1986 was my first winter in Aspen, and I lived with Hildur Anderson in a log cabin on the corner of Cooper St. and the Roaring Fork River. Her father built the Anderson Ranch, and I learned some true lore of Snowmass through Hildur’s experiences and stories. They used skies to get to Aspen for the Easter Dance when the snow was too deep on Owl Creek for the wagons. She never understood sports for exercise when there was always so much work to do. At one point, she drove Dad’s Model T to Denver over Independence Pass to purchase an accordion. Oh my, what a story. She even played that accordion with Jimmy Buffet. Snowmass always makes me feel warm with memories. My parents brought me to ski Snowmass, and with my mom from Sweden, Hildur was my surrogate Grandma.
The time is right, and we feel a lot of excitement for Kenichi Snowmass. With the closing of several long-standing restaurants in 2021, I have the vision and desire to double down. I want to pass on the future of Kenichi to the next generation and the next generation. I see my position as someone who can bridge the generation gap and put the next generation in every position to secure the future. My nephews Malcolm and Jordan have worked with Kenichi for 6 and 8 years. We have a new 10-year lease in Aspen, own our real estate in Carbondale, and are now open in Snowmass with a long-term business plan. Chef Justin Lightsey leads the culinary team in Snowmass. Chef Justin rejoined our team last summer. Justin has previously worked at Kenichi Pacific in Kona, as well as at Izakaya Carbondale. The ability to contribute to the success of others while providing food and fun in Snowmass is in sight. Every day, we will continue to work hard to earn your business and make business better (KAIZEN). We greatly appreciate your spending your hard-working dollars in our establishment and will do our best to enhance your experience.
The Kenichi Snowmass design is over the top. Thank you Jason Lassor studionaspen@me.com. With traditional Japanese shoji screen separations, solid walnut throughout, and moving images projected onto the shoji screens, the design says: ITADAKIMASU, “Let’s Eat”. When you enter Kenichi Snowmass, the orange gate is my reflection of the torii gates of Japan, marking walkways and entryways to shrines, where mundane changes to sacred. I want you to feel a change. You have entered a warm, wonderful gathering place, a place for nourishment, and our desire is this experience, and the stories shared with family, old friends, and new friends will be sacred.
Kanpai, and thank you,
Brent Reed owner