Judging by the large Beechcraft 18 airplane in front of the newly opened Hangar 101 Billiards and Bowling in south Lakewood, one could be forgiven for thinking that owner Ami Benari is some kind of World War II buff.
That’s not exactly the case, however. The reason for the plane, as well as the other planes inside the Hangar 101, is a more divine one.
“The theme is because of a message from God,” Benari, who also owns Zanzibar and Tarantula Billiards in Denver, explained. “I was thinking about doing a theme at the restaurant, and I saw an older gentleman in the Panera where I was in a World War II jacket and hat. He reminded of my grandfather, so I bought him a cup of coffee and he told me he owned 15 acres of junkyard full of antique airplanes. And there was my theme.”
The restaurant, located at 7575 W. Jewell Ave., opened about two months ago. The food includes an expanding menu made up of dishes like pizzas and monster burgers, strong drinks and 101 beers.
Hangar 101 includes some features most restaurants don’t have, including six bowling lanes, free billiards tables, 3,000 square feet of patio and two large planes hanging over patrons’ heads.
“As far as I know, we’re the only restaurant in the world with real, not replica, planes as part of the décor,” Benari said. “The plane over the bar is an U-8 Beechcraft that was actually used in Vietnam. I’ve been connected with some of the men who flew in it at the time.”
The amenities like pool and bowling are free during the day with purchase of food or drinks to cater to families, and at 9 p.m. the restaurant becomes 21-and-older guests only.
Benari already has plans to expand the restaurant. He wants to build a stage on the front patio for bands, karaoke and open mic nights, and trivia nights will start there on July 11.
The idea to set up a new business in Lakewood was the result of increasing rents and prices in downtown Denver, and Benari said Lakewood was a great partner during the three-year development and building process.
And that large airplane in front of the building certainly kept the neighborhood curious as to what was coming. That’s what drew in employee Chris Konig, who, like many of the about 50 employees, is a local.
“Everyone was waiting to see what would open up here, and once it did, I thought it had a great energy,” he said. “It’s a very personal job for many of us who work here, because we’re from the area, and we want it to succeed. We’re always looking for things we can do better.”
Benari is eager for the community to sample what he has in store for Hangar 101.
“We’re here for the long term,” he said. “We want people to come and see us.”