Colorado’s most famous resident is stamping his brand on a third restaurant that will open inside The Lodge at Vail in time for the ski season.
Legendary former Bronco John Elway, who owns the Elway’s steak houses with business partner Tim Schmidt, said his mantra is location, location, location, when deciding where to expand his eatery empire.
“We’re always looking for opportunities in the right markets that would be a good fit for the restaurant,” Elway told me today. “We felt Vail would be a great market for us with the skiing industry up there, and also during the summer it’s a great destination spot. Plus the location we got, we feel that’s key.”
The Lodge at Vail is located in the heart of Vail Village less than a block from Vail Mountain’s Vista Bahn chairlift. Wildflower restaurant and Mickey’s bar, currently in the space, will close July 31, and construction on the new Elway’s begins Aug. 1.
The new 5,500-square-foot space seats 260 guests, and is “slightly smaller” than the original Elway’s in Cherry Creek, Elway said.
Other amenities will include a formal fireside dining area, an apres-ski bar and dining space, a covered outdoor dining patio, and an open-air patio that will be used as weather permits.
Like the Cherry Creek original, Elway said they hope to include a piano bar. Mickey Poage has tickled the ivories at Mickey’s for 35 years, and Elway said he would like to retain Poage’s services.
As to key restaurant personnel, Elway said Schmidt, the Cherry Creek general manager Andrew Chapman and executive chef Tyler Wiard will be the decisionmakers.
Elway and Schmidt have entered into a long-term lease on the space with Rock Resorts, the hotel arm of Vail Resorts and owner of The Lodge.
“We believe so much in that location, the brand we have, and the way we do business,” Elway said. “This is going to be a great marriage for us.”
As to future expansion plans? “We never say never,” No. 7 said. “But obviously we’re very picky about where we go.”
