A new little sister is joining the Edible Beats family. Pip Food + Drink is coming to the ground floor beneath El Five in LoHi, bringing a playful new dining and drinking experience to 2930 Umatilla Street, this fall.
The new restaurant will take over the former Sushi Ronin space, offering a more relaxed and approachable experience than its upstairs sibling. Pip is expected to serve lunch, happy hour and dinner.
The concept is built around exploration, with a menu featuring plenty of smaller-format dishes alongside entree options. Guests will also be able to sample a variety of micro-cocktails, giving the restaurant and bar programs room to experiment with different flavors.
The name Pip reflects the little details, discoveries and unexpected moments that will shape the restaurant’s personality.
“I like to joke that we’re opening Pip as a way to clear out my very packed storage unit,” said Justin Cucci, chef and founder of Edible Beats, in the company’s announcement. “And while the design will be inspired by all the interesting things I’ve collected over the years, the real impetus for the project is to launch something unexpected and new to the Edible Beats universe.”
For Cucci, Pip is also about creating another opportunity for the company’s employees to grow. Edible Beats is a 100% employee-owned group, and the new restaurant is intended to provide additional avenues for team members to develop their skills and careers.
Pip’s culinary program will be developed by Corey Ferguson, El Five’s opening and current executive chef. The menu will allow the kitchen to explore a broad range of smaller dishes while still offering more substantial entree options.
Behind the bar, Denver hospitality bar steward Ky Belk is developing the beverage program, with micro-cocktails encouraging guests to try different drinks throughout their visit rather than settling on just one.
The design will also carry some of Edible Beats’ signature character. Cucci’s collection of interesting finds will help shape the space, alongside the group’s familiar use of reclaimed and repurposed elements.
Founded by Cucci in 2008, Edible Beats is behind several Denver restaurants, including Linger, Root Down, Root Down DIA, El Five and Vital Root, as well as BeatBox Farms. The group has built its concepts around globally inspired food, distinctive spaces and a focus on sustainability.
Pip Food + Drink is expected to open this fall, an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
