Sydney Broussard

Denver Restaurants

New Denver Restaurants Perfect for Catering Inspiration

Denver’s food scene continues to thrive, with exciting new restaurants showcasing innovative menus, local ingredients, and creative presentations. Whether you’re planning a catered corporate luncheon or simply want to support local businesses, these five new Denver hotspots are worth exploring:

1. Lucina Eatery & Bar

Located in the Park Hill neighborhood, Lucina has quickly become a favorite for its Latin-inspired dishes. Think bold flavors and shareable plates perfect for any dining experience.

  • Why Visit: Their smoky pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus) and creative seasonal plates highlight Denver’s evolving food culture.

2. The Ginger Pig

This Berkeley gem brings elevated Asian street food to the Mile High City. Their flavorful small plates are unforgettable.

  • Why Visit: Indulge in bao buns with pork belly or their famous Korean fried chicken for a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

3. Noisette

For upscale French dining, Noisette in LoHi is a must-visit. Their delicate pastries and elegant dishes showcase impeccable culinary skill.

  • Why Visit: Try their duck confit or a buttery croissant that feels like it came straight from Paris.

4. Redeemer Pizza

Pizza at its finest. Located in RiNo, Redeemer is known for fresh, airy crusts and imaginative toppings.

  • Why Visit: Their signature pepperoni square pies are perfect for sharing with friends or colleagues.

5. Brasserie Brixton

This modern bistro in Cole marries European-style dining with approachable flavors and seasonal ingredients.

  • Why Visit: Dishes like steak frites and housemade charcuterie highlight Denver’s sophisticated yet approachable dining scene.

Why Supporting Local Restaurants Matters

Denver’s vibrant food community thrives when we support local businesses. Exploring these new restaurants connects you with the city’s culinary creativity while helping small businesses continue to innovate and grow. Next time you’re dining out, consider one of these local gems—you might just find your new favorite spot!

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Sydney Broussard

Corporate Luncheon Tips & Tricks

How to Plan the Perfect Corporate Luncheon (Without the Stress)

Corporate luncheons are about more than just food—they set the tone for meetings, workshops, or celebrations. So how do you plan one that hits all the right notes? Here’s our tried-and-true guide.

1. Know Your Guest List

Are you hosting board members, employees, or nonprofit partners? Knowing your audience will guide the menu (and the vibe). For example, a sandwich-and-salad buffet might work for a casual team lunch, but a plated meal feels more appropriate for VIP partners.

2. Offer Options (Dietary Restrictions Matter!)

Provide a mix of vegetarian, gluten-free, and protein-packed dishes. Pro tip: label everything so guests don’t have to guess.

3. Timing is Everything

Keep it efficient. For a one-hour lunch, opt for a buffet or boxed meals so people can grab, eat, and chat without fuss.

4. Keep it Light and Fresh

Corporate lunches don’t need to feel heavy. Opt for seasonal salads, grilled proteins, and fresh sides. Think: lemon-herb chicken, a roasted veggie quinoa bowl, and citrusy kale salad.

5. Don’t Skip the Sweet Ending

Dessert doesn’t have to be extravagant—a tray of mini brownies, fresh fruit skewers, or petite cookies is perfect.

randall@groundwrk.com

Serving Our Community: Occasions Catering’s Commitment to Making a Difference

At Occasions Catering, we believe in more than just providing exceptional culinary experiences—we are committed to being stewards in our community. For over 54 years, our company has been dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported us, and our latest volunteer adventure at The Food Bank of the Rockies is a testament to that commitment.

Located in Denver, The Food Bank of the Rockies is a nonprofit organization that provides food to those in need through its food bank and daily lunch programs. When we heard about the opportunity to lend a helping hand, we knew we had to get involved.

A group of 15 of our staff members eagerly volunteered their time to pack produce bags and organize pallets full of food in the warehouse. Together, we worked tirelessly, packing a total of 1,055 bags of fresh produce—equivalent to 4,395 meals! But we didn’t stop there. The other half of our team tackled the task of packing 19 pallets, totaling a whopping 22,486 pounds of food and providing 18,175 meals for those in our community who need it most.

For us, volunteering at The Food Bank of the Rockies was more than just a way to give back—it was an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. Seeing the impact of our efforts firsthand reinforced our commitment to serving our community and inspired us to do even more.

But our dedication to making a difference doesn’t stop there. At Occasions Catering, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From sourcing local and seasonal ingredients to reducing waste and carbon emissions, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Our partnership with The Food Bank of the Rockies is just one example of how we are living out our values as a company. We take great pride in our strong relationships with the community and the environment, and we will continue to seek out opportunities to make a positive impact wherever we can.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving our community, both through our exceptional catering services and our dedication to making a difference in the world around us. Because at Occasions Catering, it’s about more than just food—it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. If you’d like to volunteer to help The Food Bank of the Rockies, check out their website for open volunteer hours and sign up! https://www.foodbankrockies.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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randall@groundwrk.com

Bridging Communities: Occasions Catering’s Bilingual Staff Program

At Occasions Catering, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity. That’s why we’re proud of our new bilingual staff program, an initiative aimed at breaking down language barriers and creating equal opportunities for all members of our community.

