Opened at the end of 2024 with chef Jodee Reyes at the helm, one of Denver’s only Filipino restaurants, Magna Kainan, is set to shutter this summer. The official closing date hasn’t been released, but parent company, Culinary Creative Group (CCG) said when it does, they will add something new to the RiNo space.
A statement from CCG, credited the closing to the ongoing construction in the industrial neighborhood, which, while poised to create a destination-worthy district in the future, made it hard to run the space. Between limiting traffic, lack of parking, and changes to the landscape, it wasn’t easy to physically get there. The official statement from CEO Richard Flaherty reads:
“While this chapter is coming to a close, we are energized by what comes next. As part of Culinary Creative Group’s commitment to fostering new concepts and culinary talent, we are exploring the transformation of the space into a culinary incubator that will create a platform for emerging chefs, innovative ideas, and the next generation of independent restaurants. We see this as an exciting opportunity to build something uniquely collaborative and community-driven, creating a launchpad for future culinary voices and experiences.”
The restaurant created a lot of buzz when it opened, bringing chef Carlo Lamagna from Portland’s Magna Kusina into the fold. The idea was to create contemporary Filipino food and give Denver a sense of the cuisine. The menu features an array of classic dishes such as sisig, lumpia, kinilaw, and crab fat noodles, plus many more.
For now, the team urges diners to go and eat there while you still can. As of this article, Magna Kainan remains open Wednesday through Sunday at 4 p.m. 1350 40th St, Denver, magnadenver.com
