Kasey Conger and Jay Morgan, owners
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: In the late 1970s, the owners loaned start-up money to a group wanting to expand the bar. That group defaulted, changed the locks and continued running the bar until 1986 at which time the Denver courts awarded the Emerald Isle to us, the present owners, who have continued operating it for 29 years.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are a neighborhood “Cheers”-type bar/restaurant that seats more than 200 people on enormous redwood decks overlooking Cherry Creek Reservoir and the spectacular Rocky Mountains. We feature live bands and karaoke on the decks in the summer. We also offer atrium seating in our glassed-in dining room and a cozy, rustic-feeling bar with eight large flat-screen HDTVs for sports fans.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: In addition to our loyal and dedicated regulars, we never know who is going to walk through the front door, so every day is an adventure.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Staffing for Colorado weather is really a challenge for a seasonal restaurant. It’s very difficult to offer reliable work to enough staff to handle that random 65-degree day during cold weather months. On those rare days, you will see both owners, the general manager and every employee we have on double shifts, running as fast as they can.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: The Emerald Isle started as the barracks for the Corps of Engineers when they were building Cherry Creek Reservoir. It was then used as a school house for several years. It began its life on South Parker Road in the early ’70s when it was just a dirt road and has been expanded under the present ownership since 1986. We feature Mexican food because that’s what we became famous for, and added Angus burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and other popular bar food favorites as the volume increased. It was named the Emerald Isle because it overlooks the Emerald Valley of Colorado.
Profile
Business: The Emerald Isle Restaurant
Address: 4385 S. Parker Road
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Founded: Circa 1960
Contact: 303-690-3722
Employees: 8-45 (seasonal)
