By Marilyn Bromberg
The year is 1998. The Dow Jones was at 2200. Interest rates were at 10.5 percent. The average cost of a new house was $91,600. A gallon of gas cost $0.91. Popular films were “Rain Man” and “Die Hard”. Popular musicians were Enya and Robert Palmer. And, in August that year, Alex Pappas and his wife Kathy purchased the shoppette at Jersey and 9th Streets and have been there ever since.
The Jersey location is not Alex’s first venture into business. He and his wife owned a store downtown before this, but according to Alex, he was looking for a location with a liquor store and more shops. When the property became available, it looked like too good of an opportunity to pass up. Since moving in, he’s seen lots of changes in the neighborhood from new buildings and houses to increasingly younger families with children. In that time, he’s also seen businesses in his own shoppette come and go, and he’s expanded the liquor store where he also works, and now employs two people to run the operations when he’s not there.
Larger space
More changes are afoot, according to Alex, including Curves that will be leasing a larger space within the shoppette with the move of Back on the Rack to a different location. He’s also very excited about the new restaurant, operated by an experienced, local restaurant owner, that will take over the space formerly occupied by Carmine’s Cucina. The exact opening date is unknown at this point, but he expects it to open shortly after the New Year.
What hasn’t changed over the years is the fact that Alex likes what he does. In fact, he considers it the key to his long-term success in the same location. “I like my customers, greeting them with a smile, talking with them, and helping them with whatever they need.” With that kind of commitment, we can expect Alex and the Jersey Shoppette to be around for another 20 years. Congratulations Alex and Kathy!
By Mike Nelson
Señor Pepe’s, located on Poplar Street just south of Colfax, has been around almost 40 years ….and so has their décor. When you’re inside and hear the “oldies” station playing, you’ll wonder if it’s the oldies, or if you’ve somehow been whisked back to 1969, the year this neighborhood landmark first opened its doors. My wife’s family has been regulars since the early 70s, and to this day it is her brother’s favorite place to eat. You might wander in to bask in the glow of the truly retro ambiance, but you’ll stay for the drinks, and the food will keep you coming back year after year. Take a date, or take the whole family. Either way, you’ll find the staff to be friendly and attentive.
Dining experience
Our family had a fantastic meal, from start to finish. The chips were warm and the salsa was unique and tasty. Drinks were delivered promptly, though to have the full Pepe’s experience you should sit at the bar for at least one round, just to soak in the surroundings close up. My wife considers herself a chimichanga connoisseur, and she was quite pleased with hers. I had the “sopapilla del Toro,” which was nice and spicy. For dessert, we shared an order of fried ice cream, served in a little taco shell bowl, and one of the best sopapillas we’ve ever had. Everything is freshly made from old family recipes.
Final word
The tab: dinner for three, a couple of margaritas, dessert and tip was about $50. Give them a try. If you’re a first-timer, or have been eating there since 1969, you won’t be disappointed. The food is great, there’s plenty of parking across the street, and the restaurant is just a few blocks east of Mayfair.
Señor Pepe’s: 1422 Poplar Street, 303-321-1911
www.SenorPepesMexican.com
By Jackie Medford
You’ve survived the holidays, but just because they’re over, there’s a whole year ahead with lots of opportunities and reasons to buy gifts for family, friends and business associates—and in this economy—save a little gas. These are great reasons to shop Mayfair, and here are just a few ideas from our local businesses and advertisers:
When you need to shop for someone else—or yourself—stay close to home, accomplish a lot, save gas, and support our loyal Mayfair advertisers!
•Barkly Manor has joined the Mayfair neighborhood, providing quality dog daycare, overnight boarding, and dog-friendly training. Owners Shawn Bumiller and Kimberly Arnold, and manager/trainer Kellie Murphy offer comprehensive care including a special puppy enrichment program, self-service bathing tubs, and a large indoor/outdoor area for dogs to have supervised playtime and lots of fun. Welcome Barkly Manor! Barkly Manor is located at 5010 E Colfax Avenue. Business hours are Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm, Saturday: 9am – 3pm. Contact: 303-997-6498, info@barklymanor.com, or at www.barklymanor.com.
*Mod Livin’ at 5327 E. Colfax was a winner of the 2008 Mayor’s Design Awards. The awards celebrate design in all its forms throughout Denver’s neighborhoods, and honor business and homeowners who make design excellence a priority. Congratulations, Mod Livin’! For more information about the awards and other 2008 winners, visit www.denvergov.org/tabid/428092/Default.aspx.
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