About Cactus Jacks

2001 was a roller coaster.  Even though Gary had been in “the business” for many years, it was new to be in charge. He was especially worried about losing the amazing clientele that Allen had been able to build.  It was very important for him to not change too much too quickly. Cactus Jack’s was always your locals bar. When he first bought the bar, it was a genuine dive bar. The food sales were 15% of total sales. Each summer we grew with recognition in 2007 Best Bar on the Denver A-List. We were also recognized by Evergreen Rotary and the State of Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment  for our efforts in sustainability. We were getting on the map! Getting noticed!

Business went on as usual. Each summer we were busier than the last. Each winter we were slower than the last. Evergreen didn’t have many restaurants which we believe hurt our business. Evergreen never really had a food scene until recently. Now more people in the community support local business better than ever. We have proof of that.

In 2013, on Friday the 13th, Cactus Jack’s flooded.  It rained for several weeks straight which led the creek to rise and pick up speed. We remember the night we had to shut our doors for the first time in 18 years. It was midnight and we cleared out the bar of patrons. My employee, Stephanie Wright (owner of Cast Iron Tavern in Golden…check them out.  Yumm!) Turns to me and ask if she should start her closing side work. We had carpet at the time and I turned to her and pointed to the water coming in the front door. “I think we are good” as we rushed outside with our personal items to watch the water seep in. That lasted for four days.  Needless to say, the bar was flooded and the deck was destroyed. We were shut down for 4 months where we excavated and rebuilt. In the first 9 days of rebuilding, Gary fell through a floor joist and broke his tibial plateau. 5 surgeries later and he will still someday need a full knee replacement. That didn’t stop us from reopening with the help from this great town, Evergreen.

The Elks Lodge of Evergreen had a fundraiser for the victims of the flood. We were awarded enough money to buy seating for our restaurant. This was a significant and symbolic gift to us. The chairs represented patrons to us and without our patrons we wouldn’t be here. We were also awarded our first of many Disaster SBA Loans (haha). We never thought we would need another one, but 2020 proved us wrong. Allen Major was critical in our rebuild.  He essentially fronted the money for the rebuild and had to fight tooth and nail for reimbursement from his insurance company (don’t use Llyods of Londan). Cactus Jack’s would not have reopened if it weren’t for Allen Major. Thank you!

Since the flood, business had been on the upswing. We had a new purpose. It was to become more of a restaurant than a bar. Coincidentally, we (Gary & I) had stopped drinking a month and a half prior to the flood.  When the flood happened, we relapsed and had a Jameson drinking binge for a week. Along with the building, we rebuilt our lives better. We reopened in December and have never looked back.  

When 2020 COVID 19 Pandemic began we knew it would be a struggle. Immediately, we went into Survival Mode. Evergreen…you stepped up. We had one of our slowest months to date, but having any sales at all was remarkable. We knew we were going to take a loss, but it became apparent to us that our employees, rather our family of employees would need help. We are pleased to announce that we only lost one employee during the first several months of the pandemic and it was her choice to stay home.  

Our employees kicked ass during this time. We are still recovering from the pandemic and appreciate your support by coming in. They were never given off any time to quarantine. From the get go we were considered essential.  I am so proud of our staff during this difficult time. If anyone ever tells you that restaurant workers aren’t hard working professionals. THEY ARE WRONG. We have realized how important our staff is once again.

There are too many stories to share of our friends from Cactus Jack’s who have found love, heart break, had children, gotten divorced, started businesses, beat illnesses and died. This is not just a restaurant its a family. We are proud to be part of so many peoples lives. It has been the ultimate experiment for us to make this the best place for you to enjoy.