Meet Megan | Co-Owner

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

Hi Megan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
At Nicolo’s, we don’t really buy into the idea of “work-life balance” as some kind of 50/50 split. There’s just life—and we try to show up fully wherever we are needed most.

When we first took over the restaurant, we were underwater. The learning curve was steep, the days were long, and honestly, we were just trying to survive. There were moments we didn’t know which way was up. But what kept us grounded was our why: building a place where people feel seen, fed, and connected—a true hub for the Lakewood community.

Over time, we’ve learned that balance isn’t about equal parts—it’s about alignment. Sometimes the business needs more of us. Sometimes our marriage, our kiddo, or our personal well-being comes first. We try to honor that pull by living our core values—hospitality, growth, respect, focus, and integrity—not just in the restaurant, but in every part of our life.

The truth is, we chose this life. And we’re proud of it. We lean in, we adapt, and we keep showing up with full hearts, whether we’re rolling dough, coaching a team member, or making memories at home.

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?
Tell us more about your business. What sets you apart? What are you most proud of?

Nicolo’s is more than just a pizza place—it’s a space built on heart, hustle, and hospitality. We’re a family-owned Italian restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, with roots deep in this community. We grew up coming here for sports banquets, movie nights, and birthdays, and when the original owner was ready to pass the torch, we took the leap to carry on the legacy and evolve it into something even bigger.

What sets us apart? We give a damn about the details. From house-made sauces to thoughtful training, from the energy in the dining room to the way we roll silverware—every piece of the experience matters. We’ve put in the work to level up the quality, invest in our team, and create a place where people want to gather. Whether it’s a date night, a birthday, or just a Tuesday, we want you to feel welcomed, fed, and valued.

Was it easy? Not even close.

The early days were survival mode. The learning curve was brutal. We had to rebuild systems, retrain ourselves, and figure out how to be leaders while keeping the doors open and the lights on. There were nights we questioned everything. But every challenge taught us something. We learned to communicate better, lead with clarity, and lean into our core values—hospitality, growth, respect, focus, and integrity. Those values aren’t just on our wall—they’re the blueprint for how we do life and business.

What are we most proud of?

The culture. The team. The way guests feel when they walk through our doors. We’ve created something that people are proud to be part of—both behind the counter and on the other side of the table.

What do we want the world to know about our story?

We didn’t buy a restaurant just to run a business—we bought it to build a community hub. A place where people come to make memories, to reconnect, to feel joy. We believe restaurants can be a force for good in the world. And we show up every day to prove it.

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?
If one of our best friends was coming into town, we’d want to show them all the things we love most about living here—good food, beautiful views, and local spots that feel like home.

We’d definitely kick things off with a hike at Mount Falcon or an early morning visit to Red Rocks—either to catch a sunrise or just to walk the stairs and take in that insane view. It’s one of those places that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve been.

After that, we’d grab a beer at Old 121, our favorite local brewery just down the road. The crew there is awesome, and it’s always full of people who love supporting local—our kind of people.

Dinner one night would be at Bar Dough—we love what they’re doing with Italian food and the vibe is just right. Another night, we’d head to Ash’Kara. The food is bold, flavorful, and totally different in the best way. Their modern Israeli menu always surprises us—in all the right ways.

We’d definitely carve out time to go to Upstairs Circus in LoDo—it’s fun, interactive, and something totally different. Think cocktails and crafting chaos in the best possible way.

If it’s the weekend, we’re hitting the South Pearl Street Farmers Market. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend a Sunday morning—coffee in hand, local produce, and street music. No plans, just vibes.

And if we’ve got time, we’d sneak away to Breckenridge or Frisco for a day, and just soak it all in. It’s the kind of spot that makes you exhale.

We’d end the trip with ice cream at Little Man—because honestly, it’s just a Denver thing. The line’s always long, but it’s worth it every single time.

Really, it’s not about packing the schedule—it’s about showing our people the places that mean something to us. The places that remind us why we love where we live.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We’ve been guided by some incredible mentors along the way. Donald Burns, The Restaurant Coach, has pushed us to lead with clarity, intention, and unapologetic accountability. His influence has shaped not only how we run the restaurant but how we grow as people. Justin Kaliszewski, founder of Outlaw Yoga, continues to be a reminder to live with purpose, speak our truth, and build something that matters.

But if we’re being honest, the loudest and most heartfelt shoutout belongs to our parents. They are the backbone of everything we’ve built. From showing us what hard work really looks like, to teaching us how to show up for family, to cheering us on even when the path made no sense to anyone else—they’ve been there every step of the way. They’ve worked alongside us, cried with us, celebrated with us, and filled in the gaps when we didn’t have the bandwidth. This journey wouldn’t even exist without their belief, sacrifices, and love.

We also want to thank our ancestors—our grandparents, great-grandparents, and all those whose resilience and grit created the possibility for us to stand here today. Their spirit is in the walls of this restaurant, and in every decision we make.

A respectful thank you to Julie, the original owner of Nicolo’s Lakewood, for building a place that meant something to the community. We’re honored to continue what she started, while shaping it into something new.

And of course, we couldn’t do any of this without the Lakewood community. You’ve welcomed us with open arms, supported us through every chapter, and inspired us to keep raising the bar. You’re not just our guests—you’re part of our story.

Website: https://nicolospizzalakewoodco.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicolos.pizza

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

Image Credits
Hannah Patton