Focus on Bradburn Village: The Exchange

Several years ago, I was looking for somewhere new to go and I came across The Exchange Tavern. I settled into a chair next to the fireplace on the back patio with a nice stout. One bite of Irish Nachos and I was hooked.

Gary and Teddi Davis proudly call the Exchange their "baby." Gary is a Broomfield native and Teddi moved here when she was very young. Together, with their children, they still call the city home.

"Broomfield has continued to grow but still has retained its hometown feel," Teddi remarks. "It's a good community to be from and a great place to raise kids."

Technically, the Tavern is in Westminster but serves many Broomfield residents, as well. Back in 2005, there was no such thing as a non-smoking bar in either city. Not smokers themselves, Gary and Teddi decided to fill the gap in the marketplace. They wanted to create a space where people could come, have a drink and linger.

"The name 'Exchange Tavern' is about a place where people can meet to exchange ideas," Teddi explains. "Everything about the pub was designed to create an intimacy that allows you to stay and talk." Batting was placed in some of the walls to absorb sound. The bar was designed to have more corners for easier conversation. The chairs are comfortable and no "table turns" are mandated (table turns are the number of parties that come and go, and the way some restaurants gauge their success).

For the Davises, success is measured, in part, by their growth through the recession. In 2008, they took over the adjacent coffee shop but soon decided that the space was better used to expand the pub. They added a flatbread oven and the back patio and fireplace. Restaurants have the highest failure rate of new business endeavors, and need to bring together all aspects of running a business, from supply chain to hospitality to technology. It's not as easy as just whipping up some great recipes, although the Tavern has those, too. The rustic Irish fare is created by two degreed chefs, using regionally sourced ingredients, organic whenever possible, with gluten-free and dairy-free options.

With Teddi's marketing experience and Gary's engineering background, they've intentionally designed the pub for maximum comfort and efficiency. "Constant reinvention is the key," remarks Teddi. "We've done great things but we've also made mistakes. You have to be adaptable." Wherever she goes she is always on the lookout for ideas to bring back to the pub. The Tavern was the first in the area to offer live music. They've hosted performers such as Wendy Woo, Big Paddy and John Weiss, in addition to their popular trivia nights.

Over the years, about a dozen family members have worked at the Tavern. The team enjoys a camaraderie that enables them to work seamlessly as they serve their guests. Some employees have been there since the Tavern opened, which says a lot about the culture. "I love my job, it doesn't feel like work," says Teddi.

Even better? How the "family" has grown. Teddi says she never expected to become so close with her employees and guests, and get to celebrate important life events with them. The Tavern has seen birthday parties, wedding proposals, books written, campaign announcements, even babies being born (well, labor pains, anyway). HGTV and Discovery Channel have even filmed on location there. The flags hanging over the bar have all been donated by guests and each has a story to go with it.

"This is where life happens," Teddi says with a warm smile. "We've always said, 'We are inviting people into our home.' They become a part of your life - it's pretty special."

The Tavern's location is special, too. Bradburn Village is a mixed-use neighborhood, designed to be pedestrian oriented. Restaurants, shops and parks are only a few minutes away. "The community relationships of Bradburn were why we chose here. We say on the curb and said, 'This is going to be amazing'."

And it is.

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