Interview with Phil Long, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I was looking for a property to own and wanted to open a restaurant in Denver. I came upon this area that has arrived in terms of being a wonderful place to live and wonderful place to run a business. This property has historical significance as it was the Normady and the Taunte Louise in its past history. I wanted to carry this great tradition forward with a face-lift to the property.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are a full-service restaurant and bar. We have fabulous food and are doing lunch and dinner seven days a week. Not many places are doing that around here. We have a new Italian theme; there is not much of that cuisine in our immediate area. We have live entertainment at least three days a week. I am the feature entertainer. We are the only ones in our area who have a cabaret license and are doing music. We have TVs everywhere in the bar area and have the Direct TV NFL package. We are the only place in our area that offers this type of full service.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love meeting new people and seeing my following from many years past. I love having them come in and seeing them have a memorable night out. I love making people happy with my service and attention to their needs with our great food and my music.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Getting people in the habit of thinking of us for lunch. Lunch is tough around here and we are reaching out to the hospitals and businesses, encouraging them to try us.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We have the best porch in the city, in my opinion. There are two big, beautiful trees that create natural shade and keep things cool even on hot days. We will start doing a brunch-type breakfast within a month.
Profile
Business: Red Octave Kitchen & Bar
Address: 4900 E. Colfax Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight seven days a week
Founded: 2015
Contact: 303-321-2710
Employees: 30
