Interview with Robert Rotella, chef/partner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: As a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America and restaurant owner for more than 20 years, I have constantly striven to bring my culinary passion to the public. Having received recognition from winning first place in the 2012 Arvada Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off to being featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” I have tried to remain heavily active in the competitive culinary scene and have fun with food. In March 2013, I was approached by former Woodburn’s Deli owners Rick and Debbie Reeves about partnering up in a new and exciting endeavor. Rick, being a contractor, did the entire build-out of the restaurant off of a concept that had been brewing in my thoughts for more than 15 years.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Our flair, use of fresh, natural and organic ingredients and our down-to-earth sense of service distinguishes us from other businesses. We like to get to know our guests and make them feel like they are home. We wanted to bring a different type of restaurant/bar atmosphere to Arvada, perhaps something that one would more expect in downtown Denver. We offer an infinite range of drink combinations, including made-to-order liquid-nitrogen frozen adult shakes and flaming shots. We are a from-scratch restaurant that seriously values the quality of our food. We understand that we are serving a diverse demographic, and we embrace that fact.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love food and I love creating. I have an unrelenting desire to create amazing dishes that make people happy.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is letting people know that we are here. We are a brand new business and we are relying heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Being ever-so slightly south of the heart of Olde Town Arvada may be a bit of a challenge for us as well.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We offer a fusion of different cuisines using both fire and ice elements. By this, we mean we incorporate some table-side flaming dishes, nitrogen-blasted beverages and made-to-order ice creams, and we use some of the world’s hottest known chili peppers in a variety of our dishes.
Profile
Business: Fire and Ice Bistro
Address: 5515 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (brunch from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Sunday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-420-3473,
Employees: 25
