
Winterfest on South Pearl Street in Platt Park
Speaking of being out and about don’t miss the annual Platt Park Winterfest coming December 2-3rd on the 1500 block of South Pearl. Things start up Friday night at 5:00 pm and run till 8:00. There will be a tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, hot adult beverages as well as hot chocolate, cider and a hay ride. (Trivia question, has there ever been enough snow to have a sleigh ride at Winterfest?). The festivities will continue Saturday afternoon and will include live music. There will be an open-air market and the local merchants will be holding open houses with great gift ideas for friends and love-ones. Come join the festivities!!
Sukiya Ramen opening new restaurant in Platt Park
Move over Sushi Den, there is a new Japanese restaurant coming to Pearl Street not owned by the Kizaki brothers. “What”, you say? How could that be? Yep, it’s true. Sukiya Ramen is taking over the home of the former Etc. Eatery at 1427 S Pearl Street that closed earlier this year. This will mark the fourth location for the local chain that opened its first restaurant in Greenwood village. Got to admit it takes some courage to plant a flag across the street from such a Japanese food icon as Sushi Den but hey maybe they will just ride the local momentum to ramen gold. At this writing no word has been given on an opening date but undoubtedly sometime in 2023. Should be a fun story to follow. We’ll keep you posted.
Before we leave the domain of Sushi Den, I noticed a construction company is moving the dirt again at the site of the rumored Denshu Den at 1551 S Pearl Street. No word of course from the notoriously tight lipped Kizaki brothers. Another project to watch in 2023.
Clucked Chicken open its own brick and mortar location
Over on Broadway you may or may not have noticed a new chicken place slipping in to the dining scene. Clucked Chicken opened it doors last summer at 1384 S Broadway and is churning out delicious southern-style fried chicken wings, tenders and some mouthwatering sandwiches. If you frequent The Dive Inn which is right next door then you know that Clucked is not really new as it formerly existed inside the Dive Inn and before that you might have seen the Cluck Truck food truck around town. Owner Rachel Tremaine hails from Alabama where she learned her craft before relocating to Denver. The food truck was a big hit which led to her partnership with the Dive Inn. Clucked is open seven days a week from 11:00 am till late in the evening. As their website says, “Do yourself a favor, get clucked” Enough said.
Cat Café opening in Platt Park
Ever heard of a Cat Café? Well, we have one now in Platt Park. Teddy Cat Café should be up and running by the time you read this. Located at 39 E Florida Ave, next to Snarf’s Sandwiches on the corner of Broadway and Florida. Owner Sarah Thomas was once a mortgage broker but during the pandemic she began volunteering at the Denver Animal Shelter. Sarah said of the experience “It gave me more enjoyment doing this free work than the career I had for eight years”. That led her eventually to the idea of opening a cat café. What goes on at a cat café you might ask? According to Sarah when you go to a normal shelter to see cats, they are by necessity in a cage which obviously is not a normal environment for cats. The cat café creates a free roaming environment that is much more natural for cats and a much better place to interact with them. In this way you get a much better idea of what the cat would be like if you brought it home. The cat café is not however just for potential adopters. It’s designed to be a great space to just come interact with cats, enjoy a beverage and get a little furry therapy. To go you pay a fee at the door, $13 for adults, $11 for kids, seniors and military personnel. If you want to adopt, they will help you with all the process. Adult cat adoption is $95 dollars and kittens are $110.
New South Broadway event center creates controversy
If you love a little local controversy then the recent opening of Elite Event Center has served up a rich platter for you. Located at 1912 S Broadway in the former home of Thrillseekers Climbing Gym, Elite has become quite the hot bed for many to get worked up over. The building was sold three years ago to local businessmen Paul Yaft and Doug Norberg. After three years of renovations that restored the art deco theater it was leased to Latin Entertainment Group who then lease it out for events that range from quinceaneras to weekend parties. The controversy stems from the latter as some events, according to nearby neighbors result in hard drinking, loud fights and even gunshots that have spilled into the neighborhood. Yikes! If you missed it, check out the related story on page 7 of the September-October Platt Park Post
City Councilman Jolon Clark has been involved for the past few months working to ensure Latin Entertainment Group does not circumvent the proper process for securing a liquor license and works through proper channels with the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses. Jolon recently reported “After a rough start, we have had some productive conversations, and I am thrilled that everyone has come to the table to work together to resolve this. There is still a lot of work ahead, but I feel like we are heading in the right direction.” Latin Entertainment Group has agreed to stop seeking special event permits and to pursue a permanent liquor license and to work with neighbors and the Platt Park People’s Association to ensure that Elite Event center is providing adequate security and that events being held are legal and not a nuisance to the neighborhood. Denver Community Planning and Development is also involved to address a number of permitting, use, and occupancy issues with the building and building owners. Stay tuned as this is an ongoing story.
That’s it for now from my desk. I, along with everyone here at the Platt Park Peoples Association wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. Hope everyone is and stays healthy and your days are filled with laughter and good times.
See you around the neighborhood
Tom Snyder