Q: Is your title really Lead Dog? Why?
A: It really is, mainly because I can’t just be Mark Berzins on my business card without someone asking the follow-up question, “And what do you do for Little Pub, Mark?”
It saves time while indicating I don’t take myself too seriously. If I started calling myself “president” or “CEO,” then I’d have to wear long pants and start playing golf. Not going to happen.
Q: When did you open your first location, and how has the Denver bar-and-restaurant scene changed since then?
A: Our first venture was actually the old Firehouse Bar & Grill in 1994 LoDo (since sold to the Rio Grande). I have jokingly referred to it as my executive MBA, since it was a valuable but expensive learning experience.
I would say the scene has changed most significantly since then in three key ways: 1) more multi-unit local operators who run their companies like businesses versus personal playgrounds; 2) quick-serve impacting casual sit-down dining; and 3) increased awareness of DUI and responsible drinking.
Q: How soon did the other locations open, and how did you select locations for each?
A: Following the Original Spot was Golden Spot in 1998, Three Dogs Tavern in 2000, (and) Irish Hound and the rest have opened since. Don’s Club Tavern we bought from Don’s widow in 2005. Since it is 60 years old, we can’t really take any credit for its legendary status.
Our selection process is largely gut feeling. The neighborhood comes first, then a building with cool architectural potential is a close second. I’d like to tell you we study charts and demographics and all kinds of sophisticated stuff, but in reality it’s pretty much my dad and me doing a drive-by.
Q: Most of the names of your bars have to do with dogs. How did you decide on that theme?
A: Who doesn’t love dogs — or would have the courage to say so? Everyone loves dogs, even if they don’t own one. Plus, dogs are so neighborhood, fun, casual. It all just worked, and we stuck with it. Now if I really had special skills, I’d open a cat bar. You just could never open a cat bar. … It would be empty.
Q: What in your background led you to open the business, and how did you decide this is what you wanted to do?
A: My father has been designing bars and restaurants in Denver since I was a kid. It’s impossible to grow up around the hospitality business without being a little wowed by it. Sitting with my dad in the London House in Glendale while (local restaurant and club owner) Jack Ho gan joined us was the pinnacle of cool!
Those early impressions, coupled with some college experience and a desire to move back to Denver from Southern California, led me to think the bar-and-restaurant industry would be lucrative and fun. Interestingly, my dad told me I was nuts.
Q: What about the bar business has been the most challenging?
A: Honestly, I think the hardest thing is learning to trust your people. That was one of my earliest and best lessons: You have to find good people and trust them with your bar. The real success of our company is built on our bar staff having the freedom to do pretty much whatever they want with their place.
Q: Tell us a little more about you.
A: I grew up in Castle Rock and graduated from Douglas County High School. I went to college at Stanford and majored in economics — yes, a recession is coming. I live in Capitol Hill with my wife of 15 years, Margaret, and my four great kids: Clare, Caroline, Patrick and Bridget.
I work with my dad, sister and brother every day, which is awesome — and I love, but don’t work with, my mom. I love my philanthropic work, especially with the Denver Foundation and the Art Students League.
Edited for length and clarity by Elizabeth Aguilera.
