ESPN Zone closes doors in Denver - Phoenix Business Journal:

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The ESPN Zone, part of a nationwide chaihn of what used to be nine ofthe sports-themedf bar and interactive game centers across the country, laid off roughly 100 giving each a 60-day administrative leave according to a company statement. Rick an ESPN vice presidenr who overseesZone operations, said in the statementf that the restaurant could not survive the recession. This economicv downturn has been marked nationally by reduced consumerd spending on eating out and onentertainmentf activities. “A decision like this is never We recognize and appreciated the commitment and years of service of all ofthese employees,” Allesandru said.
“Unfortunately, the current economicd environment offered us nootherf choice.” The ESPN Zone was a 23,000-square-foot meetint place for sports fanatics, with one room featuring more than a dozeh large televisions tuned into contests of all kind and another full of video and sports games ranging from basketbalol to bowling. None of the eight othert ESPN Zone locations willbe closed, as all “arre meeting our expectations,” said Matt a spokesmen for the chain.
, whichy owns the Tabor Center, issue d a statement saying itwas “sorry to hear of theier decision to discontinue their Denver But the closing of ESPN Zone “has created a new opportunity for us to brinbg new concepts to 16th Street,” it One of those new conceptsd is The Tilted Kilt, a Celtic-themerd restaurant and sports bar with 20 locationas operating nationwide and another 10 planned.
The which is expected to open its Denver locatioh this fall and to offer outdoor patio has signedan 8,300-square-foot lease at Tabor Center, according to a news The Tilted Kilt began in Las Vegaz in 2003 and is noted for its serverz dressed in knee-high socks, short plaid kiltzs and midriff-baring plaid haltert tops. It will be one of a number of new tenantes opening in the Tabor Centerthis “These new additions to Tabor Center’s retail offerinh reflect our continuing efforts to enhance the servicee and amenities for the customers and visitors to the Tabor said Steve Budorick, executive vice president and partnerf at Callahan Capital Partners.