Safta Owner Opening Italian Lounge at the Source Hotel

Ceci! (pronounced “cheh-chee”) is set to debut in mid-2025.

March 28, 2025

Emily and Alon Shaya, owners of Safta in RiNo. Pomegranate Hospitality

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In 2018, Alon and Emily Shaya brought their culinary skills to Denver when they opened Safta inside the Source Hotel at 3300 Brighton Boulevard in RiNo. It was a fast hit and continues to impress with its silky smooth hummus, fluffy pita and impressive weekend brunch spread.

Now, their Pomegranate Hospitality group is expanding with new additions in both the Mile High and New Orleans, where they operate Saba, Saba’s Lounge, Miss River and Chandelier Bar.

Set to debut in the second-floor lobby of the Source Hotel in mid-2025, Ceci! Italian Lounge (pronounced “cheh-chee”), is named after the couple's long-haired dachshund that, in turn, is named for the Italian word for garbanzo beans — a fitting nod to Safta's beloved hummus.

Alon Shaya started his career cooking Italian food before turning his attention to his Israeli roots. This Italian concept will serve small bites, wine and cocktails "rooted in Italian flavors and tradition with an emphasis on Italian liqueurs, amaro, and spirits, and creative takes on the classic spritz, negroni and martini," according to an opening announcement.

The group is also set to launch Events by Pomegranate Hospitality at the Source, a catering service for on-property events. In New Orleans, Pomegranate Hospitality is opening all-day Mediterranean cafe Safta’s Table.

Safta was just voted the Readers' Choice pick for Best Mediterranean Restaurant in the 2025 Best of Denver, so we expect local diners to be hungry for a taste of Ceci! when it opens.

For updates, follow @drinkwithceci on Instagram.

Molly Martin has been the Food & Drink editor at Westword since 2021. Prior to joining the staff, Molly reported on the Denver dining scene for more than a decade and contributed to Thrillist. At Westword, Molly monitors restaurant openings and closings, offers dining recommendations and reports on Denver-area food news and trends. She also publishes such annual lists as Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants, and contributes to the yearly Best of Denver edition. In 2023, she was recognized with the Colorado Restaurant Association's Outstanding Media Professional award.

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