Denver, CO

Grants set to help Denver small businesses give tipped workers a livable wage

Published

7 months ago

May 15, 2025

Grants set to help Denver small businesses give tipped workers a livable wage

DENVER — There’s a movement among Denver restaurants to pay their staff a livable wage before tips. It can be a big challenge for small businesses, but the owners Denver7 spoke to say it is possible.

“I was honestly kind of shocked to see how many cafes we have here in Denver, but very few are owned by women. Fewer are owned by folks that speak or represent the culture of where the coffee is coming from,” said Kristin Lacy, co-owner of Convivio Cafe.

When she and her co-owner were starting out, it was important to them to pay their staff minimum wage, even though they are also tipped workers. Lacy remembers the reaction she got from one investor.

“This funder looks back at me and said, ‘How am I supposed to trust you if you’re going to be paying basically $20 an hour to a barista for unskilled work?’” Lacy recalled. “And I said, ‘To be honest with you, if we can’t make that work, then I don’t want to open the restaurant.’”

It hasn’t always been easy. Lacy said many small businesses are suffering through the same challenges of rising food costs, rising rents, utility costs, permits and licensing.

Many Denver restaurants, big and small, offer sub-minimum wage for their tipped workers.

“You have a lot of people in the city who are both workers and consumers. If they experience a pay cut, that creates a vicious circle where people are not going out to eat as much. They may be being evicted,” said Denver City Councilmember Sarah Parady.

The nonprofit One Fair Wage wants to solve that problem. On Wednesday, the group awarded five locally owned restaurants with grant funding to help them find ways to stay profitable while also paying their staff a livable wage.

“It makes workers very vulnerable to have to live on the biases and harassment and whims and moods of customers,” said Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of One Fair Wage.

The money pays for training and assistance in identifying solutions, like adjusting menu prices or finding ways to work with suppliers to cut costs.

Convivio Cafe is one of the recipients, and the owners believe the grant will keep them on the right path.

“The other part that’s important with this minimum wage is having the education and the participation of the community,” said Lacy.

Parady agreed that customers play a role.

“If menu prices were just actually set at what the customer is expected to pay, and tipping becomes more of an extra, that would make things more predictable for everybody,” she said.

One Fair Wage is accepting applications from restaurants that are interested in the training and assistance opportunities. More information can be found on their website.

Tipped workers bill on Polis’ desk

Meanwhile, Colorado lawmakers are trying to provide relief to restaurants by adjusting pay for tipped employees.

Tipped workers can make a base wage less than minimum wage because tips are meant to make up for that difference, if not exceed it. If tips are low, those workers would still legally need to be compensated enough to reach the overall minimum wage of their jurisdiction.

According to House Bill 25-1208 sponsor Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, when state lawmakers allowed cities and counties to set higher local minimum wages in 2019, they did not address the minimum wage for tipped workers. Instead, that number is determined by a “tip offset” that is set at $3.02 under the Colorado Constitution.

Colorado’s minimum wage is $14.81 an hour. Its tipped minimum wage is that number minus the tip offset of $3.02, which comes to $11.79 an hour. Denver’s minimum wage is $18.81 an hour, meaning the tipped minimum wage is $15.79.

Valdez called the preset tip offset a “mistake” that is leading to inflated payrolls, which contribute to restaurant closures.

Previous coverage of HB25-1208:

As introduced, HB25-1208 would have required the $11.79 tipped minimum wage statewide, raising the tip offset in cities like Denver, Boulder and Edgewater, which have raised their overall minimum wages. However, the bill was amended in the legislature to instead allow local governments with a minimum wage higher than the state’s to increase the tip offset, if they so please. Governments, however, cannot impose a tip offset that would make tipped employees earn less than the state minimum wage minus $3.02 ($11.79 an hour).
Local governments would be allowed to adjust their tip offset beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Supporters say adjusting the tip offset would provide more financial flexibility that could save more restaurants from shutting down and allow more equitable pay for “back of house” workers like cooks and dishwashers, who typically make less than servers, hosts and bartenders. Critics, however, say it would cost thousands of tipped workers thousands of dollars when it’s already tough to make ends meet. Additionally, they argue there are other ways to address struggling restaurants, such as working to subsidize rising rent or food costs.

The bill passed through the state legislature and was sent to Governor Jared Polis on May 2.

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Denver, CO

Where To Get Chinese Food In And around Denver On Christmas Day – 303 Magazine

Published

10 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Where To Get Chinese Food In And around Denver On Christmas Day – 303 Magazine

Chinese food became popular on Christmas Day primarily because Chinese restaurants were among the few businesses open, offering a convenient, affordable, and culturally neutral dining option.

Several excellent Chinese restaurants in the Denver area that will be open on Christmas Day, continuing a holiday tradition. Many of these locations offer both dine-in and takeout options.

We recommend calling ahead to confirm their holiday hours and placing any takeout orders in advance, as availability may change.

We hope this list of our favorite Chinese restaurants is helpful!

Central Denver

Peter’s Chinese Cafe

A local Chinese-American favorite since 1985, famous for its sesame chicken and loyal clientele

Directions: 2609 E 12th Ave

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant

Offering takeout and delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
You can order online at cogreatwalltogo.com.

Directions: 440 E Colfax Ave

Pepper Asian Bistro

This spot has locations in City Park and the Lower Highlands, providing a mix of Chinese and Thai options for dine-in or takeout.

Directions: 2831 E Colfax Ave

Chinatown Bistro

A cozy uptown option located at 1789 Ogden St., serving classic dishes like sesame chicken and Mongolian beef with easy takeout/delivery options.

Directions: 1789 Ogden St

Little Ollie’s

Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Order online at littleollies.com.

