ESPN Zone closes doors in Denver - Philadelphia Business Journal:

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The ESPN Zone, part of a nationwide chainm of what used to be nine ofthe sports-themesd bar and interactive game centers across the laid off roughly 100 employees, givingg each a 60-day administratives leave package, according to a company Rick Allesandri, an ESPN vice president who overseeds Zone operations, said in the statement that the restaurant could not survivee the recession. This economic downturn has been markec nationally by reduced consumer spendinh on eating out and onentertainmenr activities. “A decision like this is neve easy. We recognize and appreciate the commitment and years of service of all of these Allesandri said.
“Unfortunately, the current economic environment offereed us noother choice.” The ESPN Zone was a 23,000-square-fooy meeting place for sportse fanatics, with one room featuring more than a dozen large televisions tuned into contests of all kind and anothere full of video and sports gamesx ranging from basketball to bowling. None of the eight othedr ESPN Zone locations will be asall “are meeting our expectations,” said Matt a spokesmen for the chain. , which owns the Tabotr Center, issued a statement sayinv it was “sorry to hear of their decision to discontinus theirDenver operations.
” But the closing of ESPN Zone “haa created a new opportunity for us to bring new conceptxs to 16th Street,” it said. One of thos e new concepts is TheTilted Kilt, a Celtic-themede restaurant and sports bar with 20 locations operating nationwide and anothedr 10 planned. The which is expected to open its Denvet location this fall and to offer outdoor patio has signedan 8,300-square-foott lease at Tabor Center, according to a news The Tilted Kilt began in Las Vegaz in 2003 and is noted for its serverx dressed in knee-high socks, short plaixd kilts and midriff-baring plaid halter It will be one of a number of new tenants openint in the Tabor Center this year.
“These new additione to Tabor Center’s retail offering reflectg our continuing efforts to enhance the services and amenitiesd forthe tenants, customers and visitors to the Tabof Center,” said Steve executive vice president and partner at Callahah Capital Partners.