Imperial Chinese Restaurant Shuts Down

Imperial Chinese, a Denver institution, has ceased operations after more than four decades in business. The restaurant, originally established in 1985, was a mainstay for fans of Chinese American cuisine.

A Legacy Begun in 1985

The restaurant operated continuously since 1985 under its original owner before being acquired by Dan Dietrich three years ago. A note posted on the door at 421 South Broadway cited “rising operating costs” as the reason for the closure, stating the decision was “not an easy one.”

From Hong Kong to Denver: The Hsu Story

The restaurant’s founder, Johnny Hsu, immigrated to Denver from Hong Kong in 1979 after completing culinary school. He shared, “I learned all kinds of cooking there: Cantonese, Szechuan, barbecue, even French cooking.”

Early Ventures: Jade Garden

Hsu and his sister initially took over a struggling Chinese restaurant in the Tech Center in 1980, renaming it Jade Garden. They operated Jade Garden for five years before Hsu pursued opening his own establishment.

The Original Imperial Chinese

In 1985, Hsu launched the original Imperial Chinese at 1 Broadway. The restaurant moved further south on Broadway after a decade, becoming a beloved fixture for nearly thirty years.

Recent Ownership and Expansion Plans

In 2023, Hsu transferred ownership to Dan Dietrich, who formed Imperial Restaurant Group. Dietrich also purchased four locations of the Sushi-Rama chain with plans to convert them into “Imperial Go,” a fast-casual spin-off.

Dietrich's Business Portfolio

Dan Dietrich oversees a diverse portfolio of businesses, including Donut Haus, Bristlecone Inn, an AI company, and an asphalt maintenance service. However, the planned Imperial Go locations never materialized.

Closure and Unanswered Questions

The Imperial Chinese on Broadway closed with no further explanation beyond the sign on the door. The owner has not responded to requests for comment. Signage for Imperial Go remains at one location, but the associated website is no longer active.

Reporting by Molly Armbrister

Molly Armbrister, a reporter who covers the Denver dining scene, reported on the closure. She has been reporting on Denver restaurants for over a decade and contributes to publications like Thrillist.