2013 Top Company winner: Tourism & Hospitality
Winner: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
The burger chain founded in 1969 in Seattle is now headquartered in Greenwood Village and run under the four cornerstones: “People, Smiling Burgers, Core Values and the Gift of Time.”
Differentiator
Red Robin is known for its unique burger creations, such as the Bonzai burger with grilled pineapple and other craveable favorites. The casual dining venue’s approach to guest service is inspired by an “unbridled” culture and random acts of kindness that restaurant team members are expected to bestow on guests and fellow team members.
Biggest Challenge
The restaurant industry remains highly competitive, largely due to discounting, quick-service and an influx of fast-casual dining options.
Looking Forward
Red Robin aims to continue serve the internal team, guests, maintain steady growth and prosperity.
Quote of Note
“I recognize, with both clarity and humility, even as the leader of this company, that I am standing on the shoulders of giants. It’s the people of this company – team members present and past – who have fueled the success and growth of Red Robin from its humble beginnings more than 40 years ago.” – Steve Carley, CEO.
Finalists:
Comedy Works
Designated by USA Today as one of the “Top Five Comedy Clubs in the Country,” Comedy Works has been Denver’s premier destination for the very best in stand-up comedy since 1981.
Differentiator
Bringing top-notch talent to its stages, Comedy Works attempts to provide an intimate atmosphere featuring national acts and local comics alike.
Biggest Challenge
Opening the second location in the Denver Tech Center in 2008, Comedy Works faced many unforeseen obstacles in the venture, including a bankrupt project developer, delays in completion of the building by 17 months and trying to find patrons to enjoy the entertainment during troubled economic times.
Greatest Achievement
Collective hard work and persistence finally came to fruition on opening night of the Comedy Works South location, when George Lopez headlined a sold-out evening.
Quote of Note
“The company’s mantra is, ‘In laughter we trust.’ Our passion for laughter represents the principles and beliefs that we share throughout our community, including our unwavering commitment to community involvement and service projects.” – Wende Curtis, owner, former cocktail waitress at Comedy Works.
Rocky Mountain Connections
Considered a premier destination services partner, RMC offers expert corporate-program design and event-planning services to its clientele. For more than 20 years from offices in Aspen, Colorado Springs, Denver, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Park City and Vail/Beaver Creek, incentive groups, meeting planners and corporate travel companies have come to trust RMC to customize unforgettable experiences.
Differentiator
RMC transforms the efforts of suppliers, off-site venues, restaurants and transportation into purposeful and memorable client programs with value.
Greatest Achievement
Consistent excellence, rather than singular achievements, is how RMC measures
its services.
Looking Forward
Hope is not a strategy; thus RMC intends to be Colorado’s leading destination-management company for the next 20 years, focusing on excellence, innovation, collaboration and client satisfaction.
Quote of Note
“Working closely with over 400 other businesses annually in our four Colorado destination cities continually reminds us that when it comes to Colorado’s economy, we are all in it together.”– Shawn Thomson, owner and CEO.
