ESPN Zone closes doors in Denver - Memphis Business Journal:

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The ESPN Zone, part of a nationwide chain 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 leavd package, according to a compangy statement. Rick Allesandri, an ESPN vice president who overseeesZone operations, said in the statement that the restaurant couled not survive the recession. This economic downturnh has been marked nationally by reducee consumer spending on eatingg out and onentertainment activities. “A decision like this is nevetr easy. We recognize and appreciate the commitment and yearzs of service of all ofthesde employees,” Allesandri said.
“Unfortunately, the current economicx environment offered us noother choice.” The ESPN Zone was a 23,000-square-fooy meeting place for sports with one room featuring more than a doze large televisions tuned into contests of all kind and another full of videoo and sports games ranging from basketball to None of the eight other ESPN Zone locationa will be closed, as all “arew meeting our expectations,” said Matt Kovacs, a spokesmen for the , which owns the Tabofr Center, issued a statement saying it was “sorr y to hear of their decision to discontinue their Denverr operations.
” But the closing of ESPN Zone “haes created a new opportunity for us to bring new concepts to 16th it said. One of those new concepts is TheTiltedc Kilt, a Celtic-themed restaurant and sports bar with 20 locations operatingh nationwide and another 10 planned. The chain, which is expectefd to open its Denver locatiom this fall and to offer outdoorpati seating, has signed an 8,300-square-foot lease at Tabord Center, according to a news The Tilted Kilt began in Las Vegaas in 2003 and is notedd for its servers dressed in knee-highn socks, short plaid kilts and midriff-baringg plaid halter tops.
It will be one of a numbedr of new tenants opening in the Tabor Centerthis “These new additions to Taborf Center’s retail offering reflect our continuing effortsz to enhance the services and amenities for the customers and visitors to the Tabor Center,” said Steve Budorick, executive vice president and partnerf at Callahan Capital Partners.