Check Out Don Yamauchi’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Yamauchi.

Hi Don , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I Started cooking in 1983 and never looked back. I have always known that I wanted to be a chef. I have worked in fast food, fine dining, hotels, casinos and country clubs. My wife, Cleta, and I met in 2008 at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit. Cleta started working in restaurants in 2016 as a hostess and took a culinary arts course through school. Ultimately she stayed in the front of house.

Cleta and I, along with our 2 partners, Adam and Beth, started the Colorado journey in 2024. We took over Big City Burrito in Fort Collins and Loveland, serving California style burritos. These are fried potato based burritos. It puts a unique twist on an already amazing dish.

Just recently, we took over Cables in Greeley. We changed the name to Big City Roadhouse, serving tavern style pizza, burgers, wings, etc. We were so happy when the staff decided to stay and help us grow.

We hope to keep growing the Big City Brand, so stay tuned!!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been mostly smooth. Understanding the history of our establishments and understanding the likes and dislikes of our loyal following can be challenging. I believe we have done a good job at listening to feedback and understanding what our guests want.

Our team, has been instrumental in making sure we are getting it right. We have been blessed to have inherited the team we have.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We believe we get the best ingredients for our concepts. As an example, our fish and chips are hand battered and coated with potato chips, before they are deep fried. Our margaritas are made with fresh lime juice and agave. We are also, not afraid to change. If something isn’t working, we will change to get it right.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Sitting at the counter of my Uncle Tom’s restaurant, Hamburger King in Chicago. Watching him cook, I knew I wanted to be in the kitchens too. I was 5 at the time.

Pricing:

• Happy hour deals, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm
• Weekday food specials, all day
• Sunday, all day, discounted pints of beer

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bigcityroadhouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigcityroadhouse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578599471551#