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

Hi Dante, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We are from Pueblo and have a strong love for our community. However, we have not always been able to hear about the great things happening in our town. During 2020, we saw that businesses were hit hard. We decided to leverage the connections we had and started to develop a website and social media to encourage local consumers to connect with local businesses. In August of 2020, we started showcasing local businesses, events, and some of Pueblo’s rich history.

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 Pueblo is dedicated to showcasing what the Pueblo community has to offer. Our following is mostly made up of local consumers in the Pueblo area. We use our platform to highlight local businesses, events, and also some history. On our social media, we post “Pueblo Facts” that give a brief glimpse into our rich past. Each month we feature a Business of the Month to do a deeper dive into the business and its story. Learning individuals’ stories has connected us to this community even more. Everyone has a story to tell, but not always a place to tell it. Pueblo has been known for its “small-town feel,” but even after meeting many people, there is still a lot about Pueblo that I do not know.
As Our Pueblo has grown, it has been increasingly apparent that it is important for us to also use our platform to help businesses and their owners connect. We have been able to help businesses create additional revenue streams or make a sale as a result of connecting two of our clients. We have heard from people who we encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try a new restaurant. Our Pueblo has become a way to help businesses where they need it. We provide cost-effective promotional services and we are passionate about driving consumers to buy locally from farmers, artists, restaurants, and other businesses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

There are a lot of places to visit and hang out; walking along the Riverwalk, Union Avenue Historic District, and Pueblo’s Neon Alley are a treat. While walking, make sure to visit shops, restaurants, and cafes along the way. There also are great museums and historical sites throughout the city. The Pueblo Levee Mural Project along the Arkansas River and murals scattered around town are other sights to see. In the early fall, the Bell Game is definitely worth attending. It is touted as the oldest ongoing American high school football rivalry west of the Mississippi. To make memories and connect with nature, the Pueblo Zoo and the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center are great choices. Other activities may include disc golf, biking, laser tag, bowling, skating, and more. Local farm stands are a great place for fresh produce and roasted Pueblo chiles. The Chile and Frijoles Festival, farmers markets, and craft fairs are great ways to support local businesses and find that perfect gift.

I am in love with the food of Pueblo. Mexican food is my favorite, and a close second is Pueblo’s Italian cuisine. Pueblo is known for its dishes with green chile and the Pueblo Slopper. The Pueblo Slopper is described as two open-faced cheeseburgers smothered with green chile and raw onions on top. A common Pueblo restaurant term is “smothered,” which means to add a generous ladle of green chile covering the entre. Customers are often asked, “Would you like that smothered?” You can also choose from an excellent selection of food trucks and breweries.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is incredibly supportive of Our Pueblo. Not only do they provide connections and guidance, but also day-to-day support and encouragement that I am very thankful for. I also want to send a shoutout to Southern Colorado Innovation Link (SCIL) for their guidance and support. SCIL provides consulting and resources for entrepreneurs in Southern Colorado. The Pueblo community is wonderful. There are so many amazing individuals in Pueblo that I have had the pleasure to meet and work with so far, and I look forward to meeting even more of my community.

Website: https://www.ourpueblobusinesses.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurPueblo

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

Image Credits
Bell Game 2020 photo – courtesy of Rhonda Thatcher

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.