Meet Ryan “Rico” Wallace | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan “Rico” Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan “Rico”, how does your business help the community?
At William Oliver’s, we’ve always believed in the power of community. From day one, we’ve made it our mission to support local businesses. That’s why all our non-whiskey spirits, beer, and wine come from Colorado companies. But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We’re actively involved in our community through initiatives like supporting a different local charity each month, and participating in adopt-a-street and adopt-a-trail programs. It’s about giving back and making a positive impact where we live and serve.

What should our readers know about your business?
At William Oliver’s, we believe a great pub should be more than just a place to grab a drink…it should be a community hub where people feel welcomed, where conversations flow freely, and where friends can gather. We pride ourselves on a simple but unforgettable experience: no live music, no loud TVs, just great drinks and even better company. We’re dedicated to quality, whether it’s the 400+ whiskies we offer from around the world or the Colorado-made spirits and beer that define our menu.

Our bacon is legendary, thick-sliced, hand-cut, and served in a pint glass, alongside our bacon-centric menu. But we don’t forget our vegetarian and vegan friends, with options like our house-made red-bean chili. It all starts with a passion for quality ingredients and an attention to detail that even led us to taste dozens of different bacons before finding the perfect one.

What sets us apart is our dedication to bringing back the spirit of the original Publick Houses…a place where great food, quality drinks, and friendly service are at the heart of every interaction. The vision for William Oliver’s started when I was a kid in Germany, watching people unwind at Biergartens. That idea evolved into a dream with my wife, Tiffany, and in 2013, we opened our first location in Fort Collins. Since then, we’ve expanded to Lafayette and Windsor, always staying true to our roots and what makes a great pub.

The journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced setbacks, like a shelf of 102 bottles of whisky falling just before our soft opening, but those challenges only made us more determined. Today, we’re proud to serve as a gathering place for our community, offering a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter who they are or where they come from.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one because we’re so lucky in Colorado to have so many amazing options. As a Denver native, I tend to start and end the trip in the city, but in between, it’s all about exploring the small communities along the front range and up into the mountains. Nothing says Colorado like a mix of local food (naturally, a stop at William Oliver’s) and hitting a few local breweries. For something special, I love taking people to NoCo Distillery in Fort Collins. It’s hard to pick a favorite among the locally made whiskeys, but NoCo offers such an intimate experience that it’s tough to beat.

Website: williamolivers.com

Instagram: @williamoliversfortcollins, @williamoliverslafayette, and @williamoliverswindsor

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

Image Credits
John Robson Photography