The sudden closure of Imperial Chinese restaurant in Denver has left many diners perplexed and nostalgic. This iconic establishment, which had been a beloved fixture on Broadway for almost three decades, has abruptly shut its doors, leaving no explanation for its demise. The restaurant's closure is particularly intriguing given its recent ownership change and the plans for expansion that were announced just a year ago. The story of Imperial Chinese is a fascinating one, and its closure raises a number of questions about the restaurant industry in Denver and beyond.
Imperial Chinese was founded by Johnny Hsu, a Hong Kong-born chef who immigrated to Denver in 1979. Hsu's culinary education in Hong Kong included a diverse range of cuisines, from Cantonese and Szechuan to barbecue and French cooking. His passion for food led him to open his own restaurant, Jade Garden, in 1980, and later, in 1985, the original Imperial Chinese at 1 Broadway. This restaurant became a beloved staple in the city for almost three decades, serving up Chinese American cuisine to a loyal clientele.
The 2023 change in ownership marked a new chapter for the restaurant. Dan Dietrich, who formed Imperial Restaurant Group, took over the business with plans for expansion. Dietrich's vision included turning four locations of the shuttered conveyor belt sushi concept Sushi-Rama into outposts of Imperial Go, a fast-casual offshoot of the original full-service restaurant. However, these plans never materialized, and the Imperial Chinese itself has now closed its doors.
The abrupt closure of Imperial Chinese is all the more intriguing given the recent controversies surrounding Dietrich's other businesses. Jogan Health LLC, another company owned by Dietrich, was the subject of a 2022 investigation by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for allegedly falsifying wage records and violating wage laws. Dietrich has disputed these claims, but the damage to his reputation has already been done. The fact that Imperial Chinese has closed without any explanation only adds to the mystery and raises questions about the future of the restaurant industry in Denver.
The closure of Imperial Chinese is a sad reminder of the fragility of the restaurant business. It is also a reminder of the importance of supporting independent journalism, which plays a crucial role in keeping diners informed about the latest openings and closings, as well as the latest culinary innovations and trends. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and to support the businesses that make our communities unique and vibrant.
In my opinion, the closure of Imperial Chinese is a significant loss for the city of Denver. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving culinary heritage and supporting local businesses. The restaurant's sudden closure has left many diners feeling nostalgic and has raised questions about the future of the restaurant industry in Denver. It is a story that deserves to be told, and one that will undoubtedly spark further discussion and reflection on the role of restaurants in our communities.
