Denver’s Little Pub Company should be renamed the Big Pub Company.
“Lead Dog” Mark Berzins’ empire has expanded to 10 funky neighborhood bars. And he likes the results so much, he’s on his way to owning 18.
His drinky domain includes the Irish Hound, the Spot, the Elm, Three Dogs Tavern, Wyman’s and the upcoming Great Dane at the base area in Winter Park.
He bought Don’s Club Tavern (a.k.a. Don’s Mixed Drinks) in 2005 — and it’s been such a hit that he wants some other mom-and-pop bars around town. He recently saved the legendary Rooster’s in Broomfield after reading of its impending demise in The Denver Post. He’s gonna call it the Old Man, a tribute to your dad’s drinking days, with the walls filled with pics of fathers drinking cocktails while standing contentedly on shag carpeting.
“And we’re working on a couple of other deals that are noteworthy,” Berzins says. “We have some feelers out there, but we can’t talk about them yet.”
We heard that Little Pub was taking over the classic Campus Lounge. Berzins said no — he only wishes that were true. We also heard that he’s expanding Don’s into the space next door. He’s not sure what will happen there. “I kind of like the time capsule that is Don’s,” Berzins says. “But in other ways, time moves on.”
Got talent?
The Broncos are looking for fans to strut their stuff at a home game. You can send in a DVD or VHS — or register to audition live on Wednesday (call 720-258-3117).
Competition will be tough. They already have some musical acts, a baton twirler and a counting dog.
Get all the deets at .
Summer songs.
Denver Botanic Gardens’ Summer Concert Series is out with its roster, and members get first dibs starting April 30. Look for the Neville Brothers and Dr. John, June 5; Cake, June 8; Indigo Girls, June 16; Marc Cohn and Aimee Mann, July 11; Beau Soleil, Buckwheat Zydeco & the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, July 31; Keb’ Mo‘, Aug. 5; Chris Isaak, Aug. 7; Gipsy Kings, Aug. 11; Bruce Hornsby, Aug. 19; Al Green & Otis Taylor, Aug. 31; and more. Deets at .
At the Arvada Center this summer: The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra playing the music of Led Zeppelin, June 28; Debbie Reynolds, July 26; Asleep at the Wheel, Aug. 16; Capitol Steps, Aug. 23. Go to .
City spirit.
“The Bachelor” asking for info on the guys in the 2009 Colorado Firefighter Calendar — they want a hero for the next series. . . . Madeline Lee Gilford passed away Monday at her Greenwich Village apartment. She was an actress, producer, widow of actor Jack Gilford, mother of Denverite Lisa Gilford. Reach out to Lisa at TVFILM@comcast.net. . . . Singer-songwriters Tegan and Sara are skedded for “Leno” Wednesday night, at Belly Up in Aspen April 30. . . . Sez who: “I love being in front of an audience. It’s so stimulating. I also love to barbecue.” Carmen Electra
Bill Husted’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Husted also appears Tuesdays and Fridays on “Good Day Colorado” on Fox 31. You can reach him at 303-954-1486 or bhusted@ . Take a peek at Husted’s next column at .
