Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Norberg.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started working in restaurants when I was sixteen while accompanying my girlfriend to her interview at a Mexican restaurant, our future boss looked at us and said “What are you two? A couple?” and hired us both. I continued in the industry through my twenties while studying Political Science at Metro. Upon leaving school I was hired at Stuebens in uptown serving tables. After a couple of years there I was offered a floor management position. My first job as a General Manager was at the beloved Gozo on south Broadway which closed during Covid. From there I was at Aloy Modern Thai, Avanti & the former Cantina Loca.
I am now at another Dana Rodriguez concept, Carne in RiNo where I was a part of the opening team and have operated since June of 2024. Carne is by far my favorite job that I have had and I love being a part of such a wonderful team and concept. We call ourselves a Steak Home rather than a Steak House and our guests see and feel that when they walk through our doors.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Rarely is life a smooth road and everyone has their own struggles and obstacles to overcome. Covid was hard for the entire industry and the city went through a major reset and long recovery that still has its lingering effects to this day. So, that was a tough time trying to survive closures and searching for new job and then spacing then back to full service. I remember trying to transition off unemployment and thinking I had a pretty impressive resume only to be met with potential employers who were new to the city saying “I’ve never heard of any of these places you’ve worked for”. All in all though I feel very fortunate to have survived all of that and to come out on the other side of it and find myself in a position and a job that I love!
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?
I have been a General Manager in the independent Denver restaurant scene for the last decade. I feel my specialty is the ability to build teams and provide them with a safe and welcoming environment for them to prosper in. Having a good team is the first building block to providing the level of hospitality needed in the restaurants I have been fortunate enough to run. Ultimately I want our guests to feel like they are being greeted and assisted by people who care about their experience and I do my best to curate a team that provides a genuine connection that doesn’t feel scripted. I am proud of the fact that I have been able to have so many great people who have chosen work for and with me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Outside of my career, I am the proud father of my two children Diana and Henry. They are the absolute best kids and I am so proud of the both of them. My daughter just recently graduated high school and is in the midst of her first semester of college and my son just entered eighth grade and is busy running cross country and playing basketball!
In my free time I am an avid movie watcher (I live across the street from a movie theater) and like to hang out with my girlfriend, go out to eat and go to concerts when time and finances allow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carne-rino.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric__cash?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&vrfl=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
