Interview with Patrick Creager, co-owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I was the general manager of Olivea Restaurant in Uptown, where he created cocktail menus using all-natural, seasonal simple syrups as bases for my drinks. This way, I could create nonalcoholic “mocktails” and craft sodas as alternatives for those that did not imbibe. After a couple years of great success, my wife and I decided to open a mobile soda cart and handcraft sodas, snow cones and slushies at farmer’s markets and festivals in Colorado. Out of popular demand, we began bottling our simple syrups and now are being carried in over 60 locations across the Front Range.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Our flavors and ingredients. We pride ourselves on perfectly balanced flavor combinations such as Earl Grey-lavender and ginger-lime and are thrilled to incorporate locally produced ingredients into our products. We use Colorado-grown Folgate Lavender and Palisade Pears, and also work with local companies such as Teakoe Tea, Savory Spice Shop and Pressed Juice Daily. By supporting the local economy, we give not only these businesses the opportunity to grow and flourish but, in turn, give our customers the chance to support local.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: We couldn’t be in a better time or place doing what we do than here in Denver, now! There is a strong localvore movement going on; people are wanting to try new things based on the fact that they are produced in Denver and people are really jazzed to meet the makers of these local products. This allows us to engage directly with our customers, getting to know our community and state in a unique way that we never imagined.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Familiarizing people with the versatility of our product. Those who know our brand or have visited our cart know how to use a simple syrup, but for those new to the product, the uses go way beyond drinks. Our syrups are also great for grilling sauces, sorbets, flavoring yogurt, floats, teas and more.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: On Sundays, we donate 20 percent of our beverage sales to various local charities including Freedom Service Dogs, Big City Mountaineers, and Healing the Children Rocky Mountains.
Profile
Business: Backyard Soda Co.
Address: 1400 South Pearl Street
Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays
Founded: 2012
Contact: 720-982-4531
Employees: 4
