By Elizabeth Woessner | Online Editor
Vote for your favorite and help one of them win the coveted Restaurant Superstar Award. The winner from each category will get their choice of two of the following: a ticket to Top Taco (June 25), a Mile High Passbook, A DiningOut for Life Passbook (coming in April!), or a DiningOut Card.
The Contenders:
Jason Borders
Guard and Grace {1801 California Street; 303.293.8500}
As general manager and managing partner, Jason wears many hats in maintaining the smooth operation of this large service-driven restaurant. Chef Troy Guard says, “We’ve been open for a year, have won best steakhouse and best new restaurant, and continually exceed our projections because Jason keeps guests happy and returning. He has a passion for hospitality and is a great leader.”
Matt Boutwell
Punch Bowl Social {65 Broadway; 303.765.2695}
According to Punch Bowl’s owner, Robert Thompson, “Matt is the Whole Package. There is not one situation that Matt wouldn’t not jump in and work side by side with his team, but he possesses the maturity in management to know when that’s appropriate, and when it’s best to direct traffic. Here are comments from his team:
- “Brings a great culture to our brand.”
- “One of the HARDEST working people I know.”
- “His love and passion come through in his work and the way he coaches his team.”
- “This industry can be hard, but Matt comes in with a great attitude.”
- “I couldn’t ask for a better motivator, mentor, and friend.”
- “Matt will jump into the fire with his staff, helping to find ways to extinguish the flames.”
Shayla Englund
Coohills {1400 Wewatta Street; 303.623.5700}
Coohill’s Co-Owner Diane Coohill can’t say enough in her praise for Banquet Manager Shayla Englund. “Shayla is an amazing addition to our staff. She started as a host and has worked her up to the position of banquet manager. She is organized and amazing with guests! Using her degree in hospitality in combination with her work ethic, Shayla is an irreplaceable addition to the Coohills team!”
Lennie Holt
Central Bistro and Bar {1691 Central Street; 303.477.4582}
Executive Chef Matt Selby says, “Mamma Lennie gets it … she is the mamma bear of our staff, quick to be an ear or shoulder, but also swift in taking care of business. Listen–I’ve been doing this in Denver for over 20 years, and have worked with MANY GMs, and mamma Lennie is by far the best I’ve worked with. With guests, she is genuinely kind and empathetic to the fact that people work hard for their money; she realizes that if guests choose to spend their hard money with us, we need to honor, respect, and value them in return. With staff, she is direct, bend-over-backward helpful, and a friend and mentor all in one. She has veteran insight–she’s been through it all, and is able to carry that into a successful work environment.”
Kathy Huddleston
Cherry Cricket {2641 East Second Avenue; 303.322.7666}
General Manager Kathy Huddleston brings 30 years of restaurant industry experience to The Cherry Cricket. Huddleston became a member of Cricket’s management team in 1998 and was promoted to general manager in 2006. Huddleston learned all aspects of restaurant management (front and back of the house) working for national companies Baskin Robbins, Azar’s Big Boy, and VICORP (Village Inn), as well as independently owned restaurants. Huddleston’s management skills and experience have been instrumental at The Cricket. “Kathy is one of the most ambitious people I know,” says Amanda Young, regional director for Breckenridge Wynkoop, “she always wants to do the right thing and is a definite front-of-house pro because she cares about making sure the guest experience at the Cherry Cricket is as good as the next.”
Lisa Redlich
DiFranco’s {955 Lincoln Street; 720.253.1244}
DiFranco’s is a small restaurant and as such, all staff members must know how to work every position both front and back of house. Before arriving at DiFranco’s, Lisa’s entire restaurant experience was as a host confirming reservations and seating guests. She can now work the line in the kitchen and manage the entire restaurant. According to Ryan DiFranco, “this girl can cook! In the past 2-1/2 years, Lisa’s strength of character, the strides she has made in the kitchen, and her ability to run and manage a small restaurant with no prior experience is what makes Lisa a true unsung restaurant hero.”
Robert “Bobby” Rayburn
duo Restaurant {2413 West 32nd Avenue; 303.477.4141}
Bobby, duo’s general manager, received by far the most nominations from his co-workers, each sharing stories about his exceptional customer service, good attitude, and leadership skills. Here is one such story: “A couple of months ago, two of Bobby’s regulars came to sit at his bar. They shared that they were in for just a cocktail and then would be heading to Table 6 for dinner to celebrate their anniversary. Bobby proceeded to call Table 6 and buy a bottle of the couples’ favorite type of wine to be sent out in celebration of their special day. This is not an isolated incident! Bobby’s care for his customers shines every day!”
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