Welcome to the Denver Gazette’s Metro Moves. You’ll get the latest metro Denver openings, closings, hiring and promotion news here. To submit your company’s news, drop an email to bernadette.berdychowski@denvergazette.com.

Oakley opens in RiNo

A major retail brand opened a first-of-its-kind store in the River North Arts District, Denver’s hip and industrial neighborhood north of downtown.

Glasses and sports apparel chain Oakley opened its doors in RiNo on Monday at 2660 Walnut St. on the same block as the Patagonia store.

The company said the Denver store’s footprint is the first in its next-generation of store models, seeking to further integrate technology and online shopping. Oakley described it as a “high-tech bunker-style space.”

The store will also have one of the largest selections from the brand in its store, Oakley said.

“The RiNo opening signals a new era, where cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design come together to redefine the consumer journey,” the company said in a press release.

Oakley’s new store format will have a customization zone for customers to choose what frames, lenses and colors they want to choose to make a unique pair of glasses. It has an interactive “Prizm Wall” to examine Oakley’s lens technology.

The store also has a rooftop lounge for events and athlete meet-and-greets.

“Through innovation-led expansion, we’re reimagining the retail experience and how we show up for consumers,” said Luigi Ocone, Oakley’s senior vice president and general manager, in a press release. “It’s about moving beyond product to create meaningful experiences that leave our visitors feeling inspired, connected, and part of something bigger.”

Starbird steps out of California for the first time with new Denver fast-food location

A high-quality chicken fast-food chain from California is debuting in Colorado soon.

Starbird announced it will open its first location in the state — and its first outside of California — in Denver at 965 South Colorado Blvd. on Sept. 15.

The company said it uses chickens that are never frozen and don’t have antibiotics, hand-breaded with a gluten-friendly spice blend. Starbird’s menu sells salads, chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches. It was founded by chef and restaurateur Aaron Noveshen in 2016.

The chain has ambitions outside of California, where it now has 18 locations. The Denver location marks Starbird’s hopes to grow on the national stage. The fast-food spot will be 2,435-square-foot. Starbird also has another location in development in Castle Rock.

“We can’t wait to introduce Denver to our bold, trailblazing take on chicken and make Starbird a part of the city’s thriving food scene,” Noveshen said.

La Loma expands to the Denver Tech Center

Denver-based restaurant La Loma has a new home in the Denver Tech Center.

The restaurant announced it opened its newest location at 8000 E. Belleview Ave. in Greenwood Village last week.

La Loma, which features Mexican and Tex-Mex food, already has locations in downtown’s McGregor Square and Parker.

“Opening our newest La Loma in the Denver Tech Center is such a special moment for us,” said owner Renée Brinkerhoff in a press release. “Our team has poured endless hours, hard work and passion into bringing this location to life, and I am so proud of what we’ve created together.

La Loma was founded in Denver in the Highlands neighborhood in 1973 featuring the cooking of “Grandma” Savina Mendoza and her iconic green chili recipe.

The new restaurant has room for 255 seats, with a bar and outdoor patio and terrace. It also has space for private events of up to 100 people.

“We’re proud to offer all the dishes that guests have enjoyed for decades,” said Culinary Director Paco Romeo. “Whether they visit us in Denver, Parker or in our newest location in Greenwood Village, they’ll continue to recognize the same high-quality ingredients and recipes that many have loved for generations.”

BERNADETTE BERDYCHOWSKI | The Denver Gazette