Acclaimed Japanese restaurant Uchi may possibly expand operations of its RiNo restaurant to include the second level of the property, at 2500 Lawrence St., according to Naked Denver. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the building owner submitted official documents showing intent to renovate the greenhouse space above the eatery for dining use.
Tony Montero, CEO of Hai Hospitality, Uchi’s parent company, told What Now Denver the landlord is seeking to rezone the space for flexibility in the future, but nothing has been set in stone yet. He said there are no immediate plans for the second-floor space right now, but Uchi would be open to the opportunity if things align.
A change of use application was submitted to transform a section of the rooftop greenhouse space, renovating it to accommodate a small omakase counter, a private dining room, and a food prep zone. The changes will encompass between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet of the roughly 8,000-square-foot greenhouse. No exterior changes are needed.
The Denver restaurant is part of the Hai Hospitality portfolio, founded by Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award–winning chef. It opened in Denver’s River North Art District in 2018 and has since become one of the city’s most prominent sushi destinations. The chain also operates locations in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Scottsdale, Philadelphia, and West Hollywood, its website shows.
Hai Hospitality has a growing footprint in Colorado. In 2023, What Now Denver announced Uchiko, a sister concept to Uchi, would be coming to Cherry Creek. That venue is expected to open soon, with recent updates teasing that the development is nearing completion.
