Meet Marcelo Alvariza | Marcelo , Chef

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

Hi Marcelo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Opening a restaurant was a dream I shared with my father for many years. The name Orejano actually comes from his nickname back in Uruguay, so the restaurant is also my way of honoring him and keeping that connection alive.

Most of my life I worked in family businesses in Uruguay and later owned a commercial flooring company in the U.S. for about 14 years. I learned a lot from those experiences, but deep down I always knew my real passion was the restaurant business. bringing people together through food and creating a place that feels welcoming.

Starting from zero hasn’t been easy. It takes time, sacrifices, and a lot of learning, but I truly enjoy the process. For me, Orejano is much more than a business , it’s something personal, built with passion, family history, and heart.

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?
What makes Orejano special is the warmth and hospitality we give every person who walks through our doors. We want people to feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected from the moment they arrive.

Our food is also a big part of what makes us unique. We stay true to the roots of traditional Uruguayan cuisine, while also blending in flavors and ideas that connect with the tastes and culture here in Colorado. That fusion has allowed us to create something authentic, but also approachable and enjoyable for a wide variety of people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Without a doubt, I would take them to explore different parts of the Colorado mountains. Places like Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat, and the San Juan area are some of my favorites. Coming from Uruguay, the mountains were something completely different from what I grew up around, so Colorado really impressed me from the beginning.

I also love stopping at small local restaurants and hidden spots along the way, because that’s where you really get to know the people and culture of Colorado. For me, the mountains are the best part of this state — the views, the nature, the small towns, and the peaceful atmosphere make it a very special place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would definitely give a shoutout to the people who helped me from the very beginning. My best friend Valentín — who today is also my business partner — believed in this dream from day one. My brother Fernando and my mother were also a huge part of the support system that helped make Orejano possible.

And above all, my wife Grisel has been my biggest support throughout this journey. Her unconditional support, patience, and encouragement during both the good and difficult moments have meant everything to me. Starting a restaurant comes with a lot of sacrifices and challenges, and having people beside you who truly believe in you makes all the difference.

Website: https://www.orejanoco.com

Instagram: orejano_restaurant

Facebook: Orejanorestaurant

Image Credits
Nate Easley