When Brian Rudy opens the doors to Los Ponchos each morning, he carries with him decades of connection to Greeley. A proud University of Northern Colorado graduate, longtime wrestling coach at Greeley Central High School, and former mayor of Evans, Brian has never been far from the center of this community. His journey into the restaurant world began years ago with three successful Jimmy John’s franchises, but Los Ponchos represents something different—something personal. It is the culmination of family, culture, and perseverance, and it has already carved out a spot on Greeley’s west side.
The idea for Los Ponchos began when Brian and his brother, Chris, were searching for a way to fill a vacant unit in a building they owned. Inspiration struck after Chris spoke with a friend from Columbine Country Club—an executive chef preparing for retirement. Known affectionately as “Mama” Rosales, she had spent more than a decade sharing her culinary gifts at prestigious clubs. Though she was ready to step back from her formal career, her passion for cooking was still strong.
Mama brought her cherished recipes, rooted in her Salvadoran heritage, while the Rudys provided the space and support to bring the vision to life. That partnership became the foundation of Los Ponchos. “Everything we make is homemade, from the salsa to the meats sliced each morning,” Brian explained. “They’re Mama’s recipes, and we don’t change or take shortcuts with them.”
Inside the restaurant, Mama’s influence is everywhere. A photograph of her hangs in the kitchen as a tribute to the origins of the menu. The walls feature playful murals and Spanish phrases, with new pieces added as friends and family return from travels to Mexico. The décor grows alongside the restaurant itself. For Brian and his team, the goal was never polish or pretense—it was honesty, a space that feels like home.
Since its opening in late October of 2023, Los Ponchos has steadily built a loyal following. Breakfast burritos, ready for busy mornings or customized to order, have become favorites among oilfield workers, families, and locals looking for a hearty start to the day. Tacos, smothered burritos, and Mama’s salsa draw praise for their balance of spice and richness. While Greeley has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, Los Ponchos is set apart by its roots in both Salvadoran and Mexican cooking. Mama Rosales’ recipes blend the familiar comforts of authentic Mexican fare with the earthy, homemade depth of Salvadoran tradition. From the tang of fresh salsa to the slow-cooked meats, every dish carries the mark of food made from scratch.
But the story of Los Ponchos is as much about people as it is about food. Family is at its foundation. Brian’s wife, Samantha, plays a critical role in the family’s restaurant operations, overseeing their Jimmy John’s stores and supporting Los Ponchos as well. The couple’s twin six-year-olds are already part of the atmosphere, proudly spending time in the restaurant that bears the imprint of their family’s hard work.
Community has always been central to Brian’s life, and Los Ponchos is no exception. For 21 years, he coached wrestling in Greeley, mentoring students from all walks of life. His time in local government deepened that connection, and he has long believed in giving back however possible. That spirit carries into the restaurant, where Los Ponchos sponsors youth sports, supports local causes, and looks for ways to make an impact. One upcoming promotion speaks directly to that commitment: $2 breakfast burritos on Mondays for students who show an ID. It reflects Brian’s belief that food should be accessible, especially for young people navigating busy lives with tight budgets.
This dedication to service feels all the more remarkable given the personal challenges Brian has faced. The restaurant’s sign went up months before the doors finally opened, leaving many in Greeley wondering about the delay. During that time, Brian was undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy treatments as part of his fight against cancer. The illness slowed the process, but it never stopped it. “It wasn’t that we didn’t want to open sooner,” he explained. “I just physically couldn’t at the time.” With treatments now part of his routine, Brian has refused to let his diagnosis define him. His determination to keep working, building, and serving has only deepened his ties to the city he calls home.
For Brian, Greeley is more than where he lives; it is part of who he is. He has been here since 1993, raised a family here, built businesses here, and devoted years to coaching and civic service. Los Ponchos is simply the latest extension of that lifelong commitment. It is a place to share a meal, to gather with friends and family, and to connect over food that carries a story.
Looking ahead, Brian hopes Los Ponchos will become a community fixture, the kind of spot families stop at before a football game or students swing by after class. Expansion may come in time, but the priority now is creating a place where tradition, flavor, and generosity come together.
Los Ponchos is more than a restaurant on 6925 W 10th St Suite 200. It is the story of a family, a neighborhood, and a man who continues to give even while fighting his own battles. In its first year, it has already found its place in Greeley’s culture. For residents and students alike, it offers something more than a meal—it offers a seat at Mama’s kitchen table. Visit their website for more information or to order online LosPonchosRestaurant.com.
“Los Ponchos is a family effort, from my wife and brother to Mama’s recipes that make it special. Every dish carries a story of where we come from, and we want people to feel that sense of home when they walk in.” - Brian Rudy, Co-Owner