Franchising

Bubu opening 3rd location

Provided

June 8, 2021

Chef Troy Guard — the leader of Denver-based TAG Restaurant Group, which owns eight restaurant concepts — is opening the third location of its build-your-bowl brand, Bubu. Opening Tuesday in the lobby of Denver's Granite Tower at 1099 18th St., Bubu features flavors inspired by Guard's upbringing in Hawaii and time spent in San Diego, according to a company press release.

After choosing a protein — sushi-grade tuna or salmon, tiger shrimp, organic tofu or grilled chicken or steak — customers may select white or brown rice, fresh local greens or rice noodles and top their bowls with locally sourced, seasonal vegetables.

For those needing a little inspiration, Guard has created several signature bowls. Options include the Aloha Poke, which has a choice of protein as well as bubu — the crispy puffed rice pellets that add crunch and texture which inspired the restaurant's name — French green beans, hearts of palm, soy beans, wakame seaweed, kimchi and a house-made soy onion dressing. The Thai bowl features a chili jicama slaw, cucumber, crispy shallots, crispy wontons, Asian herbs, peanuts and a Thai dressing. For those keeping flavors close to home, the OG Colorado comes with roasted carrots, quinoa, green chili, avocado, pumpkin seeds and a house dressing.

"We were looking for another location for Bubu, this time at street level," Guard said in the releases. "I've always liked the area and the growth that's been happening in the surrounding neighborhood over the last several years is really exciting. When we first met with the Granite Tower developers, it really felt like they 'got' what we were trying to do with the brand. We're really excited to continue the growth of this brand—and look out for some new bowls this summer."

Bubu's other locations are in Denver's Larimer Square and Republic Plaza.