Meet Josh & John Wolfe | Small Business Owners, Husbands, Broadway Performers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh & John Wolfe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh & John, what do you attribute your success to?
We brought ourselves to our brand and utilized our background in entertainment. Yes, there was a need for a gay bar in our community so in many ways we were simply filling a void but our experience in entertainment brought in the masses to hear incredibly talented bartenders singing and pouring drinks all night long. That has been the reason people have come back night after night.

What should our readers know about your business?
As Broadway performers, when the shutdown happened we knew we had a calling for something more and wanted to have an impact on our community. With bold colors and loud voices we’ve given the Colorado Springs queer community a voice that no one can ignore. Historically there have been gay nightclubs that have come and gone in our city, with great purpose, but we knew as millennials from the queer community we needed a fresh perspective on what it means to be queer in Colorado Springs in this day and age. Our bar provides an upscale feel with craft cocktails and world class live singing from the bartenders. Something that has never before existed in our town and has been overwhelmingly embraced by the community and it’s allies. We’re certainly proud that all of the diverse groups within our queer community feel at home at icons and we can see and hear the healing that has begun through laughter, cheers, high notes and beverages.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely take them on a hike in Cheyenne canyon after getting coffee and breakfast at either The Exchange or Switchback. For lunch we’d go to 503 west for a Thai salad or short ribs, perhaps a bike or scooter ride on one of the many trails or, if they’re a dog person, take them to the bear creek dog park. Then dinner at tbyrds, the famous, epiphany, or dos santos followed by drinks at Shame and Regret and, of course, Icons.

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?
Our staff! Since we first opened our doors in 2020 we were fortunate enough to find not only some of the most outrageously talented humans but also the kindest bartenders you’ll ever meet. They consistently represent our community and maintain our mission of being a loving and supportive environment for all queer people every night. Watching them grow individually and as a family has been one of the greatest joys for us as bar owners.

Website: www.icons-co.com

Instagram: @icons_colorado

Facebook: @icons-co

Image Credits
Mari Moxley Breanna Katherine