Meet Bryan Bradigan | Restaurant, Bar and Brewery owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryan Bradigan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I decided to open my own business because I wanted to create an environment where talented individuals—whether in culinary arts, hospitality, or brewing—could truly showcase their skills and creativity. Partnering with such passionate professionals has allowed us to build something unique and dynamic.

Coming from a corporate background, I felt it was the right time for me to grow personally and take on new challenges. My experience prepared me for this transition, giving me the tools and confidence to step out on my own.

Beyond that, we developed a concept that is forward-thinking and relevant to the times. A key part of our vision was creating opportunities to support other small businesses, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This not only strengthens our industry but also allows us to contribute to the success of others, making our venture even more meaningful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
“Our business was built on the foundation of passion, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. What truly sets us apart is our focus on creating spaces where incredibly talented individuals—whether in culinary arts, hospitality, or brewing—can showcase their skills and thrive. We’ve worked hard to develop unique concepts that not only deliver exceptional food, drinks, and experiences but also support other small businesses and build a strong sense of community.

Our portfolio includes Colorado Craft, a restaurant that highlights the best of locally sourced ingredients and showcases Colorado’s vibrant food scene. We also launched The Archives, a cocktail-focused bar where we push the boundaries of mixology while creating an inviting and elevated atmosphere. On the brewing side, we are proud to own and operate Urban Animal Brewery, with two locations dedicated to crafting innovative, high-quality beers that bring people together.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built and the culture we’ve created. Seeing our vision come to life and watching our team members grow and succeed has been incredibly rewarding.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like any entrepreneurial journey, we faced our share of challenges—navigating the unknown, fine-tuning our concepts, and overcoming setbacks. Coming from a corporate background, I had to shift my mindset, embrace uncertainty, and learn to build something from the ground up. Having the right business partners have helped to push through those challenges.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way? Resilience is everything. Flexibility is key. Surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference. No business is built overnight, but staying true to your values and vision will keep you moving forward.

At the core of our brand is a deep love for what we do and a desire to create something meaningful—not just for ourselves, but for our team, our community, and the industry as a whole. We’re here to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas to the table, and build something that lasts.

We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the absolute best of what Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas have to offer—great food, craft beer, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of local community.

Throughout the week, we’d visit some of my favorite breweries like Bristol Brewing at Ivywild, Goat Patch Brewing in the Lincoln Center, and WestFax Brewing in Colorado Springs, known for their excellent beers and great vibes.

For outdoor adventure, we’d hike in North Cheyenne Cañon, explore Garden of the Gods, and even take a trip up Pikes Peak—either by car or the Cog Railway. A day trip to Manitou Springs would be a must, walking through its quirky shops, tasting the natural mineral springs, and soaking at SunWater Spa. If we had time, I’d take them to The Broadmoor just to walk around and experience its beauty.

Food is a huge part of the experience, so we’d hit some of my favorite locally owned restaurants like Jake & Telly’s for amazing Greek food, Red Gravy for top-tier Italian, and Ambli for a globally inspired dining experience.

Ultimately, this trip would be a perfect mix of adventure, great food, craft drinks, and local experiences that really define what I love about this area. Colorado Springs has an incredible local scene, and I’m always excited to share that with people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Starting my own business was a journey that wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of some incredible mentors. I want to give a huge shout-out to Dave Lux, Luke Travins, and Johnny Nolan, who helped pioneer the restaurant industry in Colorado Springs and have been a true inspiration in shaping this path. Their experience and insights were invaluable as we built our concept.

I also want to recognize Jon Weber from Cowboy Star, whose leadership and dedication to excellence in hospitality have set a high standard, and Benjamin Harvey from Northwestern Mutual, who provided great guidance on the financial and business strategy side of things.

Most importantly, I want to acknowledge my wife—an amazing business partner and truly the rock to my kite. Her unwavering support, dedication, and belief in our vision have been instrumental in making this dream a reality. I couldn’t do this without her.r their support.

Website: https://coloradocraftsocial.com, https://www.thearchivescos.com, https://urbananimalbeerco.com

Instagram: urbananimalbeerco, urbananimalbeerco.dt, coloradocraftsocial, thearchivescos

Image Credits

Stephen Martin with explorewithmedia.com