Daily Inspiration: Meet James Baetke

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Baetke.

Hi James, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I never thought growing up I would run restaurants – through high school and college I served tables and worked in the industry but I always considered it a way to pay bills, not a career. I was a busboy at 13, getting paid under the table on weekends, and as an adult, I had my sights set on receiving my education as a newspaper reporter and excelling in the world of journalism. At one point, journalism and reporting was my biggest passion in life. But when The Rocky Mountain News closed while I was a reporter with the Daily Camera newspaper in Boulder, a light bulb moment hit me: get out of the industry. But where else would I go? Where could I find a career and work environment that was unconventional and suited my personality, my way of thinking, my creativity? I decided to return to the hospitality industry, focusing on restaurants, but this time I wanted to come back as a leader, learn to run restaurants, and be a part of the bigger picture. I set some goals for myself, worked hard and one by one met and exceeded each. Today, my “office” is in Barcelona Wine Bar, either in the dining room, at a quiet table in the back, or (my favorite) perched at the beautiful marble bar, and although each day I never know what new challenges will be thrown my way, I marvel at how it’s still somehow similar to my work as a newspaper reporter, only so much more “me” now.

Alright, 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?
Nothing about the restaurant business is easy or smooth, but that’s where I excel. I love putting out fires and doing it well and feeling like I’ve made a difference. There isn’t much I haven’t seen or gone through while running an exciting, vibrant, energetic restaurant. To prove yourself in hospitality, I’ve learned you will have to work really hard to be well rewarded (and I do not mean just financially), but to be able to have big ideas, execute them, and to make a difference, you have to prove yourself and I have. I like to take risks, but I have learned the way to be successful is to make sure I have a solid foundation in place first. My company leadership has been exemplary in that respect – they always provide me with support, insights, suggestions, encourage my risk-taking and ensure I know they always have my back. I’ve learned that the freedom to run things the way I want comes hand-in-hand with a tremendous amount of responsibility that is a privilege, not a right.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the General Manager for Barcelona Wine Bar in RiNo here in Denver. Anyone who knows me would say I’m known for throwing killer parties – both in my restaurant and at home (a New Year’s Eve at Barcelona Wine Bar is like no other party in Denver: you wouldn’t be wrong to imagine European bar cart meets Carnivale). I’d say I’m the type of GM who likes to push the boundaries, and I encourage my team to march to the beat of their own drum. My team and I make decisions about our incredibly special place first and foremost by considering our local community and neighbors because we know they are the lifeblood of our restaurant; I want to make sure we’re always listening to and welcoming them. I’d say I’m known for my total and complete focus on guest experiences; I connect with, love, and obsess over every guest, and quite honestly, they keep me on my toes every day. I believe there is no such thing as an impossible guest and I teach my team that it’s crucial to find that complete joy in making magic happen. I am most proud of where Barcelona has come over the last three and half years since we opened: we are a dynamic restaurant filled with a team of hospitality pros who really care about providing elevated guest experiences. It took time, patience, and a lot of outside-the-box thinking to get a team together like this, and today we are lucky to have a positive outlook while upholding the highest standards of a memorable restaurant experience.

How do you think about happiness?
Truly, making others feel good and feel like the best version of themselves really fuels my happiness. When I’m not working, I really enjoy tennis, solo hikes in beautiful Colorado outdoors and I can’t get enough of live shows, especially EDM – that’s my jam. Music is a big part of my life, and I adore local DJs such as Lane 8, Clozee, Griz, and Big Gigantic. Red Rocks feels like my second home, and you can also often find me at other local live music venues, including Mission Ballroom, The Gothic, Bluebird, Larimer Lounge, and the Ogden. I also find happiness with my goal of reading one book a month, and my night walk ritual at the close of every day serves to help me decompress and find my core so I’m ready for each new day as it comes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barcelonawinebar.com/location/denver/
• Instagram: @barcelonawinebar