Meet Lavi Jaura | Guest Experience Curator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Lavi Jaura and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lavi, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I was born in Delhi and raised in the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, but it was Fort Collins that gave me roots. I arrived here at sixteen and began working at Star of India — the restaurant that would become my home, my classroom, and my launchpad. By seventeen, I had graduated from high school and dedicated myself fully to the world of hospitality.
This path wasn’t accidental — it’s in my lineage. My mother owned Indian restaurants across Hong Kong, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Hospitality wasn’t just a profession in our family; it was an extension of our identity. Sharing our culture through food became second nature — a way to build bridges, foster belonging, and create community.
My true love, though, has always been the art of cocktails. I mixed my first drink when I was eleven, and something clicked — the creativity, the storytelling, the precision of it all. By twenty-one, I had worked my way up to manager at Star of India, and at twenty-five, I became a partner in the business.
Those years taught me everything. I wasn’t just serving meals — I was witnessing life unfold. I saw first dates turn into weddings, weddings turn into growing families. I helped plan proposals, catered milestones, and celebrated alongside the community. I’ve shown up at school recitals with samosas in hand and delivered lassis to graduation parties. Being a part of thousands of personal stories gave my own story depth, purpose, and clarity.
And then, the question naturally arose: What is the story I want to tell?
When the opportunity to reimagine Choice City presented itself, I saw more than just a business venture. I saw a space to channel everything I’ve lived, loved, and learned — a place to celebrate global flavors, soulful hospitality, and thoughtful design. Choice City became my answer: a story of legacy, reinvention, and limitless flavor.
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?
Choice City isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a love letter to Fort Collins, to flavor, and to every story of the community that’s kept this space alive for over two decades, that brought me here.
Before we reimagined it, Choice City had already served this town for 21 years. It was a beloved neighborhood spot — a place where people came for comfort, connection, and consistency. We’re here today because of that legacy, and we don’t take it lightly. This new chapter of Choice City exists to honor the patrons who’ve supported it through the years, and the community that made it what it was.
When I stepped into this role, I didn’t want to erase the past — I wanted to build on it. We’ve preserved the heart of what made Choice City special, while reimagining the space through a more global, expressive lens. The new Choice City is where cultures collide — where tandoori spices meet Colorado bourbon, where burgers get elevated with bold international flavors, and where cocktails are crafted like works of art.
What sets us apart is the intentionality. Every dish, every drink, every design element is chosen with care. Whether you’re sipping a Darjeeling Gimlet in a velvet chair, enjoying a steak with a local wine pairing, or just grabbing a bite with friends — you’re stepping into a space that’s built with purpose and soul.
Getting here wasn’t easy. We renovated, reinvented, and rebuilt from the ground up — all while honoring the spirit of what came before. There were hard days, long nights, and moments of doubt. But the dream never wavered.
I’ve learned that running a business is about more than food or numbers — it’s about people. It’s about trust, gratitude, and showing up again and again for the community that shows up for you. That’s what I want the world to know about Choice City: we’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to serve — with flavor, with hospitality, and with heart.
We’re not trying to be everywhere. We’re unforgettable right here.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit Fort Collins, I’d give her the full Lavi experience — bold flavors, deep vibes, and soulful moments.
We’d start at Choice City, naturally — sipping on a Crimson Embers and savoring our signature slow-braised pork shank. Velvet chairs, golden light, and that first taste of Fort Collins magic. After dinner, we’d head to Social — the perfect spot for an intimate, beautifully crafted nightcap.
One day, we’d take a beautiful drive up to Horsetooth Reservoir — windows down, music on. We’d spend the day out on the water, anchored with a picnic on the boat: samosas, fresh fruit, a bottle of wine, and nowhere to be. Just sun, peace, and conversation.
We’d dine at The Regional one night — cozy and comforting — and later in the week, we’d visit Star of India, where my story truly began. I’d introduce her to the people who helped raise me in this industry, serve the dishes closest to my heart, and reflect on everything that’s come full circle.
There’d be brunch at Lucile’s, beers at Funkwerks, and music at The Magic Rat. Maybe even a massage at Amara if we were feeling indulgent.
And on her last day, before heading out of town, we’d make one final stop — a visit to the Sikh temple in Commerce City. It would be the perfect place to center ourselves, share langar, and give quiet thanks for the week we had together.
Because for me, it’s never about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters — with love, with intention, and with flavor.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. My story would not be possible without the support, influence, and love of many incredible people.
From a young age, they didn’t just teach me — they shaped me. I was nurtured with high expectations and built tough, taught to lead with resilience, humility, and purpose. They entrusted me with real responsibility early on — not just tasks, but trust. My uncle, who is both my partner and the co-founder of Choice City, has been one of the most influential forces in my life. He taught me the fundamentals of business, but more than that, he instilled the values that guide me every day: lead with integrity, treat everyone with fairness, and always honor your word. His belief in me has never wavered. He holds me to the highest standards — and matches that with unwavering support. I am who I am because he saw something in me before I ever saw it in myself.
Beyond him, it was the community around me that truly inspired me. Fort Collins embraced me. The guests at Star of India — they were more than customers. I watched them grow through life. Being a part of those stories gave me a sense of purpose I never expected. They made me feel seen, and in turn, I wanted to create something that could reflect that same sense of belonging.
And I wouldn’t be there without my team, I want to acknowledge the team at Choice City — the ones who believed in the vision from the beginning. Every person who’s contributed their energy, creativity, and care has helped transform an idea into a living, breathing space filled with flavor, soul, and connection.
Website: https://choicecityfc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choicecity_fc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceCityfc/
Image Credits
@foundwithin_co
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
