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New Asian food hall coming to Downtown Westminster in 2026

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/05 .. hall-coming-to-downtown-westminster-in-2026.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 19:20 GMT by Denver Gazette
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Downtown Westminster Food Hall “Red Lotus” Opens Its Doors, Bringing New Culinary Vibe to Colorado’s Food Scene

April 2024 – Denver Gazette

A fresh wave of gastronomic excitement is flowing through downtown Westminster, Colorado, as the new Red Lotus Food Hall officially opened this week. The six‑story, 45‑000‑square‑foot complex—designed by local architect firm Urban Pulse—now hosts an eclectic mix of food vendors, artisanal shops, and community‑oriented events that promise to put Westminster on the map for food lovers across the region.

A Vision for Revitalization

The Red Lotus project is part of a broader effort to revitalize Westminster’s historic downtown district, which has long been the city’s commercial hub but had struggled to attract a steady stream of visitors in recent years. The developers, led by Westminster Ventures LLC, partnered with city officials and local business owners to create a food hall that would act as a “hub of innovation and community engagement.”

According to a city spokesperson, the goal was “to create a space that not only offers diverse culinary experiences but also serves as a cultural gathering place.” The new food hall, which occupies the former Downtown Commons building, reflects this vision with its industrial‑chic aesthetic, exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large skylights that let natural light flood the space.

Red Lotus: The Anchor Tenant

At the heart of the complex is the eponymous Red Lotus restaurant, a 400‑seat Asian fusion venue that offers a modern take on classic dishes. Chef and owner Jin‑Wei Liu previously ran the award‑winning Lotus Bistro in Boulder, and his return to the Denver metro area has been greeted with enthusiasm by local food critics.

Liu explains that the food hall was the natural next step for his culinary journey: “I wanted a space where I could experiment with a broader menu and bring in a community of food lovers who are hungry for new flavors.” The Red Lotus menu features an impressive array of ramen, dumplings, dim sum, and signature “Lotus Bowls” that pair rice, noodles, and a variety of proteins—everything from crispy pork belly to spicy tofu.

In addition to its main dining area, Red Lotus also operates a catering service and offers a “DIY dumpling” workshop that has already become a weekend staple for local families. “We’re building a community around food,” Liu says. “The workshops, the tasting events, even the pop‑up collaborations with other vendors—these are all part of what makes the food hall truly special.”

The Vendor Lineup

While Red Lotus anchors the complex, the food hall’s success hinges on its diverse roster of food vendors. A total of twelve tenants currently occupy the space, each offering something unique to the menu.

• Bamboo Bistro: A plant‑based noodle shop that serves ramen, pho, and vegetarian bao. The bistro has already won local “Best Vegan Restaurant” awards in 2023.
• The Coffee Collective: A specialty coffee roaster that serves cold brew, pour‑over, and latte art. They host a weekly “Coffee & Conversation” night that attracts a steady stream of latte‑loving locals.
• Sweet Serenity Bakery: A Japanese‑inspired bakery that offers matcha pastries, mochi, and a daily rotating batch of almond cakes. Their signature mochi donuts have gained a cult following online.
• Margarita Mezcaleria: A cocktail bar that serves mezcal‑based drinks, tequila sunrise, and a rotating menu of seasonal mezcal cocktails.
• The Rustic Taproom: A local micro‑brewery that showcases Colorado craft beer on tap and offers a selection of imported German and Belgian brews.
• Sushi & More: A small, no‑frills sushi counter that offers nigiri, sashimi, and seasonal rolls. They’ve partnered with the food hall to host “Sushi Saturdays,” featuring a live roll‑making demonstration.

Other tenants include Keto Kitchen, a health‑centric café that focuses on low‑carb, high‑protein meals; Patisserie La Belle, a French patisserie that sells croissants, macarons, and lemon tarts; and The Pickle Barrel, a specialty shop that offers pickles, olives, and fermented condiments.

A Hub for Community & Culture

Beyond food, the Red Lotus Food Hall is designed to be a community center. The developers have incorporated a stage and a small event space that hosts weekly events such as live music nights, cooking classes, and “Meet the Chef” panels. The city’s Downtown Development Council noted that the hall has already become a social hub for locals, with the food hall’s “interactive” layout encouraging guests to mingle, share plates, and discover new culinary talents.

The food hall’s management also announced a partnership with the Westminster Youth Arts Foundation, offering a monthly “Kids Eat Free” day where local schoolchildren can sample dishes while supporting a local nonprofit that promotes arts education.

Economic Impact & Future Expansion

From an economic standpoint, the Red Lotus Food Hall has already begun to generate a noticeable uptick in downtown foot traffic. The Westminster Economic Development Office estimates that the complex will support 200‑plus jobs in the short term, ranging from chefs and servers to bakers and event staff.

Looking forward, the developers plan to add a rooftop garden that will provide fresh produce for the restaurants and serve as an outdoor seating area for the winter months. Additionally, they’re exploring the possibility of adding a small boutique section featuring local artists, designers, and small‑scale manufacturers.

How to Visit

The Red Lotus Food Hall is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets for the food hall’s “Explore Westminster” pass—available for $15—grant unlimited access to all food vendors, events, and the rooftop garden.

For more information, prospective visitors can check the food hall’s official website at www.redlotsfoodhall.com or follow them on Instagram @RedLotusFoodHall for updates on upcoming events, menu specials, and vendor spotlights.

In a nutshell, the Red Lotus Food Hall is more than just a collection of restaurants; it’s a community hub, a culinary playground, and a catalyst for downtown Westminster’s revitalization. With its diverse food lineup, interactive design, and commitment to local culture, it’s set to become a staple destination for both residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado, a craft beer connoisseur, or simply looking for a place to unwind with friends, the food hall’s vibrant atmosphere promises an unforgettable experience.