Former owner of 730 South talks to OCN
The Bonnie Brae neighborhood is home to more multi-generational restaurants than any other city block. On one end you have the Bonnie Brae Tavern that's been serving the area since 1934, and just a few feet away stands the Saucy Noodle which has been slinging Italian classics since '64. So when a shift occurs, especially if it involves a restaurant, it's a big deal. Well, that's exactly what happened. Last month, on a crisp Sunday morning, patrons of 730 South, the humble neighborhood go-to, which served carefully crafted food at reasonable prices, enjoyed their last brunch at the now-closed-for-good neighborhood retreat.
"It was really hard to close 730 because I knew what it meant to the neighborhood," said owner and long-time Denver restaurateur Larry Herz. But he told us his decision to move on was based simply on the fact that he wants to spend more time with his family.
Following the announcement of the closure, Herz was overwhelmed by an outpour of support and thanks -- in person and on social media -- for 10 years of great experiences at his Cheers-esque haunt. "I have no idea how many times we have walked down the street to 730! We've made friends with so many people there -- you, the great staff, our neighbors. It's been a place to bring friends and family or just hang out," wrote one Facebook user.
For those of you who aren't familiar, Larry Herz first entered the Denver restaurant scene in 1994 with Carmine's on Penn and has since owned five restaurants, with 730South being his most recent. That means he could probably tell us a thing or two about the business. So listen up, all you aspiring restaurateurs and foodies! We reached out to Larry and decided to pick his brain. This is what he had to say:
When did you first get into the restaurant business?
I started in the business in 1988 in NYC at Tavern on the Green, at the time the largest and busiest restaurant in the world.
Why leave the Big Apple to come to Denver?
I was held up at gunpoint managing a restaurant in NYC. I thought that was a message, and Denver was a place I dreamed of living in. I had a friend that I grew up with who lived here so I drove out here with no job, no place to live -- and had never visited. That was in 1993, and I never left. I opened up my first place in 1994 at the age of 27 -- Carmine’s on Penn, which is now 24 years old. Since then I have owned five other restaurants with 730 South being my last one, which I bought in 2006.
Where did you learn how to cook? Did you build your own menus?
I learned to cook at an early age helping my grandmother. I never had any formal training. I ate out a lot as a kid and always wanted to own my own restaurant. I build all my own menus, usually with help from my chef.
What's something people don't realize about owning a restaurant?
Everyone knows it’s hard and long hours, but there are some good things. I close 100 percent of customers who walk in the door. They all pay c.o.d. So I’m not chasing people for payment. Finally, with a lot of jobs you don’t know if the customer was happy. In the restaurant business, you get immediate feedback from the empty plates and the smiling faces.
I know you've served some famous personalities. Remind me who, when, and what that was like ...
I have served Celine Dion, who was a sweetheart. The Rolling Stones. The whole Colorado Avalanche team on many occasions. Robert Redford, Michael Bolton, Steve Miller (Steve Miller Band) -- and they all couldn’t have been nicer.
You have $50 to spend on a meal in Colorado -- where do you go and what do you order?
Might need a little more than $50, but I would go to Sushi Den. The quality of the fish is world-class, and I can’t make sushi.
There's no doubt, Denver is for foodies. But where do you foresee restaurant culture going?
The independent restaurant in this country is going to continue to struggle as the chains continue to grow. The fast-casual segment has replaced the full-service restaurant for lunch business.
What's the strangest request you've ever received from a customer?
I’ll give you a few. Someone brought there own coffee in and asked for cream! I have made a veggie omelet with no eggs. Made one with three whites and one yellow. I have had people leave their leftovers with me and ask me the next day to reheat them and serve them at no charge, which I did. I have served millions of meals in my 29 years in the business and have learned that just when I think I've seen it all, I haven’t.
What are your thoughts? Do you have any questions for Larry? If so, log in and know in the comments!