About

Picture this: Summer 2001 and Gary is on Widespread Panic Tour. He hit one of the best shows ever in Paolo Soleri Amphitheater in Santa Fe, New Mexico followed quickly by Red Rocks. This would be the last time that Gary would have the freedom to just go "on tour", but it was the opportunity of a lifetime. The owner, Allen Major better known as Cactus Jack was ready to sell the business.

Before us, Cactus Jack's was owned by our dear friend Allen Major, who ran the business for five years before selling it to us in 2001. Allen lived quite a life—he was a pilot, public speaker, and stand-up comedian. He even finished as runner-up to the now-legendary Ellen DeGeneres in a Showtime comedy competition.

But Allen was much more than the former owner of Cactus Jack's. He was the best man at our wedding and held a very special place in our hearts. When he handed us the keys to Cactus Jack's, he wasn't just selling us a business—he was entrusting us with a place and a community he had spent years building.

Allen passed away in 2022. He will always be a part of the Cactus Jack's story, and he is deeply missed. We are forever grateful for his friendship, his larger-than-life personality, and the legacy he left behind.

Taking the Leap in 2001

Our first year was a roller coaster.

Gary had spent many years in the restaurant and bar business, but owning the place and being the person ultimately responsible for everything was a whole new experience. One of his biggest concerns was losing the incredible group of loyal customers Allen had built over the years.

So, we made a conscious decision: don't change too much, too quickly.

Cactus Jack's had always been a locals' bar, and preserving that sense of community was incredibly important to us. When we first took over, Cactus Jack's was a genuine dive bar—and we say that with a lot of affection. Food accounted for only about 15% of our total sales. People came for a cold drink, familiar faces, good conversation, and a place where they felt at home.

Over the years, we slowly began to grow and evolve while staying true to what made Cactus Jack's special in the first place.

Each summer brought new customers, new opportunities, and a little more recognition. In 2007, Cactus Jack's was named Best Bar on the Denver A-List. We were also recognized by the Evergreen Rotary and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment for our efforts in sustainability.

Little by little, our neighborhood bar was getting noticed.

Cactus Jack's was on the map—but it was still, and always would be, Evergreen's local watering hole.

In September 2013, on Friday the 13th, Cactus Jack's flooded.

After weeks of relentless rain, Bear Creek continued to rise, moving faster and more violently than we had ever seen. That night, we made the difficult decision to close our doors—something we had never had to do before.

It was around midnight when we cleared the last patrons out of the bar. One of our employees at the time, **Stephanie Wright—now the owner of Cast Iron Tavern in Golden (check them out, they're delicious!)—**turned to me and asked if she should start her closing side work.

At the time, Cactus Jack's still had carpet. I looked at Stephanie, pointed to the water already coming through the front door, and said, "I think we're good."

We grabbed our personal belongings, rushed outside, and watched as the water began pouring into the place we had spent so many years building.

And it didn't stop.

For four days, the water continued to wreak havoc. The bar flooded, our deck was destroyed, and Cactus Jack's was forced to close for four months while we excavated, repaired, and rebuilt.

Then, just nine days into the rebuilding process, things took another turn. Gary fell through the floor joists and shattered his tibial plateau. Five surgeries later, the injury still affects him, and someday he will likely need a full knee replacement.

But even that wasn't going to stop us.

What happened next reminded us why Cactus Jack's has always been about so much more than a building, a bar, or a restaurant.

Evergreen showed up.

Friends, neighbors, employees, customers, and members of this incredible community helped us put the pieces back together. Four months after watching Bear Creek come through our doors, Cactus Jack's reopened.

The flood changed the building. It changed us, too. But it also showed us just how strong this little mountain community can be when one of its own needs help.

We rebuilt Cactus Jack's, but we certainly didn't do it alone. Evergreen helped bring us back.

2020 — The COVID-19 Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, we knew immediately that we were in for a fight.

Cactus Jack's went into survival mode.

Restaurants were suddenly faced with circumstances none of us could have imagined. We experienced one of the slowest months in our history, but somehow, people kept showing up. Every takeout order, every purchase, and every person who chose to support us mattered.

Evergreen, once again, stepped up.

We knew the business was going to take a financial loss. But very quickly, something became far more important to us: our employees. Or, more accurately, our family of employees.

We wanted to do everything we possibly could to keep our team working and help them through an incredibly uncertain time. During those first several months of the pandemic, we lost only one employee—and that was because she made the personal decision to stay home.

Our staff absolutely kicked ass.

Restaurant workers were considered essential from the very beginning. While much of the world shut down or transitioned to working from home, our employees kept coming to work. They adapted constantly as regulations changed, worked through uncertainty, and did whatever was necessary to keep Cactus Jack's going.

We could not be prouder of them.

The pandemic reinforced something we already knew but perhaps had never appreciated quite enough: our employees are the heart of Cactus Jack's.

And if anyone ever tells you restaurant workers aren't hardworking professionals, THEY ARE WRONG.

