Osaka worked in restaurants for years before moving to Denver in 2008 and opening his first eatery, Twelve, which closed in 2014. In 2015, he opened Osaka Ramen in RiNo, as well as the first of what would grow into five Sushi-Rama locations. And in 2016, he brought back the Twelve concept as 12 @ Madison. But that venture didn't return after the 2020 COVID indoor dining shutdown, and the Sushi-Rama on the Mall closed for good, too.
In February 2024, Osaka made the call to close all but the original Sushi-Rama; earlier this year, he shuttered Osaka Ramen. And now his last place is about to go. "The restaurant's closure reflects the harsh realities confronting Denver's independent restaurant scene," Osaka said in announcing the news. "When we first opened Sushi-Rama, the RiNo neighborhood was just beginning to find its place in the city as a dining destination. We took a risk with a fresh approach to sushi — inviting diners to experience Japanese cuisine through a playful, accessible lens. To the community that gathered around our conveyor belt, shared countless meals, and embraced our vision."
In their comments on the Westword Facebook post of the news, the community dishes up plenty of opinions. Says Jay:
I'm sad that the RiNo restaurant scene is becoming a chain gang. Ten years ago, when Sushi-Rama opened, originality was encouraged.Adds Emily:
Damn. First Blue Moon brewery and now this? How is RiNo dying already?Notes Jovauhn:
This is bullshit. Soon, the only places to eat over there are gonna be overly expensive "fine dining" crap that leaves you still hungry afterward, or boring-ass chains that you'll eat at maybe once or twice. This city is losing more of its character and it's sickening. And because of why? MONEY.Responds Michael:
Low-quality expensive food makes it tough to survive when people with low taste have no money to overpay for it.Observes David:
Fuck. Cost of everything sucks now.Concludes Jonathan:
Sad, however, hopefully Jeff Osaka is transitioning to new endeavors and aspirations! All good things must come to an end. What a great run they had.What do you think of the RiNo scene? Did you ever go to Sushi-Rama? What's your go-to place for sushi in Denver? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
