Trout Tank restaurant competition finalists announced

Denver-based airport concessionaire Mission Yogurt, Inc. and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center announced the five finalists who will pitch their best food and restaurant concepts at Trout Tank: Food Frenzy on Dec. 1. They include:

• Komotodo Sushi Burrito, a fast-casual contemporary restaurant in the heart of downtown Denver offering an array of sushi burritos, salads and desserts.
• Kulture Foods, gluten-free baked goods, including delicious and healthy flavored kale chips.
• Just BE Kitchen, a gluten, grain and refined sugar-free restaurant concept looking for the perfect space in Denver. The company currently manufactures and distributes gluten, grain and sugar-free treats.
• Petey Bird, uniquely crafted ice cream sandwiches, available for catering, and sold at local farmers markets and in stores such as Spinelli’s Market, Alfalfa’s Market and Lucky’s Market.
• Mac ‘N Noodles, a fast-casual restaurant offering different kinds of macaroni and cheese — from a basic version to mash-up styles like Philly cheese steak or Buffalo chicken — cooked to order in front of the customer.

Trout Tank: Food Frenzy will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Denver Post offices, 101 W. Colfax Ave. The finalists will present their business plans to investors and lenders, as well as a panel of judges comprised of restaurateurs and industry experts including Mark Berzins of Little Pub Company, Pat Miller of Gabby Gourmet, Chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class and Chef Alex Seidel of Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision. In addition to receiving new business connections, one winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize to help bring his or her business to fruition. The public can register to attend the event at www.denversbdc.org/programs/trout-tank.