We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Lind and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The beauty of The Back Nine is its location, specifically being connected to and part owned by The Walnut Room. The Walnut room opened in 2005, in 2016 long time Walnut Room General Manager, Leslie Munson, and executive chef, Jonah Munson purchased the restaurant. In 2021, after the Covid-19 pandemic, small music venues were facing an uphill battle. I (Kevin Lind, friend and longtime beer representative) approached the two with the idea to open a visual golf venue. The idea behind the Back Nine @The Walnut Room, truly stemmed from the fact that only a few indoor golf concepts existed in Colorado, let alone any with a full kitchen. The Walnut Room is a true staple in RiNo, and The Back Nine is no different, we are a neighborhood virtual golf venue focusing on golf, pizza and beer.
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?
The Back Nine is a virtual concept similar to many others, we use top of the line Trackman 4 technology, what sets us apart is the full kitchen focusing on pizzas, wings, sandwiches and wraps. We are the only Denver based virtual golf concept that has its own kitchen and prides itself on affordable prices. Our goal is to bring people together, of all skill levels, to play golf and have a great time, while eating pizza, because we LOVE pizza.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a little bit biased, but I think River North is the coolest neighborhood in Denver. We have everything you could want including virtual golf and pizza! Incredible breweries like our good friends at Odell – Five Points Brewhouse, bars like Lustre Pearl & First Draft, Denver Central Market and Park Burger, you need not look further for a great time!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Walnut Room is the true story and hero of the Back Nine. 16 years in RiNo, a neighborhood that had a one way street and lack of sidewalks/streetlights up until a few years ago. The Walnut Room had a music venue for roughly 16 years that saw incredible talents, and small names who were afforded the opportunity to showcase their talent. The dedication to the neighborhood is present in the owners (Leslie & Jonah Munson) being on site and working daily.
Website: https://www.theback9walnut.com
Instagram: Thebackninerino
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBackNineRiNo/
Image Credits
Bearcreek distillery for pictures with cocktails