Retail Properties of America, Inc. announced today DOPO, LLC is opening a new restaurant concept, DOPO, at The Gateway in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

DOPO, which means next in Italian, is an upscale, live music-oriented restaurant with Mediterranean and Italian fare and nightly live jazz. DOPO will feature a 1930s supper club ambiance, with special amenities such as the sale of roses, orchids, boutonnieres, Italian chocolate cigars, and more.

The Gateway is a mixed-use lifestyle center in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City that caters to families, entertainment seekers, and a diverse mix of shoppers with retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Francesca's, Bettie Page Clothing and charming charlie. With such a dynamic clientele, The Gateway is the perfect fit for a new, cutting edge restaurant concept.

"The Italian Diaspora was the substantial migration of Italians from about 1900 to 1950," says Executive Chef Christian Maymi. "Not only did Italians populate countries bordering the Mediterranean, but South America as well, where, for example, 60 percent of Argentina's population is of Italian descent. DOPO represents what Italians did next, by absorbing influences of local cuisine, music, and culture." 

"We are very excited about the announcement of this dynamic restaurant concept," says Stacy Short, assistant vice president, leasing director, west region. "The tenant's history in Salt Lake City is extensive, and we are eager to host their inventive new concept, joining several new retailers such as GameWorks and RocketFizz at The Gateway."

Since the beginning of 2013, RPAI has invested over two million dollars in The Gateway Improvement Project as part of its continued commitment to investing in our properties and the community. This includes such items as upgrading the Olympic Legacy Plaza and fountain, introducing new landscaping and parking features, and installing inviting, soft-seating areas and benches throughout The Gateway. 

DOPO is expected to open in August of 2014.