Yogi’s nearly ready to open

Lucy Peterson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
Tommy Slanga, left, and Brendan Berl are preparing for Yogi’s restaurant to open in two weeks at 455 Rio Grande Place. Berl faced construction delays that pushed back his opening by nearly a year. Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News

Yogi’s is hoping to open its doors in just a few weeks, over a year after initially planned.

Owner Brendan Berl was awarded the city-owned space formerly occupied by Taster’s Pizza at 455 Rio Grande Place in April 2023. He planned for an October 2023 opening, but ran into delays with construction and permitting, he said.

But now, a year after originally planned, he is aiming for a soft opening by Dec. 18 when the Aspen World Snow Polo Championship starts at Rio Grande Park, just across the street.

Berl was chosen to occupy the space by the Aspen City Council over several other applicants that submitted bids for the subsidized space. His rent for the Rio Grande Place location is $64,000 per year. His lower rent will allow him to offer affordable menu options.

“I want someone to have a sandwich or salad for less than $20,” he said.

The new Yogi’s restaurant hopes to entice customers with affordable prices, access to Rio Grande park across the street and a fleet of free-to-play arcade games. Jason Charme/Aspen Daily News

Yogi’s will have a soft opening with a limited menu with appetizers, sandwiches, hoagies, salads and sides. A burger costs $12, a Caesar salad is $11 and a braised short rib grilled cheese is $15.

Berl previously said that the menu will be split in half, one for “harvesters,” that focuses on healthier, greener options; one for “hunters,” made up of heartier meals.

The restaurant will seat about 75 people inside and 45 on the patio. Berl hopes the proximity to Rio Grande Park will draw crowds, especially during events like the Palm Tree Music Festival and the upcoming snow polo championship.

It will also have seven free-to-play arcade games in the corner of the restaurant, including classics like Big Buck Hunter, Ms. Pac Man, NFL Blitz and NBA Jam.

Construction delays were the main driver in pushing Berl’s opening back. The construction took six months longer than expected, he said.

But now with a certificate of occupancy, a food license issued and a nearly completed dining room, Berl is ready to welcome guests to Yogi’s in just a few weeks.

“Once we have all the ingredients and storage … once we have all that finalized, then we’ll be in full swing,” he said.

Courtesy of the Aspen Daily News