Recognizing the vibrant Spanish-speaking population in Denver, we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that language is not a barrier to employment at our company. We’ve recently translated all of our training materials into Spanish, offering an opportunity for individuals whose first language may not be English to join our team and excel in their roles.

But our commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop there. We’ve partnered with Engen, a platform that offers free English classes online, to provide additional support for our bilingual staff. These classes allow both English and Spanish speakers to improve their language skills, fostering better communication and collaboration within our team.

The flexibility of online classes also ensures that our staff can access language learning resources on their own schedule, accommodating the demands of our ever-changing work environment. Whether it’s before or after hours, our team members have the freedom to learn and grow at their own pace.

At Occasions Catering, we firmly believe that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities in the workplace. Our bilingual staff program is just one way we’re putting that belief into action, ensuring that language proficiency is not a barrier to success.

But beyond providing employment opportunities, our bilingual staff program is a reflection of our broader mission to be stewards of the community. By embracing diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture, we’re not only enriching our team but also contributing to the strength and vibrancy of our community as a whole.

We make the world a better place one event at a time, and we’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to provide work experience and jobs for those who may not have those opportunities otherwise. Because at Occasions Catering, we believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. 
If you are interested in joining our ever-growing diverse team of event professionals, visit our careers page to learn more about our open positions. 

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randall@groundwrk.com

Flavors of the Season: Occasions Catering Wows at The Knot x Wedding Wire Launch

When The Knot and Wedding Wire hosted their signature launch party, we were honored to be asked to impress the 300 premier event vendor guests with an immersive catering experience. Hosted at the exquisite Blanc Denver, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a night of extravagance and elegance. From the moment guests arrived, they were transported into a world of whimsy and wonder, where every corner held a new detail to discover.

As guests mingled and explored, they were treated to an immersive catering experience unlike any other. Curated by the talented team at Occasions Catering, the menu was a feast for the senses, showcasing the vibrant flavors of summer in every bite.

The summer season was on display with our chef’s menu presentations, starting with passed savories of smoked pineapple and carrot dosa and including small plates such as togarashi grilled watermelon and our housemade lavender ricotta on our barre display. Speaking of cheese, the strolling cheese cart quickly became a crowd favorite, with a gourmet assortment and an Instagram-worthy mobile display. 

Of course, no party would be complete without entertainment, and TH Entertainment delivered in spades with their awesome roller skate dancers, adding an extra element of excitement and energy to the festivities.

As the night unfolded, guests danced, laughed, and celebrated in style, capturing memories that would last a lifetime. And as the evening drew to a close, there was no doubt that The Knot and Wedding Wire had delivered a spectacular event—one that exceeded expectations and set the standard for excellence in the industry.

Special thanks to all the vendors who contributed to the success of the soirée, from the planners at Brindle and Oak to the florals by Lace and Lillies, the bar by Peak Beverage, and everything in between. Each vendor played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

As we reflect on this magical evening, we are reminded of the power of collaboration and creativity in bringing visions to life. Here’s to many more celebrations filled with joy, laughter, and culinary delights!

VENDORS:

Venue: Blanc Denver @blancdenver

Planners: Brindle and Oak @brindleandoak

Bar: Peak Beverage@peakbev

Florals: Lace and Lillies@laceandlilies

Furniture Rentals: Wallflower Rentals and Decor @wallflower_rentals_decor

Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals@copartyrentals

Lighting: Little Mad Events @littlemadevents

Signage: Knapp Design Co @knappdesignco

Entertainment: TH Entertainment @thentertainme

Desserts:Ruby Jean Patisserie @rubyjeanpatisserie

Linens: BBJLatavola @bbjlatavola

Photos: Our Two HEarts @ourtwohearts

Videos: Canvas and Light @canvasandlight

Photo Booth: A Custom Look @acustomlookevents

Hair and Makeup Booth: Jaded Beauty @jadedbeauty__

Gelato: @gelatoeco_colorado

Coffee: Goodheart @goodhartcoffee

Event Scents: @scenting_events

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randall@groundwrk.com

CONNECTIONS TO HOPE GALA

Prominent figures from Denver’s government and service sectors attended the Connections to Hope fundraiser for the Rose Andom Center, chaired by Kristin and Jeremy Bronson. Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized the event’s importance in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. Executive Director Margaret Abrams highlighted the center’s vital role in providing comprehensive services. The Rose Andom Center, named after a domestic violence survivor, continues to empower individuals toward a better future. Thanks to Connections for Hope for their support. Read more about the impactful fundraiser here.

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