Hidden Gems: Meet Jordan Bradeen of 5th Avenue Grille

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Bradeen

Hi Jordan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a hands on learner and enjoyed the idea of owning my own business. The idea of helping others and leadership were always very fascinating to me but School was always a struggle. When I discovered the Culinary Arts the concept of owning a business did not seem too far out of my reach. I studied business at Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge/Dillon Campuses while working full time in Summit County Restaurants. I graduated from CMC with my Bachelors in 2018 and took a Private Chef position at a private ranch in Silverthorne. During my time on the ranch I developed menus, planned events, prepared and cooked all different genres of food. I did this for 5 years and each year I craved restaurant ownership more and more. I bought 5th Avenue Grille June 23rd 2023 and the journey has been a roller coaster. Earning the respect of the locals, building a team and culture passionate about hospitality and creating menus that would elevate the cuisine without abandoning the local’s favorites. The Balance of classics/favorite dishes and new will continue to be a battle as we change the menu each season. It is extremely important to me to create seasonal menus to keep ingredients and flavors fresh. It has also been a change welcomed by my team as the same menu gets stale after 6 months. We are always looking at ways to innovate and fill a need in the community. A local breakfast place closed a few months before I bought the restaurant so we started Brunch which has been a massive success! Now we are looking into hosting private parties, corporate events as well as giving talented local musicians a place to preform their craft.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s the restaurant industry its always a challenge. Everyday there is a problem to be solved big or small. When people go out to eat they have incredibly high expectations and although we are not saving lives the pressure is high. It is extremely easy to ruin someone’s evening with a bad experience and when your goal in life is to provide excellent hospitality ruining someone’s night is not an option. The server has to know the menu to guide guests through it and answer questions. The food has to arrive quickly, hot and tasty. And if anything doesn’t meet expectations management has to be willing and ready to create a solution that turns a mistake into and opportunity to impress. We have been very successful in doing this so far but it came at a price. The hours are long, the team is almost completely new, and the standard is exhausting. The hardest part of the industry is keeping morale high and culture strong. That and not responding in a rage to online reviews that make absolutely no sense!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
what do you specialize in Elevated comforting foods from different cultures/countries.
what are you known for : Brunch, Cocktails, Dinner and happy Hour. Quality of ingredients, complex flavors, hospitality and cozy atmosphere.
What sets you apart from others: our team. Everyone that works here wants to learn and become better at their craft and we are all trying to offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
What are you most proud brand wise: Exactly that! I am most proud of our team and what we have accomplished with the same goal of creating an experience that the guest love and continue to come back for.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services: 5th Avenue Grille is a cozy place that you can bring your friends and loved ones for a laid back enjoyable experience, fantastic food, and friendly service in one of the greatest mountain towns in Colorado.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
It is absolutely 100% necessary to take risks. Buying a restaurant in general is one of the biggest risks you can take. The statistics are something like 50% fail year one, 80% year 3 and 90% don’t make it past 10 years. Restaurants are labor of love and obsession, if you are not willing to sacrifice your entire life for this business than you should not buy a restaurant. People will fall in love with your menu and then you change it and you have to be confident they will find something else or even something better. Many choices made in a restaurant are risks but you just have to make them and commit! During my first menu change I cut the wine list in half, and changed food items. Despite this decision making people angry it was part of a grand plan that was not well received at first but has since paid off!

Pricing:

• Entrees $30-60
• apps $15-30
• Brunch $20-30
• Cocktails $10-20
• wine BTG $10-20

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.5thavegrille.com/
• Instagram: 5thavegrillefrisco
• Facebook: 5th Ave Grille
• Other: https://www.5thavegrille.com/reservations