Directions: 2360 E 3rd Ave

South & West Denver/Englewood

Golden Shanghai Restaurant(USHI)

A beloved establishment open from noon to 9 p.m., offering Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese fare.
Order online at goldenshanghai-denver.com.

Directions: 1412 S Parker Rd

Star Kitchen

A large Chinese fixture known for its dim sum and seafood dishes.

Directions: 2917 W Mississippi

Bistro King Asian Restaurant

This family-owned restaurant in Englewood is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Order online via their website bistrokingonline.com.

Directions: 3542 S Fox St

Chopstix Fusion

A highly-praised, small Denver-area restaurant known for authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine, especially clay pots, noodles (like Beef Chow Fun), and incredible house-made Asian desserts.

Directions: 2020 S Parker Rd

Aurora & Nearby Areas

Chef Liu’s Kitchen

Known for its bold Szechuan and Northern Chinese dishes, available for dine-in or takeout.

Directions: 2222 S Havana St

Dillon’s Dumpling House

Open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Day for takeout, delivery, and dine-in.
Order online at dillonsdumplinghouse.com.

Directions: 3571 S Tower Rd

Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings

The Aurora location is open from noon to 9 p.m. for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
You can order via their website nanasdimsumanddumplings.com.

Directions: 2495 S Havana St

Shanghai Kitchen

Open for takeout, delivery, and dine-in from 11:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Order online at shanghaikitchendenver.com.

Directions: 4940 S Yosemite St

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Denver, CO

Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets: Recap and final score

Published

23 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets: Recap and final score

In a game that was over in the first quarter, the Denver Nuggets destroyed the Utah Jazz 135-112. The score isn’t even indicative of how the game went. To start the game, the Nuggets went on a massive run, leaving the Jazz down by 27 points in the middle of the 1st quarter. For the Jazz, it’s surprising just how different they are on the road versus at home. At home, the Jazz are 7-9 while they are 3-9 on the road. This game was a perfect example. The Jazz looked like they got Monstar’d in the first quarter, and there was no way for them to recover the rest of the game. It’s a sign that this Jazz team, as competitive as they’ve mostly been at home, is not there yet as a competitive team.

There were a few things on this one to build on, but some things to be concerned about. Keyonte George was able to calm down after a shaky start and was able to shoot a respectable 7/14 from the field and 2/4 from three. He also grabbed 8 boards and dished out 7 assists. George looked the most in control of anyone on the Jazz during the loss. It’s one of those signs that George is evolving into a great player who will perform at a high level regardless of whatever situation he’s in.

For things to be a little concerned about? Lauri Markkanen continues not shoot the three well. Tonight he was 2/9 from three and is now shooting 35.2%. Overall, Markkanen shot it well from the field at 10/20, but it would be nice if that three-point shot started falling more consistently. It’s the skillset that sets Markkanen apart but it’s not really showing up again this season. Last season, Markkanen ended the year at 34.6%. Is this the reflection of a season being thrown again, or is this just what Markkanen is as a shooter?

Probably the biggest concern of everything is the defense. Yes, you’re playing against Nikola Jokic, but the Jazz came into this one as the #29 defense in the league. So many times in this one, you have defenders playing off shooters and not able to defend shooters. And we’re not talking drive-and-kick-type plays, these are one-pass-away possessions that are getting open threes. It’s not the best sign for this team, ever being a high-level defense. Maybe they’re not trying as hard with the obvious tank that now appears to be happening, but it would be nice to see some better outcomes with the defense on nights like tonight. That said, the best thing for this team, after a game like tonight, is to add more talent to the roster. Fixing the defense is something they’ll worry about more next season. But it’s definitely something to watch as the season goes on, and pay attention to who is able to make an impact defensively.

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Denver, CO

Denver Broncos Week 18 opponent just lost a huge defensive contributor

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Denver Broncos Week 18 opponent just lost a huge defensive contributor

The Denver Broncos saw their 11-game winning streak end thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a pretty brutal performance all the way around from Denver, but thanks to that 11-game winning streak, the Broncos were actually able to lose a game – they could afford a loss, if that makes sense.

Even with the Bills, Chargers, and Patriots all winning in Week 16, the 12-3 Broncos are still atop the AFC West and atop the AFC. All Denver has to do is win their final two games, and both things will be clinched. With Denver slowly beginning to battle key injuries, getting that first-round bye could be massive for the health of the team.

With the Kansas City Chiefs likely starting a third-string QB in Week 17, you would like to think that Denver can take care of business and get to 13-3, which could set up a massive showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers for the division title. Well, that game just got a bit more interesting, as a key Chargers’ defensive player was just suspended.

Chargers lose starting linebacker Denzel Perryman to a two-game suspension

Here is the update from Tom Pelissero:

Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman has been suspended without pay for two games for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2025

Denzel Perryman is a starting linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers and was essentially suspended two games for not playing a clean, safe version of football. This obviously means that Perryman is not suiting up for the remainder of the regular season, but will be back in time for the playoffs.

Perryman, 33 years old, is on his second stint with the Chargers and has now played in 10 games this year. In those 1- games, he’s racked up three passes defended, 47 total tackles, and four tackles for loss. Perryman is definitely more of a tone-setter on the defensive side of the ball and not someone who is going to make those hyper-athletic splashy plays that some linebackers can make.

This is huge for the Chargers’ defense, a very good unit thanks to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, but the personnel on that side of the ball aren’t super talented. The Chargers are one of those teams that honestly benefit more from great coaching than they do having more talent than the opponent.

The Bolts can still win the AFC West, but they would have to win their final two games. Not having Denzel Perryman for a massive Week 18 showdown in Denver is flat-out massive and a huge blow to their defense.

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