Breckenridge-Wynkoop Restaurants

Out of all the businesses being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry has taken one of the hardest hits.

Breckenridge-Wynkoop owns and operates a collection of Colorado restaurant and brewery brands, including The Cherry Cricket, Ale House, Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., and Wynkoop Brewing Co.

According to Marketing Director Alex Bunn, the impact of COVID-19 on their business cannot be overstated.

“Obviously, the restaurant industry has been hit extremely hard by the pandemic,” Bunn says. “Beyond feeding people, we have always strived to make people comfortable in our restaurants. ‘Comfort’ has taken on a very different meaning in the past year. Now, safe is comfortable, and keeping our guests and our team members safe is our top priority. I am amazed by how nimble, resilient, and dedicated our team has been.

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“In the past nine months, we have not only changed how we serve our guests, but we have also launched online ordering, revamped our takeout model, and created a new family meal platform. At some of our locations, we have created entirely new outdoor spaces like the Burger Garden at the Cherry Cricket in Cherry Creek, and new concepts like The Coop at Wynkoop Brewing Co.”

Like many restaurants, Breckenridge-Wynkoop have taken cleaning and sanitation practices to the next level. Tables are spaced six feet apart, team members are masked and gloved, and surfaces are constantly sanitized.

Fortunately, none of the restaurants had to fully close. On-premise dining was closed for a period of time early on, but all remained open for takeout, delivery, and now for outdoor dining.

Bunn is proud of how accommodating each team member has been to help make customers feel safe.

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“Our team members are the best of the best,” Bunn says. “They continue to bend over backwards every day to put a smile on our guests’ faces, masked or not.”

As for moving forward, Breckenridge-Wynkoop is focused on doing everything they can to make it through the winter, so they can get back to filling their restaurants with happy guests.

Photos courtesy of Breckenridge-Wynkoop Restaurants