What's Happening?
Odyssey Italian Restaurant in Denver has reopened after a fire in February forced its closure. The restaurant, located in a three-story Victorian mansion in Capitol Hill, has undergone significant renovations, including a new kitchen and remodeled dining
rooms. General Manager Ned Nichols, who transitioned from the now-closed Ollie & Park's, has retained a majority of the staff. The restaurant's owners, Jason Alfonso and Hallie Thomas, plan to expand by opening a new location in Uptown, replacing the former Ollie & Park's site. The new location will feature a similar menu with added grilled entrees, thanks to the new kitchen facilities. Despite the challenges, the restaurant has maintained its original decor and layout, which has been a staple for 17 years.
Why It's Important?
The reopening of Odyssey Italian Restaurant is significant for Denver's dining scene, particularly in the Capitol Hill area, which has seen several restaurant closures. The ability to retain staff and maintain the restaurant's original charm speaks to the resilience of small businesses in the face of adversity. The planned expansion into Uptown indicates a positive outlook for the restaurant's future, potentially boosting local employment and contributing to the area's economic recovery. The decision to own rather than rent the property has provided stability, allowing the restaurant to reopen despite the financial strain caused by the fire.
What's Next?
The next steps for Odyssey Italian Restaurant include the completion of the Uptown location, which will begin construction soon. The new site will feature replacement windows and maintain the structural integrity approved by engineers. As the restaurant settles back into operation, it will focus on re-establishing its customer base and integrating new menu offerings. The expansion into Uptown is expected to attract a new clientele, further solidifying the restaurant's presence in Denver's competitive dining market.
