Meet Dana Rodriguez of Work and Class and Super Mega Bien Restaurants in River North “RINO”

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Rodriguez.

Dana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. I moved to Denver in 1998. Started as a dishwasher at Panzano restaurant at the Hotel Monaco. I learn pretty much everything there, from line cook to pastry chef, banquets and sous chef position. The managing team at that time Beth Gruitch and Jenifer Jasinski “my mentors” opened their own restaurant and invited me to be a partner and sous chef at their new adventure, “Rioja restaurant.” I used to work at 2 or 3 restaurants at the same time to learn more about different cuisines.

So, I was the sous chef at Rioja then, it was the opportunity to become the chef cuisine at Bistro Vendome, French Bistro place owned by Jen and Beth. And I love to challenge my self, so I decided to run. French place with my Mexican flavors. Until six years ago, my business partners Tabatha Knop and Tony Maciag, we opened our own place “work and class.”

Tony and I met at Panzano in 1999, and we always said we will open our own place. But I can only cook and he can make drinks. But until Tabatha came to our world, we get complete. She is in charge of the financial and in front of the house operation. Tony does the bar and form of the house and I lead the kitchen. It has been a great journey, then last year, we decided to open another place.

We all agree on many things. For example, to create concepts not just open another restaurant, also on taking care of our employees. Consistency and great customer service. We created a good culture for our people. So, we decided to open a new place, Super Mega Bien, we created this fun place. It’s a Latin food in a dim sum format. We like to have fun with what we do and the three of us loved what we do.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, my first challenge was the language, as you can tell, I still speak and write “Spanglish,” haha. But it was not too bad. The other one was 20 years ago, it was for a female, especially Latina girl, to be in charge. My co-workers don’t really like when I became the sous chef or the chef, but I always love to challenge myself and earn respect with my work. And I did accomplish that. And after that has been an easy road because I think I learned so much from the dishwasher to business owner. That gives me the opportunity to appreciate and respect everyone job and positions. Now, it is easy and smooth and pure joy and happiness.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I work for a very amazing chef and great restaurants. A lot of fine dining. But I decided to present my food and flavor about my culture, my childhood. I think food and music are the greatest things to create memories for life. So, I’m doing that with my food. Soul food that will be memorable. We specialized and has been great to our employees and guess. We said we are about “square meal, stiff drink, and a fair price.”

What I think set us apart is that we retained our employees because we believe that we are giving them what other big companies don’t do. Besides, health insurance, bonus, vacation paid, close one day a week, closed ten days at the beginning of the year, 4o1-k. It’s more about treating them like our own family. That’s the beauty of work from the bottle. To understand everyone’s life. We are proud to have employees with us since day one, for me, specifically in the kitchen, we work together for 17 years. That is the best feeling and make us proud.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
In my culture, my dad said luck or destiny doesn’t exist. You can create your own!!! Well, the truth is you work hard and set your goals and if you work hard, you will be able to accomplish everything. But I have to say that I’m very blessed to meet the best people at the right time. My mentors, business partner, and friend and family I have in Colorado are the support to became what you dream. My American dream is truly amazing and I changed what my dad said. I am a very lucky girl. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Address: WORK AND CLASS 2500 Larimer St Denver, Co 80205
  Super mega Bien 1260 25th st Denver, Co 80205
• Website: www.workandclassdenver.com
• Phone: 303-292-0700
• Email: dana@workandclassdenver.com
• Instagram: workandclassdenver
• Facebook: Work & Class

Image Credit:
Jennifer Olson

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