Vance Johnson, one of the Broncos’ “Three Amigos” alongside Mark Jackson and Ricky Nattiel, is set to open Vance’s Epicurious near First and Grand in Grand Junction in Smashburger’s former location. He also owns VJ’s Outlaw Ribbs in Parachute.
Johnson came to the Western Slope in 2001. He decided to move to the Grand Valley after witnessing the Downtown Farmers’ Market while in town for a kids football camp. “I did not want to leave Grand Junction,” Johnson, 49, said. “I called up home and told them to pack my stuff … It was Mayberry for me.”
Vance’s Epicurious will boast a diverse menu, with East Coast-style pizza, fish tacos from the West Coast, barbecue from the Midwest (including items from his Parachute restaurant), Hawaiian dishes, and of course, burgers. The burger menu will include sandwiches for every team in the AFC West, such as the Bronco and Raider Burgers. The restaurant will have a full bar, and breakfast will be served on weekends.
Johnson said the restaurant will be sports themed, but not necessarily a sports bar. Panoramic views of Denver’s Sports Authority Field will cover entire walls. A life-size picture mural of Vance Johnson will catch a pass thrown by a life-size John Elway on one wall, while Tim Tebow “Tebows” on another.
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