Today we’d like to introduce you to David Schutte.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The six owners (3 couples) were all on vacation together in New Orleans discussing the cool Urban Markets in Denver we had been to such as Denver Central Market and The Source. While discussing why it was that Denver cornered the market on these fun places to hang out, meet friends or make new ones, we decided we would build one ourselves. When the Old Church located at the corner of Third and Perry in Castle Rock, CO became available, we knew this was the space to put it. It was a way to ensure that Historic Downtown Castle Rock kept it’s a historic charm while giving the new and old residents a fun new place to gather together. We chose the name Ecclesia because of the building. It means “Church” or “Gathering Place” in Latin. And that’s what we want to be for this growling town.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The answer is “mostly yes.” But I think we have been very lucky. The town has been very welcoming. I think the biggest struggle has been establishing our identity. The building has been a church since the early 1900s, and the building is unmistakenly an old church. So, a neon sign on the side of the building that reads “Ecclesia” sort of made people wonder what we were. Some that knew what Ecclesia meant still thought it was going to b a new church, and the rest just wanted to know “how do you pronounce this?” But they still came in and checked us out in wonderment. My favorite part is watching people come in and you can tell it’s their first time in. The grin is a dead giveaway. We welcome them in and show them around. It’s what community and family does.
Ecclesia Marketplace – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ecclesia is what is known as an “Urban Market.” We are multiple vendors under one roof with a liquor license. We have a lot going on, and something for everyone. And most of all, we are local. Every vendor at Ecclesia lives in Castle Rock, but we are very Colorado. For food, we have Romo’s Street Tacos and Lante Brau-Casa. Both started in Castle Rock as Food Trucks with their own followings, but have expanded to a new clientele that has become regulars. Romos’ Street Tacos is the best Mexican food you will find in Douglas County and further. Lante Brau-Casa is European fair fare. Think everything from Schnitzel to Chicken Parisian Parmesan?. There are two more vendors on their way as well. Moosh Moosh will be a Fresh Fruit frozen desert spot with lighter sandwiches and salads, and we have a Seafood space coming in as well.
We also have Farmgirl Foods which is a local grocery market featuring 90% local products such as beef, chicken, pork, locally sourced eggs, Bloody Mary mix, etc. Everything else she caries is imported from places such as France and Italy. it’s all products the owner sources and samples herself. If she won’t serve it to her family, she won’t sell it to you.
Sudden Fiction is our bookstore, featuring both new and used books. Customers can come to pick out a good read and have a seat in our cocktail lounge or one of our patios for an afternoon read.
Speaking of cocktail lounges, Sinners & Saints occupies what used to be the sanctuary of the church. It’s set up like several living rooms for relaxing, socializing, or our favorite… making new friends. It also includes a full game room on the mid-level of the building with pool tables, football foosball tables, classic video games such as Pac Man, and the Broken Elbow Bar (you can ask how it got its name when you are there).
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
That’s a great question. I think what I’m most proud of is how the town has welcomed and responded to us. Let’s face it. Castle Rock is an established community that is protective of its history. There was some concern about turning an old church into a market and bar, and how the community would respond to that. What I love is when former members of the church that was here come in, smile, and say, “I really love what you have done here.” We are proud that we are respectfully giving a nod to the history of the building without going too overboard or theme space.
Contact Info:
- Address: 221 Perry St., Castle Rock, CO 80104
- Website: Www.ecclesia.com
- Phone: 720-476-7172
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
N.O. 302, LLC
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