Imperial Chinese Denver: 40-Year Staple Suddenly Closes

Iconic restaurant's abrupt shutdown raises questions about Denver's restaurant industry

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:07am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a plate of Chinese dumplings repeated in a grid, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that evokes the energy and nostalgia of the now-closed Imperial Chinese restaurant.The vibrant, iconic dishes that once drew diners to Imperial Chinese now exist only as a fading memory, as the beloved Denver restaurant abruptly shutters after four decades.Denver Today

The sudden closure of Imperial Chinese, a beloved 40-year-old restaurant in Denver, has left many diners perplexed and nostalgic. The iconic establishment on Broadway had recently changed ownership, with plans for expansion that never materialized. The abrupt shutdown raises questions about the future of the restaurant industry in the city.

Why it matters

The closure of Imperial Chinese, a long-standing pillar of Denver's culinary scene, is a significant loss for the community. It highlights the fragility of the restaurant business and the importance of supporting local, independent eateries that contribute to a city's unique character and heritage.

The details

Imperial Chinese was founded in 1985 by Johnny Hsu, a Hong Kong-born chef who brought a diverse range of Chinese cuisines to Denver. The restaurant became a beloved staple, serving loyal customers for nearly three decades. In 2023, the business was taken over by Dan Dietrich, who had plans to expand the concept, but those plans never came to fruition. The abrupt closure comes amid controversies surrounding Dietrich's other business ventures, adding to the mystery surrounding the restaurant's demise.

  • Imperial Chinese opened its doors in 1985.
  • The restaurant changed ownership in 2023.
  • Expansion plans were announced a year ago but never materialized.
  • The restaurant suddenly closed its doors in April 2026.

The players

Johnny Hsu

The Hong Kong-born chef who founded Imperial Chinese in 1985 and built it into a beloved Denver institution over the course of nearly three decades.

Dan Dietrich

The new owner of Imperial Chinese who took over the business in 2023 with plans for expansion that never came to fruition.

Jogan Health LLC

Another company owned by Dan Dietrich that was the subject of a 2022 investigation by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment for allegedly falsifying wage records and violating wage laws.

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What they’re saying

“The sudden closure of Imperial Chinese is a sad reminder of the fragility of the restaurant business.”

— Twana Towne Ret, National Specialist

“It is a reminder of the importance of preserving culinary heritage and supporting local businesses.”

— Twana Towne Ret, National Specialist

The takeaway

The closure of Imperial Chinese, a beloved Denver institution, is a significant loss for the city's culinary landscape. It highlights the challenges facing independent restaurants and the importance of supporting local businesses that contribute to a community's unique character. The story raises questions about the future of the restaurant industry in Denver and the need for transparency and accountability in the industry.