Eleven22 is preparing for a major transformation, as the long-running Golden restaurant gets ready to close its doors temporarily for a full renovation. After more than three decades in operation, the change marks a new chapter for a space that has become deeply rooted in the community.
Head chef and owner Konan Mar says the decision to renovate ultimately came down to the age of the building.
“The building is just getting old, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. “At some point, you either keep putting money into it or you start fresh.”
Parts of the structure date back to 1904, and those older sections will now be replaced. Mar explained that while some of the buildings will be demolished, the goal is not to erase its identity.
“The old house is from 1904; that part is coming down,” he said. “We’re going to build the same-sized restaurant, with a smaller patio and a suite above.”
The updated space will shift toward a more open concept layout, while still reflecting the character of the original design.
“It’ll be more open concept, but still have some separation like the rooms we have now,” Mar said. “We’re trying to keep it, what it is, but also something new.”
Preserving that sense of history has been a key priority throughout the planning process. Mar noted that several original elements will be incorporated into the new design, including trim work and windows that regulars may recognize.
“We’re keeping things like the trim and one of the original windows,” he said.
The restaurant’s connection to local families also runs deep. The house itself has ties to generations of residents, and that legacy is something Mar hopes to carry forward.
“There’s a lot of history tied to this house, families who built it, people who’ve worked here for generations,” he said. “We’re trying to keep those connections alive even through the renovation.”
That sense of continuity extends beyond the building and into the restaurant’s identity. Eleven22 was originally opened 33 years ago by Mar’s mother and aunt, and he has now been running it for more than 25 years.
“It was my mom and my aunt who started it,” he said, “but I came back and took over.”
While the space itself will change, customers can expect a familiar experience when the restaurant reopens. Mar emphasized that the menu will remain largely the same, with a few updates.
“We’re not doing a major menu change,” he said. “We’re keeping the same kind of style people know. We want to freshen things up, but not lose what people come here for.”
The renovation is expected to take up to eight months, a closure that Mar acknowledges will be challenging for both staff and the wider community.
“Closing for that long is tough; it’s hard on staff and in a small town,” he said.
Even so, he remains focused on the long-term vision. By blending new construction with preserved elements of the past, Eleven22 aims to reopen as a refreshed version of itself, one that continues to reflect both its history and its place in Golden.
“Thank you for all the support,” Mar said, noting that they would not be where they are today without the support of the community.
The last day to come by Eleven22 before they close is the 4th of April. Come by and say your farewells to this historic building, and hopefully, by next winter, we will be saying hello to the new Eleven22.
