Colbert-based 3 Ninjas Mobile Food & Catering LLC recently opened its first restaurant in Kendall Yards.

Steve Kitchens, who co-owns the business along with his friends Tymen Hofman and Michael Anderson, says the 315-square-foot space at 1198 W. Summit Parkway, formerly occupied by Solace Mead and Cider, isn’t much larger than the company’s food truck.

“Having started as a food truck, we’re used to tight spaces,” says Kitchens. “But the space is more than enough for what we need as a fast-casual concept, and we’re happy to be here.”

Kitchens says the company was approached by Liberty Lake-based Greenstone Corp., the development company that owns Kendall Yards, about moving into the space several months ago.

“The logistics are somewhat different, as food trucks and restaurants are set up a bit differently and follow different regulations,” he says. “Like anything else it’s a challenge, but for us it’s a welcome challenge.”

Kitchens says the three owners started their business in 2014 with a food truck, and soon added their own hot sauce company. He says the restaurant’s food menu includes some of the same items the company’s food truck is known for including; the fire wrap, Philly cheesesteak and other sandwiches, as well as tacos, salads, and chips and salsa.

Kitchens says the three owners worked with general contractor Andy Cleveland of Greenstone Homes, to remodel the space, which has a maximum capacity of 15 people.

“Our max capacity is 15, but really this space can only fit about seven people comfortably,” he says. “A lot of restaurants here are larger spaces where you can enjoy the views and the food. We offer just as high quality of food, but we’re purposely designed as a fast-casual spot.”

Kitchens says for now the business’s three owners remain its only employees.

“Next year we’ll be running both the food truck and the restaurant, so that will take some adjustment,” he says. “We’re not in a huge rush to add more staff, but when we do, we’d like to be able to offer them benefits as well as a fun place to work. In the meantime, we’ll just keep doing what we do, and having fun.”