Meet Jay Bombalicki of Berkeley Untapped in Berkeley Neighborhood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Bombalicki.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey started to open my first business in May 2013 when I participated in a Spartan mud run and ended up getting TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) from it. I was given a 50/50 chance of survival the first week but ended up beating it after five surgeries and the work of some amazing doctors, especially Dr.Lucks who is no longer with us. I spent the next eight months on disability and thinking what the next steps in my life would entail. Due to the after-effects of the infection, I did not believe I would be healthy enough to go back to the career I had been working in the past seven years, a Firefighter/Paramedic, so I started to brainstorm. I ended up between two options; study to become a RN or opening a small craft bar. Choosing the latter, I started the business plan in October of 2013 and opened the doors to Berkeley Untapped on 7/11/14. I fell in love with this neighborhood and the people and knew this is where I wanted to start my next chapter. It was quite the struggle the first few years but with the help of good friends and family made it to where we are now and super excited for our big five-year anniversary party the weekend of 7/12/19!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nope. Health, divorce, a neighbor trying to get us shut down the first three years because she wanted the space prior to me coming in, financials, the norm.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Berkeley Untapped – what should we know?
We are a small space, only 800 sq ft inside, and a great patio outside to sit with your pup and people watch. We specialize in craft cocktails, great bourbon, local wine on tap, and ten draft beers which we rotate after each keg, majority of which are local CO brews. We have not been closed one day yet in almost five years; I work all the holidays and people are always grateful that we are open. What sets us apart from other bars/businesses and what I’m most proud of is our charity program. With the purchase of every drink, you receive a wooden token and can choose to donate to one of three local charities; animal, environment, and humanitarian. We donate to all three and rotate them monthly or bi-monthly. We have met so many great people through this program and are thankful for the amazing work they are doing to make our communities and world a better place.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom has to be #1. Her positivity and support over the years was priceless, I owe her everything. Another person who was instrumental since day 1 of opening was Wes Panther, thats a real person! He was my right hand the first three years of our business and helped shape what BU is today.

Pricing:

• Drafts range between $5-$8
• Cocktails start at $6.50
• Wine is $8

Contact Info:

• Address: 4267 Tennyson St. Denver, CO 80212
• Website: www.berkeleyuntapped.com
• Phone: 720-456-7541
• Email: jay@berkeleyuntapped.com
• Instagram: berkeley_untapped
• Facebook: @berkeleyuntapped

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.