Rooted Craft American Kitchen closes West Highlands restaurant

When Nicholas Kayser was given the choice to either close his West Highland restaurant or rebrand it, he decided to be fiscally responsible.

“Rebranding isn’t free,” the Rooted Craft American Kitchen co-owner said. “A sign alone costs $20,000.”

Rooted Craft American Kitchen, located at 3940 W. 32nd Ave., held its last day of service on April 28. The original location, which opened in Boulder’s Avanti Food and Beverage food hall in 2020, will remain open.

Chef Kayser and his business partner Scott Ericson opened Rooted’s Denver outpost in West Highland in May last year.The two live in the neighborhood and wanted to offer an approachable, family-friendly option with farm-to-table fare after finding success in Boulder.

“But unfortunately right now the state of restaurants doesn’t suggest that a price point at that level with all the production and moving parts it needs is a successful venture in Colorado,” Kayser said. “Independently-owned, casual concepts don’t translate.”

Two months after opening, Kayser and Ericson found themselves in a trademark battle with employee-owned Edible Beats restaurant group, which owns Root Down and Vital Root. It has since been settled under the agreement that the West Highland location, located 2 miles from Root Down and a mile from Vital Root, would change its name.