Projects & Philanthropy
Jeff launched the first of many restaurants in 1976, and has continued to form creative partnerships with chefs and explore new ways to elevate the world of food, wine, and placemaking. He is currently involved with 22 restaurants, as well as Populus, a new lifestyle hotel in Denver. On a larger scale, he is engaged in revitalizing neighborhoods with transformative projects, creating regenerative food systems, and supporting communities as a philanthropist.
Projects
Populus
Populus, a lifestyle hotel near Denver’s State Capitol, opened in 2024. Jeff is an investor and partner with creator Urban Villages, a development team dedicated to environmental stewardship. Renowned architect Jeanne Gang found design inspiration in the characteristic eye-shaped growth patterns of Colorado’s native Aspen trees — Populus tremuloides. It’s the first carbon positive hotel in country, solidifying Jeff’s commitment to sustainability. Jeff was also highly engaged in curating the hotel’s two restaurants.
Larimer Square
Jeff served as the owner and steward of Larimer Square for 27 years, from 1992 to 2020. During this time, he established the city block’s importance as a community gathering place with the highest concentration of chef-driven restaurants in the country. Under Jeff’s leadership, the 220,000-sqare-foot office and retail property consistently ranked as one of Denver’s top attractions.
Denver Union Station
Jeff served as a principal partner in the restoration of Denver Union Station, where he helped shape the standard for the revitalization of historic transit centers around the country.
Restaurants
Stellar Jay
This vibrant rooftop experience in Populus overlooks Denver and the mountains. It features live-fire flavors from a nature-based menu inspired by seasonal harvests. The restaurant name is a playful nod to the charismatic bird Steller’s Jay.
Pasque
Located on the ground floor of Populus, Pasque offers refined cuisine that explores the riches of each season in an elevated dining experience. The menu features an array of fresh plant-based ingredients complemented by proteins from both land and sea. The restaurant gets its name from the Pasque wildflower, an early-blooming flower native to Colorado.
Nonprofits & Philanthropy
Mountain Roots
Jeff has long supported this mission-based food systems initiative in his efforts to reduce food insecurity, promote regenerative agriculture, and provide opportunities for food entrepreneurs. Mountain Roots also fosters education with its year-round Farm to School program. Jeff learned about the initiative from his daughter, and has been an advocate ever since.
Good Food 100
Jeff co-founded this nonprofit in 2016 to help redefine how chefs, restaurants, and food service operations are viewed and valued. In addition to quality, the Good Food 100 rating system focuses on sustainability and the environment, as well as diversity and inclusion.
We Don’t Waste
We Don’t Waste augments Jeff’s commitment to reduce food insecurity and shift the food paradigm. This Denver-based nonprofit collects unused food from restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores for redistribution to shelters, Indian Reservations, and others in need.
Crested Butte Land Trust
After serving as President of the Crested Butte Land Trust, Jeff donated a permanent public trail easement to the community in 2000. Woods Walk welcomes hikers, cyclists, and equestrians across Jeff’s private property, onto the Slate River Valley, and beyond. He granted a second trail easement in 2020. Both efforts have inspired other landowners to do the same.
Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival and the Crested Butte Center for the Arts
As founder of the Wine + Food Festival in 2010, Jeff saw an opportunity to partner with — and raise money for — the Center for the Arts. This educational organization helps children, including Jeff’s daughter, build a foundation of strength and resilience through art and dance.
Awards
CRA Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious awards program celebrates individuals devoted to hospitality — in business and daily life. Jeff was recognized by the Colorado Restaurant Association for his leadership, service, and dedication to the industry and community.
Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame
For his long history of supporting historic preservation with a re-energizing of Denver’s retail, restaurant and entertainment scene, Jeff was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame. Jeff also served on the board of the Downtown Denver Partnership.