According to a release, owner Jeff Osaka cites "significant challenges facing Denver's restaurant industry, including rising ingredient costs, an evolving economic landscape, and the mandated tip credit on top of a high minimum wage" in the decision to close.

“The decision to close comes amid significant challenges facing Denver’s restaurant industry, including rising ingredient costs and an evolving economic landscape,” he said in the statement. Osaka also cited increasing labor costs due to a tip credit for restaurant owners that has failed to keep up with the “high minimum wage” in Denver.

An eatery that has been part of Denver's food scene for nearly a decade is set to close later this month. Osaka Ramen, 2611 Walnut St., will close on Feb. 23, Chef Jeff Osaka said in an email. The restaurant, which serves ramen dishes and classic yet creative Japanese small plates, opened in the fall of 2015.