James Beard Award-Winning Chef Alon Shaya Is Coming to Denver

Foodies take note: The Source Hotel, Denver, scheduled to open this May in the Mile High City's RiNo (River North) Arts District, just announced some major culinary news. James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya will open Safta, a new restaurant at the property.

Located alongside local craft vendors, artists, Smok BBQ and New Belgium’s small batch brewery in The Source Hotel’s market hall, Safta will bring modern Israeli cuisine to Denver. The chef's signature approach was made famous at Shaya in New Orleans: freshly-baked hot pita from a wood burning oven; smooth hummus topped with everything from tahini to lamb; the flavors of Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine, Bulgaria and Turkey. Safta's dynamic menu will also highlight vegetables from local farms.  

Alon and his team are thrilled to join the hotel project’s passion for the thriving community and share the flavors of Israeli cuisine with a city and state they have loved for so long.

"My wife Emily and I have spent a good amount of time in Colorado over the years enjoying the outdoors and beautiful mountains," Alon says. "We've admired the way Zeppelin Development has created a community focus with their array of mix-use projects in Denver, and have decided to join forces by opening a restaurant inside one of their most exciting new projects: The Source Hotel. Though Pomegranate Hospitality's home base remains in New Orleans, Emily and I asked ourselves: where do we want to spend more time over the years? Which led us to the decision to open a business with like minded partners, in a project that incorporates the best in hospitality, art, and culinary. We are thrilled to bring Safta to The Source Hotel and become a part of this vibrant community."

"It is Alon's talent, recognized by two James Beard awards, and his commitment to community that made him the right fit for this new evolution of the Source complex," says Kyle Zeppelin, president of Zeppelin Places. "What he brings to the table is light, bright food, outstanding hospitality, and a progressive culture that aligns with our values."