“The funding we received from CEF allowed us to open our diner only 45 days after we signed the lease. We stayed on schedule and on budget because we were able to open with confidence that we were properly funded.”
– Chris Donato, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Chris Donato

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
Champagne Tiger is a high energy French American Diner on East Colfax. Serving playful menu classics in a mid-century 1960s diner. Comfortable to be in and easy to enjoy every day is an invitation to celebration. Hosting Pasta & Piano night every Wednesday, $5 Martini Lunch on Fridays and Denver's Most Luxurious Drag Brunch every Sunday.

How did the idea for your business come about?
Champagne Tiger operated as a pop-up series for 3 years before opening on E Colfax. The vision is to bring together the finer things normally reserved for fancy restaurants, in a fun, energetic & welcoming queer space.

What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location?
The diner is located on East Colfax - the most Denver street in the City. We love that the street has mostly independent business and attracts so many different types of people. You can drink at a dive bar, go see a show at the Fillmore, get a great cocktail with us.

What led your business to seek out new/additional funding?
We started raising capital from generous friends and family but had a couple of issues closing the last gap in our financing. After talking to the city we didn't qualify for their loan program and needed to find help quickly to secure the lease.

What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.?
Our current restaurant space came on the market suddenly and we raised capital to open the business in 4 months. A previous loan we were counting on fell through but CEF was able to help us get back on track quickly.

What was different about working with CEF compared to other lenders?
The process was easier - other city sponsor loans required so much work to submit to. After we submitted they wanted us to resubmit again and again to update information. CEF was one submission, one time.

What were you able to do with the funding you received from CEF?
The funding were received from CEF allowed us to open our diner only 45 days after we signed the lease. We stayed on schedule and on budget because we were able to open with confidence that we were properly funded.

Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes.
Our first year of business has been amazing! The support from the whole community and the number of regular guests that visit often is due to the loan we received.

What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?
We are looking forward to the BRT construction moving away from our business. After a wonderful first year we've seen a decrease in business since our road became closed and guests can't access our business.