Naive Kitchen + Bar
FRESH, LOCAL, INSPIRED FARE
Escape to the warmth and passion of Latin-inspired cuisine at Naive. Our vibrant dishes are a fiesta for your senses, bursting with bold flavors, zesty spices, and the freshest ingredients. Experience Mexico, Cuba, Peru, and other culinary creations in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
WE ARE NAIVE
We see the world as a place of hope. Maybe that's naive. But maybe it's one of our greatest strengths. Because we're not afraid to think big, without any preconceived notions. With a connection to what's real, from the food we eat to the relationships we nourish.
We are located just outside of downtown Louisville, where the NuLu business district meets the beautiful Butchertown neighborhood.
Our Bio
Upon completing his bachelor's degree in business at Colorado University in 2008, David Richter embarked on a year-long journey across the United States with a musical group. Following this experience, he pursued his passion for culinary arts by enrolling in Cooks Street Culinary School, where he excelled and graduated at the top of his class in 2009. Subsequently, he honed his skills working under the mentorship of Chef Troy Guard at TAG restaurant group, specializing in sushi rolling and fish mongering. An opportunity arose when some former college friends invited him to join them as the head chef of a restaurant and bar in Fort Collins, The Colorado Room. David enthusiastically embraced this opportunity and became a partner in the enterprise, dedicating a decade to The Colorado Room. In 2021, he was invited by his wife Jessica and her business partner to assume the role of corporate trainer at Split Lip, an eat place in Louisville, KY. Following the successful launch of the new location, David and Jessica decided to establish roots in Louisville, KY. Presently, they are focused on expanding their brand and are actively seeking a suitable location to establish their next culinary venture.
Jessica Richter has amassed a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry, having spent the majority of her life in this field. Originally from a small town in Florida, she relocated to Denver in 2009 in pursuit of a location that offered all four seasons and perpetual sunshine. In Denver, she found a professional home with James Beard award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski at Crafted Concepts. Over time, she took on the roles of bartender and manager at three out of five restaurants, eventually ascending to the position of director of operations for Union Station by 2017. In this capacity, she oversaw Ultreia as managing partner and managed the seafood-focused Stoic & Genuine. However, the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic rendered the execution of made-to-go tapas nearly impossible. As a result, Richter, in collaboration with her business partner Adam Branz, embarked on the development of a fast-casual, hyper-regional Americana-inspired concept known as Split Lip, an Eat Place. Initially established as a roadside fried chicken pop-up, Split Lip has evolved to become the food component of Number 38, a Colorado-focused social hall and entertainment venue. In partnership with Number 38’s parent company, The Numbers Holding Company, Split Lip is set to manage the food programs of forthcoming locations, celebrating and honoring each region’s local culinary and beverage cultures. Their second location in Louisville commenced operations in May 2023. Notably, Split Lip’s menu has been adapted to showcase Kentucky-born products and dishes alongside some of their current menu staples, such as Mississippi slug burgers and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches. Jessica and her husband, David, have relocated to Louisville, KY, which they are proud to call home, and are dedicated to expanding their brand.
