Have the munchies? Head to your nearest Hapa Sushi

popup.jpg
First, Hapa Sushi owner Mark Van Grack offered free orange undies to participants in last week's Naked Pumpkin Run, urging them to "Run Responsibly."

Now he's fired up an ad that includes a map of metro Denver with the four Hapa Sushi locations marked in red -- and 59 local medical marijuana dispensaries marked in blue. "We're just kind of saying, 'Look, these dispensaries exist and they're becoming part of our community, so let's welcome them in and have some fun,'" Van Grack told the New York Times for a story published today. "If you're going to smoke pot, you're going to get the munchies, so come to Hapa to eat."

The ad, created by TDA Advertising and Design of Boulder, is just the latest in a long line of Hapa hijinks.

Back in 2007, when Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron's home-run record, Hapa ran an ad congratulating Aaron, with the fine print below noting that the restaurant had "organic beef and chicken, no added steroids."

But often, food makes no appearance in Hapa's campaigns. "Most restaurants show food, but then you're just one of a hundred," Van Grack told the Times. "We think that our clientele appreciates smart ads that grab their attention. By creating ads that people want to talk about, that are creative and maybe controversial, then at least they are talking about our ads and Hapa is top of mind."

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

From the Vault

 

©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city