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The Colorado Restaurant Association and Foundation, led by active Boards of Directors and several impactful committees, supports eight chapters across the state. These industry leaders host events and meetings throughout Colorado, fostering community connection and deepening relationships for the benefit of all local restaurants and allied partners. We invite you to join our community today!

Colorado Restaurant Association Board of Directors

The Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) is led by a group of dynamic restaurateurs and vendor partners who represent every type of restaurant our state has to offer – from single-unit independents to fast-food franchises – and the diverse communities they serve. The CRA Board of Directors is made up of individuals who not only successfully run their own businesses, but have volunteered countless hours of effective leadership to the CRA and its chapters, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF), and the industry as a whole. Our directors represent the very best of the hospitality industry in Colorado, and we thank them for their dedication.

Interested in being considered for a leadership role? Reach out to Sonia Riggs, President & CEO, today!

Email Sonia

Interested in presenting to the CRA/CRF Board of Directors?

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2022-2023 CRA Board of Directors leadership includes:

Executive Committee

  • Chair: Daniel Ramirez, Ramirez Hospitality Group
  • Immediate Past Chair: Beth Gruitch, Crafted Concepts
  • Vice Chair Government Affairs/Chair Elect: Marc Steron, Shanahan’s Steakhouse
  • Vice Chair, Communication: Peter Hoglund, Frasca Hospitality Group
  • Vice Chair, Convention & Events: Dana Query, Big Red F Restaurant Group
  • Vice Chair, Membership: Carrie Hart, Snooze, an AM Eatery
  • Vice Chair, At Large: Jason Gumer, Monarch Casino Blackhawk
  • Vice Chair, At Large: Aileen Reilly, Apple Blossom and Coperta
  • Vice Chair, Colorado Restaurant Foundation: Chris Weil, FOODMatch, Inc.
  • Controller: Laura McGinley, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
  • Treasurer: Sam Aghbashian, Watercourse Foods, City, O’City, Make, Believe Bakery
  • Secretary: Andy Quarm, Republic National Distributing Company
  • CRA President & CEO: Sonia Riggs

Elected Directors

  • Mark Brinkerhoff, Brinkerhoff Hospitality
  • Todd Clark, Matsuhisa Colorado
  • Catherine Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting
  • Christopher Davis-Massey, ChoLon Restaurant Concepts
  • Adam Deutschmann, Bargreen Ellingson
  • David Driscoll, Broadmoor Resort
  • Ryan Fletter, Barolo Grill
  • Jason Ganahl, G-Que Barbeque & Ice Cream Farm
  • Patrick Hartnett, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
  • John Imbergamo, The Imbergamo Group, Inc.
  • Heidi Klein, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Colorado
  • Jason Lessnau, SOMIP inc. DBA McDonalds
  • Kenneth Monfort, Montfort Companies
  • Franco Pisani, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro and Sopra Antipasto Wine Bar
  • Rob Rita, US Foods
  • Dana Rodriguez, Work & Class, Super Mega Bien, Cantina Loca, Casa Bonita
  • Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Mark Stanley, Phantom Partners Corp. (Culver’s)

Colorado Restaurant Association Chapters

The CRA has eight chapters across the state, through which members can network, share ideas, focus on local issues, host events and educational programming, and foster a strong community of industry leaders. Chapters work to support important local political initiatives, local schools, charities, and other worthwhile organizations.

Independently governed chapters are located in Denver (the Mile High Chapter), Boulder, Breckenridge, Durango, Northern Colorado, Pikes Peak, and Steamboat Springs; Telluride has a section. Do you operate in a region without a formal chapter or section? The CRA has you covered with statewide advocacy representation and events strategically focused on restaurant-rich areas.

Mile High Chapter Learn more
Durango Learn more
Breckenridge Learn more
Boulder County Learn more
Steamboat Springs Learn more
Pikes Peak Learn more
Telluride Learn more
Northern Colorado Learn more

Boulder County Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Alicia Harmon, Frasca Hospitality Group

Vice President
Petey Helm, Concepts Restaurants

Secretary
Vacant

Treasurer
Joseph Self, Food Safety Heroes

Breckenridge Chapter

2023 Officers

President
TJ Messerschmitt, Fatty’s Pizzeria

Vice President
Anthony Bulfin, Salt Creek Steakhouse & Club

Secretary
Dick Carleton, MiCasa Mexican Restaurant

Treasurer
Dick Carleton, Hearthstone

Durango Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Joel Hayes, Steamworks Brewing Co.

