Family-Run Food Truck Brings Hibachi to Federal Boulevard

When people think of hibachi, it often brings back memories of birthday parties or family celebrations. The style is as much about the show as the food, with chefs juggling eggs, building flaming onion volcanoes, and tossing shrimp with flair before turning to fried rice on the hot grill. That same playful, communal spirit is what Roberto Suarez and his daughter, Melany, are bringing to the streets of Denver with their food truck, Bonsai Hibachi.

For Melany Suarez, those memories are personal, and as she shares the story of her family’s food truck, it is difficult not to feel a similar connection. “For my birthday parties, I remember always having hibachi,” she says with a smile. “Even outside of family events, friends would ask him to come cook for them because they loved his food.”

Her father, Roberto, spent more than a decade working in hibachi restaurants, honing his skills before shifting careers into landscaping. Yet cooking continued to be his main passion, and he never lost his flair. At family birthdays, get-togethers and neighborhood gatherings, Roberto was the one behind the grill, tossing shrimp, searing steak, and keeping everyone happy. “He’s always been an awesome chef,” Melany says. “Hibachi has always been one of his favorite things to do. Family friends would call him and say, ‘We really like your food, come cook for us.’ It started small, but people just loved it,” she adds.

For years, the Suarez family did catering as a side hustle while Roberto continued his day job as a landscaper. “It was just like a family and friends type situation, you know. It just kind of expanded, and then we had the opportunity to open a food truck. He just thought it was time to get out into the community to let everybody else get to know his food,” says Melany.

The idea of launching a food truck started to take shape last fall, and by January, Bonsai Hibachi was officially rolling. “It all happened pretty quickly, but we knew it was the right time,” recalls Melany.

For Melany, it’s been a fun journey so far, and the best part of running the truck with her father has been the people.” Honestly, I think the most fun is getting to meet new people, like having those face-to-face conversations with our customers. Really, just putting ourselves out there into the community,” she says.

Amidst all the fun, Melany is quick to point out that this new venture has not been without challenges. As many food truck owners can attest, equipment can fail, the weather can change quickly, and scheduling can be difficult with so much competition among food trucks. “It’s really unpredictable, and not knowing what’s going to happen is a challenge. Also, the sacrifices my dad has made, like missing family events to be here, have been hard,” she says. Despite the obstacles, the family embraces the new pace of life. “It’s a new experience, a new challenge, and we’re learning as we go,” she adds.

What’s on the menu

What makes Boansai Hibachi stand out isn’t just the food it serves, but the way it’s served. Customers don’t simply wait by the window to pick up their orders. Roberto and Melany deliver each plate by hand, creating a personal connection that diners remember. “We prioritize our customers for sure. They’re our top priority. And also, ensuring the quality of food we serve is the best we can offer,” Melany explains.

When it comes to their menu, the star of the show is the Bonsai Trio, a combination plate featuring ribeye steak, chicken, shrimp and mushrooms served with fried rice and a vegetable mix. “It’s definitely our most popular,” says Melany. “It’s everything we have to offer in one dish.” There’s something for everyone on the menu, and customers have the freedom to mix and match any of the three proteins. Each dish is cooked fresh to order on the flat-top and comes with fried rice, vegetables, and a choice of Yum Yum, Diablo or ginger soy sauce.

If you’re craving hibachi but want to skip the hassle of making a reservation and sitting through a long meal, Bonsai Hibachi is a must-visit. Even better, the truck primarily operates from a set location at 1945 Federal Boulevard, from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with occasional pop-ups at Little Machine Brewing.

Looking for catering or hosting a party? Bonsai Hibachi has you covered. “If people contact us for parties, weddings, events or anything like that, we’ll be there. Either in the food truck or we’ll just take our grill and cook right in front of the party, however the customer wants,” says Melany. “We just want to be a part of the community.”

Follow their journey on Instagram @bonsaihibachidenver.