Gavin Berry, GM of Le Bilboquet Denver
Editor ESTHER LEE LEACH interviews the new General Manager of Le Bilboquet, Gavin Berry. Gavin talks about his history in the restaurant industry and his new role. He was photographed at the Le Bilboquet.
Esther Lee Leach: Gavin, you have been in the restaurant industry for over a decade. You grew up in Denver and started in the real estate market and then switched to restaurants. Why did you make that change, and what was your first position in the restaurant industry?
Gavin Berry: I made the switch in 2007 when the real estate and financial markets suffered a huge setback. I was still in my early 20’s and wanted to pursue restaurant operations for a long term career. I started in restaurants at 15 years old with my first job being a server assistant at the Melting Pot here in Denver. The restaurant business provides so many opportunities to get to know all of your guests, the business itself presents different challenges daily.
ELL: After leaving the Denver Chophouse, you joined the Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group as the Assistant Manager at Sullivan’s, and then became the General Manager in 2014. The next year you transferred to Del Frisco’s Grille in Cherry Creek where you remained until 2020. How has the restaurant industry in Cherry Creek changed over these years?
GB: The culture around what diners are looking for has changed. They want a fun upbeat type of atmosphere. The expectations regarding quality have not changed over the years, just the atmosphere in which it is delivered. We are also very fortunate to run a business in Cherry Creek. The district of Cherry Creek has its own small-town feel, even though we are just a few minutes outside of downtown Denver. It is quite enjoyable to go just about anywhere in the district and run into a half dozen familiar faces.
“The district of Cherry Creek has its own small-town feel, even though we are just a few minutes outside of downtown Denver. It is quite enjoyable to go just about anywhere in the district and run into a half dozen familiar faces.”
ELL: This year you became the General Manager of one of the buzziest restaurants in Cherry Creek, Le Bilboquet. Tell us more about your role and what makes Le Bilboquet so special.
GB: As a General Manager you are given the opportunity to wear many hats. Overseeing all aspects of the restaurant and how operations are executed. One of the most important roles is community and guest engagement. Le Bilboquet was an obvious choice for me as it was made apparent that these are definitive pillars of what makes Le Bilboquet so special. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the quality of food, service, and drinks as well. We feel like we are up there with the best of them in not just Cherry Creek, but Denver as a whole. I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of the Le Bilboquet family, we are looking forward to many years of delicious food and celebrations.
ELL: If forced to choose, what are your favorite items from the brunch and dinner menus at Le Bilboquet?
GB: For dinner, I would start with La Terrine de Foie gras (duck foie gras) and as an entrée I would have to choose based on my liking for the evening, so it’s a real toss-up between the Cajun Chicken or the steak frites. Brunch is a little more simple for me as the Les Oeufs Florentine (Poached eggs, Hollandaise, Smoked Salmon, Spinach, Fries) is my absolute favorite.
ELL: You have been very active in the community and serve on the board of the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce. You were also named the Community Leader of the Year in 2016. Tell us more about your role in the Chamber and your involvement in the Cherry Creek community.
GB: I was appointed to the Board of Directors in April of 2017. The Chamber’s efforts are many, but we really want to assist in all ways possible to have all businesses that call Cherry Creek home succeed. Cherry Creek is a unique district with its own identity, bringing all businesses together to experience what the district has to offer can unite the community and build a comradery many other Chambers would truly aspire to have.
ELL: You are also involved with A Precious Child organization. Tell us more about the work and outreach programs that the organization undertakes.
GB: I have been involved with A Precious Child since 2014. We have done dozens of events and back to school backpack drives at several concepts that I was the operator of. A precious child aims to serve the underprivileged youth in the greater Denver metro area. Whether it be for sporting equipment, school supplies, or unique experiences for the children, we do a phenomenal job in every way possible to assist the community in serving the children's needs. I look forward to being a member of their organization for years to come.
Gavin Berry: @gavinjberry
Le Bilboquet Denver: @lebilboquetdenver