Interview with Augusto Jerez, partner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: There are three partners in this adventure, from Spain: Francisco and Augusto Jerez, two brothers from Santander, who have been living in the United States for more than 25 years, and Jose Manuel Marquez from Jerez De la Frontera. Augusto and Francisco have several other restaurants and business and had always dreamed of having an authentic Spanish restaurant in Denver. Jose Manuel met them three years ago on a trip he took to visit his sister living in Denver. He had been a chef in different restaurants in Spain, and after discussing the different options and possibilities, the three Spaniards decided to partner up and start this authentic, traditional Spanish tapas restaurant in Centennial.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are independently owned and operated, everything is made from scratch and nothing is premade. We are the only authentic Spanish restaurant in Colorado, owned and managed by natives, which not only allows us to offer the same food as in Spain, but also the same atmosphere.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Bringing to Colorado a little piece of Spain, not only for our food but also for all the activities we have related with Spain. It is a place where most Spaniards and people that have traveled or lived in Spain for a while visit and enjoy. We have live entertainment every weekend, including flamenco guitar, flamenco dancers and Spanish guitar. Mus (very typical Spanish card games) is another event we are known for. We show all Spanish league soccer games, and of course champion’s league games. We celebrate Spain’s national day, Oct. 12, Dia Del Pilar, with a huge paella and sangria for everyone. We offer a paella class and flamenco show on the last Sunday of every month, Spanish wine tastings and much more.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: To compete against a huge amount of chain restaurants in the area with a type of cuisine that not everyone is familiar with. Some people still go in expecting to find Mexican food in a Spanish restaurant, but our dishes are totally different.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Spanish cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, based on the Mediterranean diet — we use olive oil for most of our dishes.
Profile
Business: Tapas D’Jerez
Address: 8236 S. Holly St., Centennial
Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2013
Contact: 303-488-0101,
Employees: 12
