Denver Businesses Step Up Free Meals And Services For Furloughed Federal Workers

During a government shutdown, when federal employees faced financial hardship due to delayed paychecks, Denver's business community demonstrated remarkable solidarity. Restaurants, cafes, and other establishments across the metro area stepped forward to offer free meals, discounts, and services to affected workers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the generosity shown by Denver businesses during this challenging time, detailing the various offers available to furloughed federal employees who presented valid government identification.

Restaurant Offers in Denver

Denver's restaurant industry was particularly responsive to the needs of furloughed federal workers. Numerous establishments across the city extended complimentary meals and beverages to help alleviate the financial strain caused by the shutdown.

Mexican and Southwestern Cuisine

Several Mexican and Southwestern restaurants participated in the relief efforts:

• Señor Bear: Government employees with valid IDs received a free bowl of pozole (pork, hominy, and red chile broth) and a beer from 5pm until close Mondays through Thursdays until the end of the shutdown.
• Kachina Cantina: Through January 21, furloughed workers could get a free taco plate or Navajo fry bread with rice and beans along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
• El Dorado Mexican Restaurant (Golden): Federal employees with valid IDs received a complimentary burrito and soft drink.
• Le French Cafe: Government employees affected by the furlough could enjoy a sweet or savory crepe on the house through the end of the shutdown.

Pizza and Italian Establishments

Pizza and Italian restaurants also joined in the effort to support furloughed workers:

• D.C. Pie Co.: Furloughed employees received a free specialty cocktail of their choice with federal ID.
• Oblio's Pizza (Park Hill): The pizzeria offered free meals for government employees and their families. Additionally, Oblio's hosted fundraisers on January 14 and 16 for furloughed families, with 20% of dine-in and take-out sales donated to affected families.
• The Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria: Between January 11 and January 16, the restaurant provided a free meal to furloughed federal workers who showed their employment ID.
• Fazoli's (multiple locations): Federal government workers received a free pizza or baked spaghetti with the purchase of a small drink.
• Romano's Macaroni Grill (Greenwood Village and Westminster): The restaurant offered a complimentary Mom's Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti plate between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for affected federal employees.

Casual Dining and Eateries

Various casual dining establishments participated in the relief efforts:

• Citizen Rail: Kids of furloughed workers ate free at Citizen Rail through the end of the shutdown with valid ID.
• Modern Market Eatery: From 5 p.m. to close every Friday through Sunday through the shutdown, government employees received a complimentary grain bowl.
• Urban Farmer (Denver): From January 28 through February 1, furloughed employees could enjoy a free brunch entrée (inclusive of tax and tip) at this modern steak house from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Hopdoddy (Denver): On Wednesday, January 23, this fast-casual chain offered workers a free burger, regular fries, and non-alcoholic beverage.
• Bar Dough: Details were not fully specified in the source material.

Breweries and Distilleries

Local breweries and distilleries showed their support by offering complimentary drinks:

• Great Divide Brewing Company: The Denver brewery offered buy-one-get-one beers to any furloughed employee throughout the shutdown.
• State 38 Distilling (Golden): Appropriately, furloughed employees could stop by for a free shot of Impeach Vodka.
• Post Brewing Co.: Part of the Big Red F Restaurant Group, which offered support to all furloughed government employees throughout the shutdown.

Cafes and Quick Service

Cafes and quick-service restaurants also provided relief:

• Denver Central Market (RiNo): Government workers received a free drip coffee or 50% off a specialty beverage (Crema); a free Juan's burrito (Izzio); a free chocolate bar (Temper); 20% off anything (Tammen's, Green Seed, SK Provisions, Vero, and Curio Bar); a two-pound package of ground beef or chicken (Local Butcher); and a free breakfast sandwich (Culture Meat & Cheese).
• Walnut Cafe, Southside Walnut Cafe, and Super Mini Walnut Cafe (Boulder, Lafayette): Furloughed employees could stop by any location for a free breakfast.
• Aperitivo (Boulder): Furloughed employees could get a free meal for up to four people at this Gunbarrel spot, limited to once per week. Reservations could be made at 303-530-1326.

Taverns and Grill Establishments

Several taverns and grills offered lunch specials:

• West End Tavern (Boulder): Furloughed employees could visit this Boulder tavern Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and ask for the Furlough Lunch special (which varied weekly). Dine-in only, with tax and tip applicable.
• Zolo Grill (Boulder): This Boulder Southwestern restaurant offered a Furlough Lunch special (which varied weekly) Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Tax and tip applied.

Hotel and Hospitality Offers

The hospitality industry also contributed to supporting furloughed federal workers:

• Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel: Through January 31, furloughed employees received a free flatbread pizza or Sheraton house salad with the purchase of a beverage from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Denver Art Museum: Offered free general admission to furloughed employees and one guest.
• Colorado Symphony: Provided two free tickets to the Mendelssohn Double Concerto or the Classical Romance concerts.

Other Business Offers

Various other businesses extended special offers:

• Sushi-Rama (multiple locations, not valid at DIA): From Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., government employees could enjoy a free lunch of Sushi-Rama's signature conveyor belt sushi.
• Annette (Stanley Marketplace, Aurora): Furloughed diners could get a complimentary happy hour grilled cheese, dinner steak frites, or breakfast sandwich.
• Flex Yoga & Barre on Welton Street: Offered free classes through the shutdown.
• Yoga High Denver: Provided free yoga for furloughed employees. To schedule a class, individuals could visit www.yogahighdenver.com/schedule or call (720) 446-6324.
• Rocky Mountain Health Club: Any furloughed federal worker could take any of Rocky Mountain Health Club classes for free by bringing documentation proving their furloughed status and signing a waiver.
• Office of U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07): Starting January 11, offered food and resources to federal employees and constituents affected by the partial government shutdown. Breakfast and lunch meals were provided Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until the partial government shutdown ended.

Eligibility and Requirements

To access these offers, furloughed federal employees generally needed to:

1. Present a valid federal government ID badge or other proof of employment
2. Some offers were limited to dine-in only
3. Certain offers required tax and tip to be paid by the recipient
4. Some establishments limited offers to specific days or times
5. A few offers extended to family members of furloughed workers

Duration of Offers

The duration of these offers varied by establishment:

• Many offers were available "through the end of the shutdown"
• Some offers had specific end dates (e.g., January 21, January 31)
• A few offers were available for limited periods (e.g., The Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria between January 11-16)

Community Impact and Fundraising

In addition to direct offers, some businesses organized fundraising efforts to support furloughed families:

• Oblio's Pizza hosted fundraisers on January 14 and 16, with 20% of dine-in and take-out sales donated to furloughed families
• People could also donate directly at the restaurant or online

Conclusion

During the government shutdown, Denver's business community demonstrated remarkable generosity and solidarity with furloughed federal workers. From restaurants offering free meals to hotels providing complimentary food and services, the city's establishments created a network of support that helped alleviate the financial strain experienced by affected employees and their families. These offers not only provided immediate relief but also sent a powerful message of community support during a challenging time. The variety of participating businesses—from upscale restaurants to local breweries—highlighted the widespread commitment to supporting those impacted by the shutdown. For furloughed workers, these offers provided not just sustenance but also a sense of being valued by their community.

Sources

1. Denver Restaurants Are Serving Furloughed Employees This Week And Beyond
2. Here's Where Furloughed Employees Can Eat and Drink for Free
3. These Colorado Businesses Are Helping Federal Employees Affected by the Government Shutdown