In the heart of Denver's bustling ballpark neighborhood, local entrepreneur Dominic Roybal has made his mark on the city's vibrant nightlife scene. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and a Denver resident since the age of two, this business owner's journey is a testament to his persistence and grit amidst adversity.
With a portfolio of four thriving bars — Retro Room, Sidecar, Refinery, and 1930 Blake (Sports Column) — he’s built a diverse set of establishments that cater to a wide range of customers. Each one boasts its own unique specialties and draws, from the Retro Room's famous Pickle Shots to Sidecar's entertaining darts and the Refinery's notorious Buzz Button shot.
The journey began when, after 14 years as an EMT, Dominic found himself yearning for a change in profession. Drawn to the bar and entertainment lifestyle, he would later start his first watering hole, The Retro Room, in 2006. Over the years, his local empire expanded with the Refinery opening in 2014, followed by Sidecar in 2016 and the acquisition of 1930 Blake in September 2022.
The secret to Dominic’s success lies in his knack for crafting an atmosphere that appeals to any and all clientele, while maintaining a strong regular customer base with excellent service and competitive drink prices. He understands the importance of offering a familiar-yet-fun experience, and why it keeps patrons coming back time and time again.
Of course, his story isn’t void of challenges. The ever-changing landscape of downtown Denver, coupled with the diverse and evolving tastes of younger crowds, has required constant adaptation and innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic also dealt a particularly heavy blow to the service industry, posing prolonged closures and capacity restrictions. Despite these setbacks, Roybal persevered, leveraging financial programs and maintaining a dedicated staff to weather the storm.
Through it all, his love for seeing locals enjoy his creations keeps him going. According to Dominic, the simple joy of hearing customers express their appreciation for his establishments is a powerful driving force behind his continued motivation and success.
Looking to the future, Dominic remains optimistic, yet cautious. While potential expansion or remodeling plans for The Retro Room are on the horizon, he recognizes the need for downtown to recover and for the crowds to return before making any significant moves.
Beyond his business ventures, Dominic finds solace in the simple pleasures of life. From hitting the slopes with his family in the winter to relaxing on the lake in the summer, he cherishes his moments away from the fast-paced, late-night bar scene. And when he needs a moment to himself, you'll likely find him tending to his yard; a mindless escape from the demands of his local empire.
In a city where the bar industry is notoriously competitive and challenging, Dominic’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for his customers. With four successful bars under his belt and a keen eye for opportunity, there's no doubt that he’ll continue to shape Denver's nightlife scene for years to come — a true genius among adversity.