Snowmass DJ Cedric Gervais Opens 220-Seat Guest House in Aspen

Aspen —The obvious narrative for the new dining concept arriving in downtown Aspen this winter is one of expansion. A successful brand, having conquered Austin, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale, simply decides it needs a foothold in the Rockies. That take misses the point entirely. The real story isn’t about a chain growing; it’s about a local reset. The new venue, Guest House, is effectively a reincarnation of the space it occupies, driven by the very people who previously ran it under a different name.

The business decision is straightforward: a 220-seat restaurant and lounge will open in the former Madame Ushi space at 415 E. Hyman Ave. The target date is New Year’s Eve. But the motivation behind the move is personal and structural. Cedric Gervais, a Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer based in Snowmass, is partnering with Raj Kumar, CEO of RDM Hospitality. Both men have prior ties to the building. They bought out their other partners in the previous venture, which gave them the chance to rethink the layout and investment strategy for the room.

To hear them tell it, the location was always the asset. Gervais noted that the venue is "incredible" and a "great spot." He and Kumar decided to restructure the space rather than abandon it. This isn’t a cold corporate takeover; it’s a renovation of a familiar asset by its existing stakeholders. The math holds up for them because they already knew the square footage, the foot traffic, and the potential of the address.

The concept itself leans into the "late night" aspect. The venue, which includes an RSVP Lounge, is designed to shift from a supper service to a livelier entertainment experience as the evening progresses. The menu features New American cuisine with a focus on nostalgic favorites, such as chicken tenders and spicy rigatoni, alongside craft cocktails and a mocktail program. Music will be integral to the atmosphere, starting soft during dinner and turning up the volume later in the night.

For the community, the goal is accessibility. Kumar emphasized that they want to make the experience approachable so that anyone can make a reservation. The venue will accept walk-ins, with open seating at the bar and a happy hour menu. Gervais also highlighted plans for special discounts for ski and snowboard instructors and other valley groups, aiming to ensure locals feel welcome in a space that often caters heavily to tourists.

The transition has been rapid. The partners began working on the changes over the summer and are moving quickly toward the December 31 deadline. Kumar acknowledged the speed of the process, noting, "We started this process this summer and it’s happening fast."

While the brand is expanding nationally, the Aspen iteration feels distinct. Kumar stated that they are excited to introduce Guest House in a way that "feels distinctly Aspen while staying true to what we’ve created with the brand." The involvement of Gervais adds a layer of local credibility and musical energy that aligns with the town’s culture.

As the countdown to the grand opening begins, the focus shifts from the past iterations of the space to the future experience it will offer. The question is whether this restructured venue can capture the energy of a full night out while remaining grounded in the local scene.

Kumar captured the outlook of the project best: "Having Cedric involved in this location makes it even more exciting as we continue to evolve Guest House and expand into new markets."