Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyndsey Spano.
Hi Lyndsey, 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?
It’s interesting to say the least. I started as Sales Director for my husband’s media outlet he founded in 2015. At the time it was BSN Denver and was later rebranded to DNVR Sports in 2018. It is now the largest digital sports company in the market, and we have modeled and replicated the media side in four other cities. (PHNX, CHGO, PHLY, DLLS).
We were approached by a long time DNVR Avalanche listener who owned several bars in the metro to partner on a bar. We of course said yes! We opened the DNVR Bar on a rev/share model 3 days before the world shut down in March of 2020. If it weren’t for our amazing partner, Mark, we wouldn’t have survived a week.
In May of 2024, I took over as full bar owner.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been ANYTHING but smooth. HAHAHAHA. From unhoused people throwing rocks through my windows, Colfax construction, people lighting my flower beds on fire, smashed toilets, unexpected coolers just dying and resulting in $10K on the spot repairs, etc etc. etc. It has been a wild ride to say the least. And I have zero background in the restaurant business. But thankfully I have an incredible GM, Riley, and Head Chef Rob that care as much about DNVR as I do. Without them, I couldn’t make any of it work.
As you know, we’re big fans of DNVR Bar . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DNVR Bar is family friendly and mostly operates as a restaurant. DNVR is the best Denver Sports bar in the city. Incredible food, 30+ TV’s, great service, and every Colorado team that plays in this beautiful state always has game/match audio when they play in our bar! We support tons of local high school sports, including our neighbor, East High. We have every streaming service. There is not a game or match that we don’t offer and if we don’t have the service, we get it for you! We are a proud Footy bar and host many premier league supporter groups!
We are known as the Denver Sports Mecca. We have awesome watch parties and giveaways during Denver games. People describe us as being the next best thing to being at the stadium or in the arena when it comes to our CO teams. We host reality TV watch parties as well; such as Love Island and Dancing with the Stars, which are SO fun!
Our Chef is incredible and delicious food was always a huge focus for me. We serve elevated bar food and our reviews will showcase that. We arguably have one of the best Green Chile’s in the state and hands down the best chicken tenders.
We work with several women’s supporter groups like the 14ers for the Denver Summit, WBB Community for WNBA, PWHL, etc. We always have women’s sports on no matter what time of year.
We work with several 501C3’s to support their mission and help raise funds for them. Organizations like Avalanche of Pride, WBB Denver, and several more.
We’re most proud of our brand because We.Are.Denver. Lots of us are native to CO, including myself, and we breathe Denver when you walk in our doors. From all the sports teams, to local high schools, to local organizations and fellow business owners; we support local through and through.
We are family friendly as mentioned. We have bottomless mimosas every weekend until 2PM. Brunch served til noon – but three brunch items served all day every day. We have a game shelf for kiddos and adult patrons. Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM. Free Parking in our back lot just north of our building.
We host SO many events and have great catering options. Anything from wedding receptions, bachelor parties, baby showers, birthdays, you name it. We don’t charge an event fee and can book the spot as a private party for your special day.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The people that you surround yourself with is vital. When you don’t know what the hell you are doing, find people that do and that you trust and put them in charge.
Pricing:
- $10-$20 Menu!
- Kid Friendly Menu $9 or Less
- GF Menu
- HH 3-6pm M-F
- Bottomless Mimosas $25 every weekend
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dnvrbar.com
- Instagram: @dnvrbar
- Facebook: @dnvrbar
- Twitter: @dnvrbar
- Other: tiktok – dnvr_bar2020
