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

Hi Jason, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I love the self employment aspect, but for me it is about community, culture & mentorship. I think all are equally important. Building a family, by using a great culture with care in guidance and growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been cooking all my life, from washing dishes in Wisconsin to moving to Colorado to try to become a Pro-snowboarder, which I quickly learned was never going to happen. I got a job where I knew what to expect, dishwashing.
From there I was bit by the culinary bug and not only became the Executive Chef but also a competition Chef, which drove me to grow the teams I had assembled to be as passionate about culinary as I was! Once I started owning and opening more restaurants I used those same values in mentoring General Managers and executive teams with the same fire. It was not and still is not easy, but always worth it!! I sacrificed a lot, from 60+ hour work weeks, 20+ days consecutively, to playing mental chess on how to streamline business, to how to guide and grow people that all have different learning styles, personalities and desires. With my consulting company I have been able to help aspiring people grow their dreams without making a lot of the mistakes of a first time business owner. I have always strived to be the best and am there to navigate challenges with my 35+ years of hospitality experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first and foremost, stay at Kinship Landing!! It is a hotel concept built connecting the traveler to the community. For sightseeing of course there are popular spots like Garden of the Gods, but I would prefer to go on a hike up to Gold Camp or Cascade Falls. Even climbing in 11 mile canyon or Red Rocks Open Space. For breakfast, Omelette Parlor- great biscuits & gravy, or Mother Muff’s- amazing bacon. For lunch, Patty Jewett- a great Ruben sandwich or Thunder & Buttons- fish and chips. For dinner Pizzeria Rustica- awesome vibe like being in Naples Italy, superb pizza & wine list. Another great dinner spot, Tapateria, is 100 % Gluten Free and you would never know it!! Great Spanish food and wine. For late night eats- Chiba Bar has crazy great cocktails and sushi or Ultra Flat Black lounge to grab a drink and watch freestyle hip-hop or slam poetry session, super fun. This city has SO many hidden gems!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dick Hansen. There have been many people that helped shape me into the human I am today, but Dick was an amazing person who really opened my eyes in so many aspects of business. Without his mentorship/friendship I truly feel like I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://www.ascentrestaurantgroup.com

Image Credits
bonnie singleton

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.