Vice President
Vacant

Secretary
Tori Ossola, The Mahogany Grille

Treasurer
Seanan Culloty, Manna Culinary

Mile High Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Patrick Hartnett, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Vice President
Josh Becerra, The One Group

Secretary
Tori Mateer, KTM Restaurant Group

Treasurer
Catherine Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting

Northern Colorado Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Robert Duran, Blue Agave Grill

Vice President
Jeff Brown, The Still Whiskey Steaks

Treasurer
Christy Taylor, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Secretary
Vacant

Pikes Peak Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Rebecca Taraborelli, Rasta Pasta

Vice President
Jenny Sherman, Odyssey Gastropub

Secretary
Ben Word, Ben E. Keith Foods

Treasurer
Mallory Cullen, Outback Steakhouse

Steamboat Springs Chapter

2023 Officers

President
Nick Sharp, Rex’s Family of Restaurants

Vice President
Patrick Funk, Destination Hospitality

Secretary
Mark Stanford, Truffle Pig

Treasurer
Hannah Hopkins, Besame and Mambo

Telluride Section

2023 Officers

President
Lucas Price, La Cocina de Luz

Secretary
Neal McKinely, Baked in Telluride

Colorado Restaurant Foundation Board of Directors

Educating Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders Today

Established in 1987, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of restaurants, industry experts, and K-12 and post-secondary hospitality educators. As the philanthropic foundation of the CRA, the CRF’s mission is the training and support of all individuals in the foodservice industry, as well as those individuals entering the industry.

Executive Committee

  • Chair: Daniel Ramirez, Ramirez Hospitality Group
  • Vice Chair: Chris Weil, FOODMatch Inc.
  • Vice President, Fundraising: Ashley Hoffman, Restaurants of America
  • Vice President, Education: Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Vice President, Health & Wellness: Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
  • Vice President, At Large: Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar and Taco Party
  • Controller: Lauren Roberts, Watercourse and City O’ City
  • Secretary: Mallory Cullen, Outback Steakhouse
  • Treasurer: Emily Biederman, Secret Sauce F&B
  • Executive Director: Sonia Riggs, CRA President & CEO
  • President: Laura Shunk, CRF President

Elected Directors

  • Justin Adrian, Vibe Concepts
  • Truett ‘Blaine’ Bailey, In the Weeds
  • Kevin Burke, The Culinary Creative Group
  • Audra Dunleavy, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
  • Jenifer Freeman, Swire Coca-Cola
  • David Goetz, Service Systems Associates
  • Nikki Kolakowski, Eclectic Activation
  • Karen Kristopeit-Parker, The Butchery
  • Heather Lundy Nelson, Khesed Wellness
  • Dr. Eric Olson, School of Hospitality, Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • Luis Ramirez, Ramirez Hospitality Group
  • Julie Stone, Work Options

"Being an active member of the CRA Board of Directors, which is effectively spearheading the evolution of the Colorado restaurant industry, allows me to connect with community peers and represent our industry’s interests with state and city government leaders."

Beth GruitchCRA Board of Directors Chair and co-owner of Crafted Concepts (Rioja, Ultreia, Stoic & Genuine, Bistro Vendôme)

"Since joining the CRA Board, I have gained knowledge, strengthened my business, and been able to dive deeper into legislative issues important to Colorado restaurants. Plus, the network I’ve created through my CRA membership is unmatched."

Daniel RamirezCRA Board of Directors Chair Elect and co-CEO of Los Dos Potrillos

"The CRA and the CRF are integral components to the success of our restaurant and hospitality industry. I’ve been involved with the organization since 2005 and on the Board for 15 years. Throughout this time, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact these organizations have made in our community; from the Angel Relief Fund program to workforce development, each provides assistance to those facing adversity, as well as education for those wanting a future in food service."

David CoderCRF VP Education Committee and Director of Business Resources and Marketing at Sysco Foods