Meet Derrick (Coopdaville) Cooper | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derrick (Coopdaville) Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derrick (Coopdaville), what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was just simply having the freedom to do what I wanted to do. I have worked in this industry since I was 14 years old and I saw a lot of the right ways to do things, and a lot of the wrong ways to do things. So taking that knowledge I wanted to grow a business that was focused on wowing the customer and making sure every guest is extremely satisfied when spending their hard earned money. My objective is to bring the “Gold standard” back! I want to set the curve, not follow trends. Also I wanted the opportunity to teach what I have learned to others and possibly help them start their own businesses. A mentor once told me that you cannot consider yourself successful until you’ve helped someone else be successful and I choose to live by that.

What should our readers know about your business?
OPENFRIDGE GOURMET What can I say, it’s my baby.
I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. I’ve worked for everything from fast food to fine dining, super cooperate to simple mom and pop.
Starting my own business I think was just the next step. I wanted to be able to put out a product that every single customer or guest was extremely happy with. One of the worst feeling is feeling like once you buy something that you’ve been hustled or played. My objective is to go above and beyond to make every single person feel like they are the only focus. It’s definitely not easy but it’s worth it. Having a successful business is great but the feeling of making someone’s day better through a meal is a priceless feeling for me.

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?
I’m pretty low key first of all. Kind of a creature of habit. My first stop is alway Milwaukee street tavern in Cherry creek. This has been my favorite place to wind down or throw back shots for years. It’s kind of that “Cheers” feeling when you walk in because everybody knows your name. The prices are great and the staff is amazing. Plus Quarkey always has a joke for you lol. Next is Margs Taco Bistro. It’s right on the other side of the block. It’s more of an upbeat hip hop feel with plenty of cool people around. The bar stays packed and the bar tenders are some of the most entertaining people I know.
Next is Tetra Private Lounge and Garden. It’s owned by my Denver brother Dawayne king. It is a consumption lounge to most people but to me it’s home base for myself and great friends. Anyone that comes to town that is cannabis friendly makes this a priority stop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course thank God! Nothing is possible without you.

I would first have to thank the best mom in the world Anita Vanessa Cooper (femaleauthor333). Raising two boys to be men was not easy but she did an amazing job I would say.

Obe and Whitney of The Preservery Restaurant for giving me the opportunity to bring my flavor to the Rino art district. And mostly Obe for being a great friend and mentor.

My brother Charles Cooper who is also a chef but even more the most fashionable young man you’ll ever meet in your life. He reminds me everyday to live life and work hard but don’t forget to enjoy it along the way.

My beautiful girlfriend Hannah Benavides is a walking inspiration. She has helped me through everything in my life and continues to stand by my side.

My whole family is so supportive. No organization can rally the troops like the fam. I believe my mom and her sisters found Bin Laden lol.

Denver Colorado thank you! I’ve grown as a chef and as a man here. I’ve learned more about “real food” and health than ever before. I appreciate the support, encouragement, and willingness to invest in homegrown businesses that drive this city.

Website: Www.openfridgegourmet.com

Instagram: @openfridgegourmet @coopdaville85

Linkedin: Derrick cooper

Facebook: OPENFRIDGE GOURMET