I step inside ‘Stylus & Crate’, located along West 38th Avenue and order a black cup of coffee. Owner Tadd Overstreet joined me a few minutes later with a gentle apology. “Sorry” he says as he takes a seat “the fire department was inspecting our suppression equipment today.” But my attention isn’t on his tardiness, it’s on his mission statement. Printed and hung on the wall. “Be the Sunshine.”
Tadd says his philosophy is one customer at a time. “We are not trying to sell coffee. We are trying to sell smiles. We don’t say no, we are always trying to find ways to say yes.” When a young girl came in with her parents one Sunday morning, she ordered maraschino cherries on her waffles. “But we didn’t have any cherries,” Tadd says with a smile. “So I went to the store and bought some. The following Sunday, we put cherries on her waffles. Today, “The Waffle Man” continues to make small personal connections with his customers (and their parents.) This is the magic of small, independent businesses. Large multinational coffee chains (I’m looking at you, Starbucks) cannot simply go off-menu and buy cherries.
Throughout the pandemic, Tadd is proud he never had to lay off anyone. Instead, he looked to maximize his business wherever he could. “Vinyl has really taken off; records outsell CDs 2-to-1 these days!” Overstreet partnered with a local audiophile during COVID and started selling records from in the back of the shop. “A record is usually 22-24 minutes long; the perfect timing for a cup of coffee!” Complementary pairings are the tip of the innovative iceberg for small businesses.
Across town on West 44th Avenue, Pietra’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant has been slinging slices since 1964. Owner Joe DeMott took over the family business from his father Paul. “My Dad used to say never do what’s right for the business, always do what’s right for the customer.” For 60 years, DeMott has focused on the changing tastes of his customers. “The culture of each neighborhood is so unique. What’s too spicy in Lakewood, might be perfect in Golden.” Marinara and meatballs may very well flow through the DeMott DNA. Sister restaurant, Garramone’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant, is owned by Joe’s Sister; and Randi’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant is owned by his cousin.
When questioned what the secret to Pietra’s enduring success is, DeMott is quick to share the spotlight. “People in the city have been so good to us. “When people move to town, the first question they ask is ‘Where’s the best Pizza’? We like to think that’s us.” DeMott acknowledges that keeping a family-owned restaurant afloat takes more than just good food and loyal customers. “Prices always go up, but since Covid; it’s been a roller coaster.”
The feeling is shared by Jeff Hurlburt, owner of Clancy’s Irish Pub. Shortage of labor, rising food and rent costs are all culprits in dwindling profit margins. But his ability to adapt to a changing climate seems key to Clancy’s survival. “Our menu is hyper diverse, something for everyone! We stay open late, even when everyone else is closed. We are willing to do what others are not.”
The trauma endured by restaurants during COVID was universal, but the timing was especially hard for Clancy’s. “[The State] shut down dining rooms on St Patrick’s day; And we’re an Irish Pub!” Sitting on kegs of Guinness and thousands of dollars in perishable food, Jeff relied on his community. “We are lucky to have loyal customers.” While takeout orders, technology advancements and easements to alcohol restrictions helped reduce the COVID burden; the challenges have kept restaurants on their toes. “The cost of goods are almost comical. Prices change from one week to the next. We might hit a place where people will no longer be willing to eat out.”
The tone shifts when Jeff starts to talk about other restaurants. “It breaks my heart to see entrepreneurs fail. Some guy with a wife and two kids…” His voice trails off, but the message is clear. The unspoken truth is that, beyond great food, service, or even innovation, it’s the relationships these restaurants share with their communities that determine success. Critically, it’s the relationships they share with one another that makes all the difference.
The day Stylus & Crate opened, Jeff walked across 38th Avenue and introduced himself. “He offered help however he could,” Tadd recalls with a smile. “We take care of one another in this community.” Tadd was able to pay it forward when Wolf + Wildflower opened, offering the same warm welcome and support. He was their first customer.
