Interview with Theresa Ziegler, managing member
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My grandpa and family moved to Denver from Alamosa in 1957 after retiring from the railroad. They purchased the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill on 11th and California streets in downtown Denver shortly thereafter. The whole family grew up at the bar and I have such wonderful memories of my family there. The bar went away, of course, when construction started on the Auraria Campus, but my fondness for the business never did. Virtually my entire family has worked in hospitality at some time — my mom loved it so much that she didn’t retire from bartending until she was 80. So, when my son came to me wanting to start our own business, we jumped in with both feet … and here we are today.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There are several things, first of which is our huge patio and 5,000-square-foot beer garden where you can play giant Jenga, beer pong and Yardzee, ping pong, horseshoes or even shoot some hoops. We have s’mores melts on the patio during cooler weather and bands play on our covered gazebos in the summer. Second, we have a very inviting, laid-back atmosphere. It was important to me that we create a comfortable setting where women would feel just fine walking in alone. And we have the most wonderful group of regular guests. They are the foundation of our business and we are very grateful for them.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: We love being able to help our community. For example, we are preparing for our second annual Day of Music to benefit the Tennyson Center for Children. It is a great time to meet people and help a very worthy cause in our community. Also, we truly enjoy building relationships and, in this business, we have that opportunity every day. We are able to share happy times with our patrons, as sad times as well. We become a bigger family.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Getting the word out that we are here.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: The true locals know that our site was a 54-hole putt-putt golf course years ago, but most others wouldn’t. Even though the miniature golf course has been closed for over 25 years, we still find those colored golf balls outside all the time.
Profile
Business: Taunaz Tavern
Address: 10480 Ralston Road, Arvada
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.- midnight Sunday and Monday
Founded: 2012
Contact: 303-997-8753,
Employees: 10
