DU DNA in a city near you

From coast to coast, alumni-owned eateries are serving up all kinds of food—from brunch to family-style dinners and everything in between.

The eateries, ranging from a decades-old Denver staple to innovative and sustainability-focused establishments, have something for everyone.

Scroll to read more about our alumni-owned restaurants across the country.

Blue Bonnet Café

Denver, Colorado

Gary Mobell (BA ’77, MT ’85)

One of the Mile High City’s oldest family-owned restaurants, The Blue Bonnet Café, has long served as a go-to spot for Tex-Mex and award-winning margaritas for diners across the Denver metro area.

First opened as a watering hole in the 1930s, the Blue Bonnet was one of the first establishments in the city to acquire a liquor license after the 21^st Amendment brought an end to prohibition. The now-famous Mexican food offerings were added to the menu in the 1960s, when Arlene and Philip Mobell took over the restaurant. Nearly six decades later, the Blue Bonnet remains family-owned, operated by their son, DU alumnus Gary Mobell, and his sister, Marci Rosenberg.

The Blue Bonnet has seen its share of changes—moving locations, updating menu-items and utilizing more local ingredients—but, according to Mobell, the restaurant’s long-time staff, some of whom are second generation, have played a major role in its lasting success.

Fire on the Mountain Wings

Colorado and Oregon

Jordan Busch (JD ’01)

Looking for the best Buffalo wings in town? Whether you’re in Denver or Portland, Fire on the Mountain Wings—co-owned by DU alumnus Jordan Busch—has just what you’re after.

With more than a dozen signature sauces to choose from, Fire on the Mountain features cage-, hormone- and antibiotic free-chicken wings or vegan wings. And their commitment to doing wings right goes beyond the food, using compostable packaging and recyclable materials and committing to sustainable practices.

The original Portland location opened in 2005, and the restaurant has since expanded to two additional locations and an attached brewery in the Rose City, and most recently, a location in Bend, Oregon. Fire on the Mountain came to Colorado in 2012 and has opened restaurants, in the Wash Park and Highland neighborhoods. Through its Charity Partner of the Month program, Fire on the Mountain has donated more than $300,000 to causes in the Denver community.

Zhug

Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Douglas Katz (BSBA ’92)

Consistently ranked as one of the Cleveland area’s top restaurants, Zhug is alumnus Douglas Katz’s high-energy take on Mediterranean mezze.

Ranging from a nigella seed and burnt onion hummus and citrus cured olives to saffron- and date-braised lamb and smoked octopus, the urban eatery’s small plates are packed with flavor and spices inspired by Katz’s travels around the world and decades of culinary expertise. And with several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, there’s something for every diner.

Pair a spread of delicious plates with a creative cocktail (or mocktail) or choose from the extensive selection of Mediterranean wines for the full Zhug experience. Check out Zhug on Instagram @zhugcle to learn more.

And if you’re in the mood for Indian food, try one of the chef-curated menus at Katz’s Cleveland restaurant Amba.

Milton Point Provisions

Rye, New York

Monty Gerrish (BSBA ’06)

At Milton Point Provisions, alumnus Monty Gerrish and wife Hadley, put a special spin on classic American food. Gerrish puts his years of experience in New York City’s fast-paced industry to use, assembling a menu of high-quality, local ingredients. Drop in early for one of their exceptional breakfast sandwiches, try their award-winning chili, fried chicken and vegan fried cauliflower, or opt for one of the numerous classic sandwiches—be it the shrimp po boy, chicken club or B.L.T.

And if you’ve got more than one mouth to feed, Milton Point Provisions offers family-style meals—dine-in and to-go. Pair their organic wood-fired rotisserie chicken, smoked ribs or BBQ pulled pork with homemade mashed potatoes, collard greens, seasonal vegetables and more.

And if you’re looking for something special, Milton Point Provisions offers themed catering, ranging from a pig roast or taco bar to multi-course fine dining and wine pairings.

Check out @miltonpointprovisions on Instagram learn more.

Snooze an A.M. Eatery

Locations nationwide

Jon Schlegel (BSBA ’97) & Adam Schlegel (BSBA ’99)

Since 2006, when alumni Jon and Adam Schlegel opened their first breakfast restaurant in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood, Snooze grew from a neighborhood favorite to a nationally recognized eatery.

From day one, the brothers developed creative interpretations of standard breakfast fare, all while donating 1% of sales to local communities and establishing sustainable restaurant practices. The menu is packed with classics—from eggs and bacon with toast to shrimp and grits, omelets, and corned beef hash. And Snooze’s specialties—benedicts, pancakes (try the pineapple upside down pancakes) and breakfast burritos—pair perfectly with one of their signature strawberry martini mimosas or a cappuccino.

Now, almost two decades later, Snooze’s signature breakfast style has become a national sensation. The restaurant has expanded to locations throughout Colorado, California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.

Visit Snooze’s website to find a location near you.