Among his impressive lineup is A5 Steakhouse, a beacon of culinary excellence located at 1600 15th St, Denver, CO 80202, that has earned the title of Denver’s #1 steakhouse.
Recently, the #IMFROMDENVER Podcast had the privilege of sitting down with Juan inside the charming Red Top Rendezvous, where we had an insightful conversation about his life, career, and culinary philosophy.
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Juan’s journey in the culinary world is deeply rooted in his family heritage. Growing up, he was exposed to the rich flavors and traditions of Puerto Rican cuisine, instilling in him a passion for food and hospitality. His father, who is from Puerto Rico, played a significant role in shaping his love for cooking, and Juan fondly recalls growing up in a household where his father did all the cooking. Juan’s mother also played a pivotal role in his life. She was a former nun who left the convent to marry a political activist from Puerto Rico, despite speaking very little English herself. Her journey reflects Juan’s own commitment to breaking barriers and embracing diversity in the culinary world. Today, Juan is a prominent figure in Denver’s culinary scene, known not only for his exceptional restaurants but also for his commitment to giving back to the community.
His recent venture into Cherry Creek with a new cocktail bar reflects his desire to offer more local options in an area dominated by big hotel restaurants and national names. The new bar, set to open at 248 Detroit St., will complement Forget Me Not, a popular destination that has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Weekends at Forget Me Not often see two-hour wait times, a testament to Juan’s commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences. The new bar, which is yet to be named, will have an “easy, breezy afternoon feel,” focusing on light spirits like gin, tequila, and vodka, and will feature a Mediterranean theme extending to the snack list.
Juan’s culinary influence extends beyond Cherry Creek. In LoHi, he has opened Kumoya Japanese Kitchen, offering daily rotating sushi specials and izakaya-style hot dishes, contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a dining destination.
Beyond his business ventures, Juan is known for his philanthropic efforts and community involvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he transformed his restaurant Morin into a commissary, providing thousands of meals a week to laid-off service industry members and overworked frontline workers. He also organized a successful vaccine clinic for the underserved Latino community, providing vaccines to over 10,000 individuals. Juan Pardó’s commitment to culinary innovation and community impact continues to shape Denver’s dining landscape. As he expands his culinary empire, his focus remains on creating unique dining experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike, ensuring that Denver remains a premier destination for food enthusiasts around the world.
