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

Hi Alec, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew since my early 20’s that I wanted to start and be the proprietor of my own small business. Upon observing careers and working through my 20’s, I settled on creating restaurants and went to culinary school so I could create the WHOLE concept of a full-service restaurant. I worked and enjoyed nearly every job title within fine dining restaurants, and by age of 36 I was ready, and I opened my first restaurant, Arugula Ristorante in 2009. Then Tangerine came along next door in 2011.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tangerine began with the mission to bring the best aspects of fine dining to breakfast, brunch and lunch in Boulder, while keeping it casual. We stand out from other “breakfast joints” in the care we take to provide exceptional food, service and ambiance. We focus on hospitality and fostering exceptional customer experiences. In 2018 we brought the Tangerine experience to Lafayette and in 2019 to Longmont.

It was not easy to get to where we are, starting three full-service restaurants from the ground up is hard, for anyone attempting it. I have learned A LOT in business, in life and in human relationships through this whole process.

We are from scratch, cooked to order kitchens, something that is hard to find at our daytime price points. Come and enjoy some wholesome and delicious fresh foods. We have a full bar with house made bloody Mary’s, mimosas, beers, cocktails and mocktails. Plus we have a top-notch coffee program that can compete with the best coffee shops.

All three stores have unique artwork created by the owner and his friend, made from antique kitchen, coffee and wine implements

Plus real OJ squeezed fresh every morning !

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.
I love the mountains, the reason I came to Colorado in 1991 in the first place. So, let’s go for a mountain drive to the Gold Hill General Store & Pub, such a cool mountain vibe. Then go for a local hike or mountain bike ride. Once back in Boulder, go hang out on Pearl St, the best place to promenade in our area. And since European food is my family’s first love, have a nice dinner at Gemini on Pearl St. If it’s a bit rainy and cramping your outdoor activities there a several great museums: Museum of Boulder, NCAR science museum, Fiske Planetarium, natural history museum on the CU campus, and more. If you want a beverage in a unique place (and before the building is torn down) the Dark Horse is a Boulder classic. Then head even further west to all the great mountain towns and outdoor activities Colorado is well known for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Love and so much support from wife (Gabriella Schuler) and my parents (Christine Young and Paul Schuler).

Two French Chefs I worked with in small fine dining kitchens: Christian Potvin and Andre Baudu.

Czech Chef and entrepreneur Radek Cerny (currently of Atelier by Radex in Denver) whom I worked under for a few years in Boulder.

Natural Gourmet Institute in Manhattan (shuttered during COVID) where I graduated from in 2001.

Website: https://TangerineEats.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tangerinecolorado/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangerinerestaurants

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.