Kura Sushi's General Manager outlines Boulder location opening plans and menu offerings

The Boulder City Beverage Licensing Authority convened on June 21, 2025, to discuss the application for a hotel and restaurant liquor license for Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, a new dining concept set to open in Boulder, Colorado. The meeting featured testimony from Mister Zakatenko, the anticipated general manager of Kura, who has been with the company for eight and a half years, starting as a dishwasher and advancing to his current role.

Zakatenko detailed the unique concept of Kura, which operates on a conveyor belt system, offering a variety of Japanese dishes including nigiri, tempura, rolls, ramen, and desserts. He noted that Kura currently has approximately 80 locations in the United States and 200 in Japan, emphasizing Boulder as an ideal location due to its vibrant dining scene and diverse population.

The proposed Boulder location is still under construction, with an anticipated opening date of July 21, 2025. Zakatenko indicated that the restaurant would employ around 45 staff members, including 16 who would be responsible for serving alcohol. He outlined the training process for employees, which includes an internal program called "Kura College" for alcohol service certification, as well as on-site training from a dedicated recruitment team.

The restaurant plans to offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, including draft beer, sake, and wine, served in various sizes. Alcohol orders will be placed through a digital ordering system, with staff verifying the age of customers before serving. Zakatenko confirmed that staff are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and to handle such situations appropriately, ensuring responsible service.

The layout of the restaurant was also discussed, with Zakatenko describing the entrance, seating arrangements, and service stations. The meeting concluded with the authority members reviewing the floor plan submitted as part of the liquor license application.

Overall, the discussions highlighted Kura's commitment to responsible alcohol service and its innovative dining experience, setting the stage for its upcoming launch in Boulder.