The restaurant industry is built on people who work long hours, solve problems on the fly, take care of customers, take care of one another, and somehow keep smiling through it all.

We are incredibly grateful for the employees who stood beside us during one of the hardest chapters in our history. And we are equally grateful to the Evergreen community that stood behind them.

Every time you walked through our doors, ordered a meal, grabbed takeout, or supported us in any way, you helped Cactus Jack's survive.

For that, we will always be thankful.

There are simply too many stories to tell.

Over the years, we've watched friends we met through Cactus Jack's fall in love and have their hearts broken. We've celebrated marriages, babies, new businesses, and new beginnings. We've watched people get divorced, start over, battle illnesses, beat illnesses, and, sadly, we've said goodbye to some very special people along the way.

That's because Cactus Jack's has never been just a restaurant or a bar. It's a family.

We are incredibly proud to have been a small part of so many people's lives. For us, owning Cactus Jack's has been the ultimate experiment—constantly learning, changing, growing, screwing things up occasionally, getting back up, and trying to make this the best possible place for you to gather, eat, drink, laugh, listen to music, and enjoy Evergreen.

HOW IT'S GOING

Did we forget to mention that somewhere along the way, we also raised two pretty amazing sons?

Gus and Jack both grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Evergreen High School.

Gus is now the Head Chef at Cactus Jack's. While attending high school, he earned his culinary certificate from Warren Tech, and over the past several years, he has put those skills to work transforming and improving the quality of the food coming out of our kitchen.

You might be surprised by just how much we make from scratch. Our dressings, gravy, chicken tenders, mac sauce, queso, salsa, spinach dip, and many other items are made right here in-house.

Gus is also recently engaged to our wonderful future daughter-in-law, Brittney. You might find her behind the bar, serving tables—or, when she's not at Cactus Jack's, probably at a Griz show.

Our son Jack took a different path. He studied PGA Golf Management at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. During his summer internships, he returned home to work at Hiwan Golf Club, where he developed strong relationships with the staff and members. Today, Jack is the Head Golf Professional at Hiwan.

Jack's longtime girlfriend, Hailey, has been part of our family since they started dating in 2017.  Hailey graduated from CSU in 2025.  She likes Griz, Widespread Panic and 2000s girl pop.  

We couldn't be prouder of our sons—not simply because of what they have accomplished, but because of the men they have become. They are independent thinkers who work hard, care about their community, and, most importantly, have empathy for others.

Very proud parents over here!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

When you walk through the doors of Cactus Jack's, we hope you see some of the very best of Evergreen.

Our crowd has always been eclectic. On any given day, you'll find longtime locals sitting next to newcomers, families having lunch, musicians setting up for a show, golfers coming off the course, restaurant workers finishing a shift, and friends meeting for a beer.

All are welcome here.

We have partnered with the Evergreen Coalition for Racial Justice to help us continue working toward that mission. We want Cactus Jack's to be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and respected.

Hate and discrimination have no place here. If you ever witness something that makes you or someone else feel unwelcome or unsafe, please find a manager or owner and let us know.

Our philosophy really isn't complicated:

Treat people the way you would want to be treated.

After all these years, after the floods, the pandemic, the celebrations, the heartbreaks, the employees who became family, the customers who became friends, and two boys who grew up to build lives of their own, we're still here.

Still learning. Still changing. Still having fun.

And still incredibly grateful that you continue to walk through our doors.

Thank you for being part of the Cactus Jack's family and part of our story.

At Cactus Jack's Saloon & Grill, we recognize that protecting the natural beauty and environmental health of our mountain community is essential to the future of Evergreen and the quality of life of our residents and visitors. As a locally owned business operating within a historic building, we are committed to responsible operations that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable practices throughout our restaurant and community partnerships.

Cactus Jack's is dedicated to environmental leadership through continuous improvement in waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, education, and community stewardship. We believe environmental responsibility is a shared commitment between our ownership, employees, customers, vendors, and community partners.

Our Environmental Commitments

Source-Separated Recycling Program

Cactus Jack's maintains a source-separated recycling program designed to maximize material recovery and reduce landfill waste. Employees and patrons are encouraged to properly separate recyclable materials including cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, steel, and approved plastics. Recycling collection systems are clearly identified throughout our operations to support responsible disposal practices and minimize contamination.

We work to continually improve diversion rates through staff training, operational reviews, and collaboration with local recycling organizations and service providers.

Waste Reduction

Cactus Jack's is committed to reducing unnecessary waste through operational efficiency and responsible purchasing practices. Our efforts include:

• Reducing single-use materials whenever practical
• Encouraging reuse of products and supplies
• Minimizing food waste through inventory management and portion awareness
• Recycling shipping and packaging materials
• Seeking environmentally preferable products and suppliers when feasible
• Supporting composting and additional diversion opportunities as available

Energy and Resource Conservation

We strive to reduce energy and resource consumption throughout our daily operations by:

• Utilizing energy-efficient lighting and equipment where practical
• Conserving water through responsible kitchen and facility practices
• