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!
Interested in presenting to the CRA/CRF Board of Directors?
2021-2022 CRA Board of Directors Leadership includes:
Executive Committee
- Chair: Beth Gruitch, Crafted Concepts
- Immediate Past Chair: Scott Engelman, SEAdvisors, Truffle Pig, Carl’s Tavern
- Vice-Chair Government Affairs/Chair Elect: Daniel Ramirez, Los Dos Potrillos
- Vice-Chair, Communication: Dana Query, Big Red F Restaurant Group
- Vice-Chair, Convention & Events: Aileen Reilly, Apple Blossom and Coperta
- Vice-Chair, Membership: Rayme Rossello, Comida
- Vice-Chair At Large: Rick Stucy, Wheeler Restaurant Group, LLC (Burger King)
- Vice-Chair At Large: Marc Steron, Shanahan’s Steakhouse
- Vice-Chair, Colorado Restaurant Foundation: Richard Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
- Treasurer: Laura McGinley, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
- Controller: Christopher Davis-Massey, ChoLon Restaurant Concepts
- Secretary: Jason Gumer, Monarch Casino Blackhawk
- CRA President & CEO: Sonia Riggs
Directors
- Mark Brinkerhoff, Brinkerhoff Hospitality
- Clay Caldwell, Mo’ Betta Gumbo
- Todd Clark, Matsuhisa Colorado
- Catherine Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting
- Adam Deutschmann, Bargreen Ellingson
- Ryan Fletter, Barolo Grill
- Jason Ganahl, GQue BBQ & Ice Cream Farm
- Carrie Hart, Snooze AM Eatery
- Peter Hoglund, Frasca Hospitality Group
- Greg Howard, Patty Jewett Bar & Grill
- John Imbergamo, The Imbergamo Group, Inc.
- Heidi Klein, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Colorado
- Kenneth Monfort, Montfort Companies
- Todd A. Moore, Centerplate – A Sodexo Company
- Franco Pisani, Paravicini’s Italian Bistro / Sopra Antipasto Wine Bar
- Mark Stanley, Phantom Partners Corp. / Culver’s
- Melissa Strong, Bird & Jim
- Chris Weil, FOODMatch Inc.
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.


Boulder County Chapter
2022 Officers
President
Tony Milazzo, Sundown Saloon
Vice President
Petey Helm, Concepts Restaurants
Secretary
Alicia Harmon, Frasca Hospitality Group
Treasurer
Joseph Self, Self Solutions Food Safety

Breckenridge Chapter
2022 Officers
President
TJ Messerschmitt, Relish, Twist,
Fatty's Pizza
Vice President
Anthony Bulfin, Salt Creek Steakhouse & Club
Secretary
Dick Carleton, MiCasa Mexican Restaurant
Treasurer
Dick Carleton, Hearthstone

Durango Chapter
2022 Officers
President
David Woodruff, El Moro Spirits & Tavern
Vice President
Dasha Greidanus, Carver Brewing
Secretary
Tori Ossola, The Mahogany Grille
Treasurer
Seanan Culloty, Manna Culinary

Mile High Chapter
2022 Officers
President
Ashley Hoffman, Restaurants of America
Vice President
Patrick Hartnett, Denver Museum of Nature &Science
Secretary
Josh Bercerra, The One Group
Treasurer
Cathy Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting

Northern Colorado Chapter
2022 Officers
President
Skip Bassett, Culver's
Treasurer
Christy Taylor, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Pikes Peak Chapter
2022 Officers
President
Travis Blaney, Streetcar 520
Vice President
Rebecca Taraborelli, Rasta Pasta
Secretary
Jane Dalecio, Pollinate Marketing
Treasurer
Mallory Cullen, Outback Steakhouse

Steamboat Springs Chapter
2022 Officers
President
Nick Sharp, Rex's Family of Restaurants
Vice President
Patrick Funk, Destination Hospitality
Secretary
Mark Stanford, Truffle Pig

Telluride Section
2022 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.
Officers
- Chair: Beth Gruitch, Crafted Concepts
- Vice Chair: Richard Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
- VP Fundraising Committee/Vice Chair Elect: Chris Weil, FOODMatch Inc.
- VP Education Committee: David Coder, Sysco Denver
- VP Health & Wellness Committee: Justin Adrian, Roadhouse Hospitality Group
- Secretary: Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
- Treasurer: Lauren Roberts, Watercourse and City O’ City
- Executive Director: Sonia Riggs, CRA President & CEO
- President: Laura Shunk, CRF President
Directors
- Christine Chassen, Event Specialists, Inc.
- Mallory Cullen, Outback Steakhouse
- Jorge de la Torre, Kitchen Network
- Audra Dunleavy, ProStart Teacher, Grandview High School
- Jenifer Freeman, Swire Coca-Cola
- David Goetz, Service Systems Associates
- Troy Guard, TAG Restaurant Group
- Greg Howard, Patty Jewett Bar & Grill
- Steve Kanatzar, The Airplane Restaurant
- Nikki Kolakowski, Eclectic Activation
- Karen Kristopeit-Parker, The Butchery
- Amie Mayhew, Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association
- Lauren O’Brien, ChoLon Restaurant Concepts
- Anthony Ochoa, Buckhead Beef
- Maureen Pearman, Skyport Hospitality
- Lauren Feder Rosenberg, Blackbelly and Santo
- Sherise Velasquez-Chew, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits