Deno’s Mountain Bistro

Deno’s Mountain Bistro is a time-capsule in Winter Park, Colorado

by Sarah Mock (Deno’s Cocktail Waitress from 2016 to 2018)

For more than 45 years, Deno’s Mountain Bistro has been a pillar of the Grand County dining scene, providing residents and visitors a welcoming space to savor the quintessential après-ski ambiance in the heart of downtown Winter Park. Whether you’re fresh off the slopes or looking to open a bottle of fine wine over dinner, Deno’s promises an unforgettable experience steeped in tradition and mountain spirit.

A History of Hospitality

The restaurant’s history is woven into the very fabric of Winter Park. Over the decades, it has evolved alongside the town. Through all of the changes, one thing has remained constant –  Charles ‘Deno’ Kutrumbos dedication to make every person who walks through the restaurant door feel at home.

Deno’s has deep roots in both hospitality and skiing culture. The story of this restaurant began when Deno crossed paths with Bob Singley, freestyle skiing pioneer and Olympic athlete, at the University of Tampa Ski Club. His journey into the restaurant business began shortly after Deno relocated from Florida to Winter Park in the early 1970s. 

With the nudge of Singley, Deno moved to Winter Park to fill an open position as the kitchen manager at the Swiss Haus. Deno gently encouraged his future wife, Betsy, to join him in the mountain town. She agreed and worked as a waitress at the restaurant. The couple settled in Winter Park, where they raised their two sons, Nick and Teddy.

By 1976, Deno seized the opportunity to purchase the restaurant, renaming it Deno’s Swiss Haus and Couchman Tavern. The restaurant underwent a handful of name changes before landing on the renowned Deno’s Mountain Bistro.

In the late 1980s, Deno developed a keen interest in wine. As old world wine slowly gained notoriety in ski culture, wine-markers made their way to the ski slopes along US-40. Deno began building new relationships with the winery owners who visited the area. He often invited them to stay in his condominium above the restaurant, and in return, he visited their vineyards. 

Today, Deno’s wine collection boasts signed bottles from vineyard owners worldwide, reflecting those enduring relationships. His efforts helped grow Deno’s wine collection into one of the largest in the region, featuring over 400 labels, including a notable vertical collection of various wines, such as an extensive variety of Opus One vintages. 

Generations of Hospitality 

Both Deno and his family grew up in the restaurant world. Deno grew up above his parent’s small Greek diner, The Little Campus, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. His son, Nick, fondly remembers spending his childhood at Deno’s, alongside his brother Teddy, surrounded by local families and employees’ children.

Reflecting on his earliest memories at Deno’s, Nick recalls, “When I was 3 or 4 years old, I’d crawl under the tables collecting quarters to play pinball in [what was then] the gameroom.” As soon as he was old enough to work, Nick did just about every job in the restaurant – from washing dishes to bussing tables. In high school, “I was on the ski team [at Winter Park] and the bus would drop me off right across the street,” he added.

After graduating from college, Nick returned to Winter Park in the early 2000s. With Deno retiring to Florida, Nick naturally took over the family business. By 2007, Deno was nominated by his peers and inducted into the Colorado Restaurant Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions to the industry. 

A Restaurant Rooted in Community

The family’s commitment to their staff and community has been central to their success. Nick, current Mayor of Winter Park, leverages his position to drive meaningful change in the community. He’s actively involved in addressing important local issues, such as mental health and workforce housing. 

“If you take care of Deno’s, Deno’s will take care of you,” said General Manager, Brian Knightlinger. “Deno’s has been such a good place for my personal growth… the support I’ve received from Nick and the entire Kutrumbos family… the trust that’s placed in the [staff] gives you that environment to grow.” The restaurant industry, which thrives on connection and service, is uniquely positioned to foster a supportive environment for both employees and residents. Deno’s lasting commitment to treating staff like family continues to strengthen Deno’s bond within the Winter Park community.

Defined by its old bones, the restaurant maintains its commitment to provide excellent service and consistent food at a great value. “We want people to walk in and feel comfortable,” Nick said. “Whatever is going on in your world, you go in, sit at the bar, and have that same bar stool you sat in 20 years ago, it’s like a time capsule.” 

As Winter Park continues to evolve, it’s important to hold onto the quirky, unique charm that makes this mountain town special. Regardless of the changes in this small ski town, stepping into Deno’s should always feel like home—a comforting reminder of community and continuity.

www.denoswp.com

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