Josh Wolkon: Owner of Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, I’m joined by Josh Wolkon, the force behind some of Denver’s most iconic spots: Vesta, Steuben’s, and Ace Eat Serve.Key themes from the conversation:From frat parties to full dining rooms: how early instincts sparked a career in hospitalityCorporate structure vs. soul: what big F&B taught him (and why he left)Butts in seats: the mix of word-of-mouth, social media, and a little Food Network magicWhen the wheels fall off: service crashes, guest recovery, and lessons learnedDenver’s food story: from a handful of kitchens to a true culinary cityCreativity at scale: ping-pong tables, modern Asian menus, and 500 covers a nightStaying power: building culture, delegating, and finding balance outside the kitchenWhat’s next: wing sauces, coffee bars, and exploring new outlets for creativityJoin Chris and Josh for a fast-moving conversation on restaurants, resilience, and why hospitality still feels like throwing the best party in town.