The Juan Padró Story: From Dishwasher to Denver's Restaurant Revolutionary

04/15/24 • 60 min

Juan Padró is a renowned restaurateur and entrepreneur based in Denver, Colorado. He is the co-founder of The Culinary Creative, a hospitality group that specializes in creating and operating innovative dining concepts. The Culinary Creative group is known for its unique approach to food and beverage experiences, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community.

Under Padró's leadership, The Culinary Creative has developed a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, each offering a distinct dining experience. Some of the notable establishments under The Culinary Creative umbrella include Bar Dough, a modern Italian restaurant; Señor Bear, a Latin-inspired restaurant and bar; Ash'Kara, a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant; Morin, a French-inspired restaurant; and Tap & Burger, a neighborhood bar and restaurant.

Padró's passion for food and hospitality has been instrumental in shaping the Denver culinary scene. He is known for his commitment to excellence and innovation, which has helped The Culinary Creative establish itself as a leader in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

[00:01:11] Explore the twists and turns of Juan Padró's unconventional career path.

[00:13:27] Unveiling Juan Padró's efforts to revolutionize the restaurant industry.

[00:22:58] Contrasting educational disparities across different regions.

[00:31:45] Celebrating a wide range of culinary influences with open arms.

[00:46:47] The tale of a restaurant's uphill battle to triumph against the odds.

[00:59:41] Exploring the impact of mentorship within the realm of sports.

Memorable Quotes:

You're willing to offer a job to an 18-year-old from Greenwood Village with minimal experience, but not to a highly qualified engineer from Senegal who needs to support his family because he lacks credit. What's wrong with this picture? [00:53:17] – Juan Padró

I believe many diners will view your restaurant differently and be more inclined to dine there because of its positive impact on the community. [00:58:44] – Juan Padró

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Key Takeaways:

[00:01:11] Explore the twists and turns of Juan Padró's unconventional career path.

[00:13:27] Unveiling Juan Padró's efforts to revolutionize the restaurant industry.

[00:22:58] Contrasting educational disparities across different regions.

[00:31:45] Celebrating a wide range of culinary influences with open arms.

[00:46:47] The tale of a restaurant's uphill battle to triumph against the odds.

[00:59:41] Exploring the impact of mentorship within the realm of sports.

Memorable Quotes:

I believe many diners will view your restaurant differently and be more inclined to dine there because of its positive impact on the community. [00:58:44] – Juan Padró

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Previous Episode

Diving into Denver's Music Scene with Brad Roulier: A Tale of Beats, Bounces, and Business

Brad Roulier, a prominent figure in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, talks with the #IMFROMDENVER podcast. Roulier has made significant contributions to EDM as a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur. As part of the DJ duo Manufactured Superstars, he performed internationally and produced tracks for artists like Katy Perry and David Guetta. Roulier co-founded Beatport.com, a leading online music store for DJs, and founded Beta Nightclub in Denver, renowned as one of the best in the world. Currently serving as the Chief Entertainment Officer for Bounce Empire, Roulier continues to impact the entertainment industry with his innovative approach and dedication to creating memorable experiences.

Key Takeaways:

[00:03:14] Unveiling the creative genesis of beatport.

[00:06:34] Brad's early career evolution and dive into club ownership.

[00:11:08] Shifting from music to the popcorn industry.

[00:19:19] Touring adventures and iconic moments with industry giants.

[00:20:09] Tiesto's Vegas show anecdote unpacked.

[00:40:08] Confronting the hurdles of a fresh entertainment venture.

Memorable Quotes:

Imagine a vibrant haven where everyone's phones are forgotten, and the joy of interaction reigns supreme. It's the ultimate blend of excitement and connectivity, where every moment is infused with pure, unadulterated fun. [00:39:23] – Brad Roulier

My ultimate mission was to immerse them in the world of house music. And the key? It's all about the slice and dice. Chop it up, layer it with killer vocals, and always serve up those signature deadmau5 beats like clockwork. [00:14:22] – Brad Roulier

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver

Next Episode

Amanda Blaurock: A Story of Innovation, Law, and Community Empowerment in Denver

Amanda is a mission-based leader with expertise in growth, accountability, and turnaround in both the private and public sectors. As a lawyer with a 20-year journey as a patent and trademark attorney working for the United States government, she is known for innovative risk-taking and creative problem-solving, particularly in complex societal challenges. Amanda co-founded and serves as the executive director of Village Exchange Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees in the Aurora/Denver metro area. With her unique legal background and experience representing Fortune 100 companies and family offices, she has developed a distinctive approach to creating innovation and system change. Amanda's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic led to her recognition as an Everyday Hero by the City of Aurora, and she has also been honored by the Woman's Foundation of Colorado and Salvadorenos Residiendo of Colorado for her dedication to the community.

Key Takeaways:

[00:03:27] Strategic global commerce and intellectual property management.

[00:07:53] Navigating challenges and professional transition.

[00:15:25] Establishing a mission-driven nonprofit organization.

[00:19:37] Transforming decommissioned churches for community use.

[00:31:24] Empowering skilled immigrants through credentialing.

[00:38:33] Fostering empowerment through respectful support.

Memorable Quotes:

I often emphasize that every refugee and immigrant, including our own ancestors, arrived with a shared dream. From Albert Einstein to countless others, it's about preserving those transformative contributions that we risk losing if we neglect to support immigration. [00:31:50] – Amanda Blaurock

When an individual finds themselves deeply immersed in a pursuit fueled by passion, the experience transcends the realm of stress. Instead, it becomes a labor of love, an endeavor infused with genuine affection and enthusiasm.[00:24:33] – Amanda Blaurock

Connect with I’m From Denver:

Website: https://www.iamfromdenver.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imfromdenver/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imfromdenver/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@im_from_denver

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imfromdenver