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Aspen Kitchen says it will open

Staff report

A public relations firm Friday was touting the reopening of Aspen Kitchen, while a lender filed a court motion to block the sale Friday.

The latest development in the fine-dining restaurant’s bankruptcy included a judge on late Thursday backing off her order of a 14-day stay for the restaurant to sell, meaning the deal was set to close Friday to New York-based Craveable Hospitality Group.

“Craveable Hospitality Group is happy to announce our reopening of Aspen Kitchen for the upcoming winter ski season,” said a statement from public relations firm Wagstaff Worldwide, adding that “we’re steadfastly committed to inspiring awe with the Aspen community and can’t wait to be back and part of the local dining scene to share our hospitality and appreciation.”



Around the same time of the public relations firm’s statement, lender Hanford Holdings LLC filed an “emergency motion” to block the deal.

Hanford is owed $3.6 million by Rocky Aspen LLC, the disputed owner of Aspen Kitchen that declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. A trustee ordered the closure of Aspen Kitchen and its affiliated nightclub, Rec Room Aspen, in September. Both spots were located at 204 S. Galena St. in a building developed by Mark Hunt.




In any case, Craveable appeared ready to open.

“We’re honored to be given the opportunity to reopen, and re-engage with our vendors, new and former team members and our guests,” the statement said. “Aspen Kitchen’s Executive Chef Matt O’Neill has been working with our group in New York City for the past several months and will be returning to Aspen to lead our culinary team.”