Lexi Healy
Hell or High Water Tiki
Perpetually haunted, hyper-focused, and hungry. I spend most of my time overwhelmed and under the earth, masterfully spinning the chaos that keeps Denver’s Unholy Trinity of bars unpredictably absurd.
A Culinary Journey: The Denver Food + Wine Festival
As a pillar of the Colorado community, the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) takes pride in supporting initiatives that strengthen our local fabric. One such initiative is the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF), an organization dedicated to enhancing the restaurant industry’s training, education, career development, and overall well-being.
Erin Katz
Pony Up Denver
With over thirteen years of hospitality experience, you can say Erin found her path. Moving from Ohio to Colorado three years ago, she fully immersed herself in the local community. When she’s not slinging slutty cocktails at Pony Up, she is usually snuggled up with her dog Buffy and a new book.
Teddy Lamontagne
Rootstalk Breckenridge
Teddy Lamontagne moved up to Breckenridge in November 2020 to help open Rootstalk as the Bar Manager, and has since moved into his current role as the General Manager Beverage & Service Director of Rootstalk Breckenridge. He helped operate multiple bars in Denver during his tenure, curating thoughtful & seasonal menus and running successful programs. The restaurant […]
Courtney Dam
Temaki Den
Bartender, server and industry lifer. I’ve been in the industry for 13 years. Co-owner of Bartist Creative with my husband. Our dream is to open bars and have been working towards our indigenous spirit focused concept Anomaly. We want to spread the love for our cultures to the Denver community while preserving the cultures of […]
Jess Caruso
Side Pony Denver
Jess Caruso moved to Denver in 2020 from Charleston SC. She has been in the industry for 20 years serving every role from bartender to beverage director. Her favorite spirit is tequila and shot of choice is Fernet Branca Menta. In addition to being a new mom, she can be found at Side Pony a […]
Jeff “Smoke” Smokevitch
Blue Pan Pizza
Jeff “Smoke” Smokevitch is widely recognized as one of the best Pizzaiolo’s in the industry, with several national and international awards. He refined his craft under legendary Pizzaiolo, Master Instructor, author, and 11-time World Champion, Tony Gemignani. Smoke is a member Gemignani’s World Pizza Champions team, in addition to being an assistant instructor at Gemignani’s […]
Zuri Resendiz
Luchador Food Truck
With a culinary upbringing in Mexico City, Luchador Taco & More owner and Chef Zuri Resendiz serves Mexican and traditional Latin food that is accessible to all. In addition to a regional culinary resume that includes stints at Panzano, Cattivella, and Shanahan’s Steak House, Zuri’s accolades include recognition on Zagat’s “30 Under 30” (2015) and […]
Elise Chadwick
Roger’s Liquid Oasis
Elise Chadwick’s love for her hometown of Arvada, Colorado played a significant role in her decision to become a bartender; Arvada’s tight-knit community and warm-hearted residents instilled in her a deep appreciation for connection and the power of shared experiences. Bartending became a natural extension of Elise’s desire to bring people together, to create a […]
Fetien Gebre-Michael
The Ethiopian Food Truck
Fetien Gebre-Michael is a first-generation Ethiopian immigrant and one of 12 children; she has three older brothers and eight younger siblings. Being the eldest daughter, Fetien quickly learned her way around the kitchen, and what started out as a chore to feed her siblings, eventually turned into something that she enjoyed. In 2008, while working […]
