The beloved local North Side Tavern Restaurant has changed ownership after nearly 10 years to the founder’s long-time friend Tim Downs and his wife Christine Downs.
Steve Bauer has owned the tavern, 12708 Lowell Blvd., for almost 10 years, he said. He spent those years using his restaurant expertise to build a local watering hole known for its community atmosphere and loyal customers.
“Every year has gotten busier and busier, it’s been such a blessing,” Bauer said. “The community of this restaurant, the clientele that we have, all make it a great place. It’s amazing to see how many people are just so loyal and here on a regular basis.”
Bauer said he got his start in the restaurant industry over 50 years ago, and as much as he enjoyed owning the tavern, his age and a few health scares left him considering retirement.
“I’ve seen a lot of things (while working in the industry), all around the country and even in Europe, so it was just time for that chapter of my life to rest” he said.
After discussions with his landlord about the special kind of person it would take to pass on the tavern’s legacy, he said, there was no one better than Tim and Christine Downs.
“When (Bauer) called me, I didn’t think it was real — I thought it was a joke,” Tim Downs said. “Now here we are almost a year later, doing something I never thought we’d actually do, and that’s owning a restaurant.”
Tim Downs said he first met Bauer when interviewing for a job with the restaurant chain Yard House, and now they’ve been friends for about 20 years.
“The thing I love about the industry is the people — and (Bauer) and I align with our vision of how to treat people and really care for them,” Tim Downs said. “Now the challenge is to keep North Side Tavern going as (Bauer) created it, as a place where people want to come and make memories.”
Christine Downs said that when her husband came to her with Bauer’s idea, there was no hesitation in considering it. She said they officially transferred ownership of the tavern Sept. 1, and now they’re excited to balance new and fresh ideas with the classic tavern Broomfield loves.
“The people and the products (at the tavern) make it a true gem. We love the people both working and coming in, and they’ve made it a great experience,” Christine Downs said.