In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, I’m joined by Josh Wolkon, the force behind some of Denver’s most iconic spots: Vesta, Steuben’s, and Ace Eat Serve.
Key themes from the conversation:
- From frat parties to full dining rooms: how early instincts sparked a career in hospitality
- Corporate structure vs. soul: what big F&B taught him (and why he left)
- Butts in seats: the mix of word-of-mouth, social media, and a little Food Network magic
- When the wheels fall off: service crashes, guest recovery, and lessons learned
- Denver’s food story: from a handful of kitchens to a true culinary city
- Creativity at scale: ping-pong tables, modern Asian menus, and 500 covers a night
- Staying power: building culture, delegating, and finding balance outside the kitchen
- What’s next: wing sauces, coffee bars, and exploring new outlets for creativity
Join Chris and Josh for a fast-moving conversation on restaurants, resilience, and why hospitality still feels like throwing the best party in town.
