Blending

‘Hapa’ is derived from the Hawaiian term that describes a harmonious blend of Asian and American cultures. The menu is based on traditional Japanese cooking fundamentals which are amplified, muted, or mixed with influences from many different styles of cooking until they are something completely new: They are Hapa.

The design is intended create the feeling of ‘Hapa’, by blending the elegance of the location: Cherry Creek North in Denver, CO; with the playfulness of the brand and its owners. For example, the vertical Cherry Wood planks, might feel reminiscent of surfboards in the sand, a palm-tree frond, or the wood interior of traditional Japanese structures. Similarly, the custom two-person booths might appear vaguely like a Tiki Totem Head, or like the brand’s mascot: an Anime robot. The feel of the space ideally changes depending on the customer and their interpretation of these elements. It might even evolve for the same person, over the length of the meal, or multiple visits.