LoHi’s Insee Noodle House: Tech-Forward Dining Faces Early Hurdles
Denver’s dynamic LoHi neighborhood has a new culinary addition: Insee Noodle House, a fast-casual companion to the popular Daughter Thai. Opening its doors in November 2025, Insee is not just serving up delicious noodle bowls; it’s also testing a cutting-edge mobile ordering system designed to streamline service and tackle rising operational costs in the local restaurant scene.
A New Concept from Daughter Thai’s Owners
From the creative minds behind the beloved Daughter Thai, Ounjit Hardacre and Dueanphen Rungrueang have launched Insee Noodle House (also known as Insee Father Noodles House) right next door at 1700 Platte St. #130. The interior, designed to evoke a mid-century Thai home, sets the stage for a unique dining experience focused on efficiency and flavor.
QR Code Ordering: The Future of Fast-Casual?
Upon arrival, customers are greeted with a choice: order and pay instantly via a QR code on their table’s coaster using their smartphone, or opt for traditional server assistance. Hardacre envisioned this system as a way to accelerate table turnover and reduce the need for extensive labor, a growing concern for many Denver restaurant owners battling escalating expenses.
Navigating Early Tech Challenges
While the vision for a seamless mobile experience is clear, the implementation has seen its share of growing pains. Early issues with the Square point-of-sale system, particularly concerning larger groups, have caused delays and occasional hiccups. Electronic orders have sometimes failed to reach the kitchen, and managing multiple separate payments from one table has proven cumbersome, leading to “paper jams” at the register.
Currently, Insee operates with a hybrid approach. Hardacre notes an 80/20 split, with the majority of customers embracing the mobile ordering. Despite the initial snags, she remains optimistic about full adoption, believing regular patrons will eventually gravitate towards the electronic system. The ultimate goal is a single, efficient ordering method to better track meals and payments.
The Broader Denver Restaurant Context
Insee’s innovative approach highlights a critical challenge facing Denver’s food industry. With increasing labor costs and fluctuating sales, many local establishments are struggling to maintain profit margins. The move towards reduced labor reliance through technology is a direct response to this economic pressure, reflecting a wider trend as restaurants seek sustainable operating models.
What’s on the Menu at Insee?
Diners can expect hearty, deep bowls of noodle soup, reminiscent of Hardacre and Rungrueang’s previous successful operation in San Francisco. A standout is the rich pork rib noodle soup, priced at $17.89. Insee also offers limited quantities of freshly made Thai coconut pancake cups, a treat Hardacre hopes to make more widely available as operations stabilize.
Ordering System Comparison: Traditional vs. QR Code
| Feature | Traditional Service | QR Code Mobile System |
|---|---|---|
| Order Speed | Depends on server availability | Instant upon customer input |
| Labor Reliance | High (order taking, payment processing) | Low (seating, water, food delivery) |
| Payment Simplicity | Single table bill, server handles | Customer pays on phone, individual payments complicate tracking |
| Large Party Handling | Usually managed by one server | Can lead to multiple receipts/lost orders |
FAQs About Insee Noodle House
- What is Insee Noodle House?
It’s a new fast-casual noodle shop in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, opened by the owners of Daughter Thai, featuring an innovative mobile ordering system. - Where is Insee Noodle House located?
You can find it at 1700 Platte St. #130 in Denver, right next to its sister restaurant, Daughter Thai. - How does the new ordering system work?
Customers can scan a QR code at their table to order and pay directly from their smartphone, or they can opt to order with a server. - Are there any challenges with the mobile ordering system?
Yes, owners have reported issues with the point-of-sale system, particularly with large parties and ensuring all electronic orders reach the kitchen. It currently operates as a hybrid system. - What kind of food can I get at Insee?
The menu features deep bowls of noodle soup, including pork rib noodles, and sometimes offers limited Thai coconut pancake cups.
For Denver locals, Insee Noodle House offers a chance to experience a taste of Thailand while witnessing a real-time experiment in restaurant technology as the industry adapts to economic pressures.
Insee Noodle House Tech Dining Faces Early Hurdles
