Inside Denver’s Brunch Scene with Josh Epps of Jelly Café

What's Good Denver

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On this episode of What’s Good, Denver?!, Ryan sits down with Josh Epps, founder of Jelly Café, a beloved breakfast staple with locations in Capitol Hill and near the University of Denver. Josh shares the origins of Jelly, his journey from a novice restaurateur to a successful business owner, and how the industry has changed over the past 14 years. From surviving the COVID-19 pandemic to adapting to inflationary pressures, Josh provides insight into the challenges and joys of running a restaurant in Denver. Top 5 Takeaways: Right Place, Right Time: Josh and his ex-wife saw an opportunity in Denver’s early brunch scene when they moved from San Francisco. At the time, only a few players like Snooze and Lucille’s dominated the space, making Jelly a much-needed addition. Building a Unique Atmosphere is Key: According to Josh, good food is everywhere in Denver, but what sets a restaurant apart is its vibe and atmosphere. Creating a memorable experience is just as important as what’s on the plate. The Pandemic Changed Everything: Jelly had to adapt quickly to COVID-era restrictions, pivoting to takeout and delivery while dealing with supply chain issues. Though DoorDash and Uber Eats became a significant revenue stream, their high fees made direct orders from customers far more profitable. Inflation’s Heavy Toll on Restaurants: The rising cost of ingredients like eggs (which jumped from $42 to $152 per case) has made running a restaurant even harder than surviving the pandemic. Josh hopes to weather this economic storm by streamlining operations and refining Jelly’s menu. A Chef's Journey: From “White Boy Stoner Kitchen” to Professionalism: Initially, Jelly struggled with staffing, leading Josh to do a lot of the cooking himself. Eventually, he brought in Maria, his head chef, and since then, the restaurant has flourished under a more structured and efficient kitchen team. Josh also gives his top Denver food picks, including The Post for fried chicken and Jet’s Pizza for Detroit-style pizza. For those craving Jelly’s legendary brunch, visit Capitol Hill (600 E 13th Ave) or DU (Evans Ave) and support a true Denver breakfast institution.

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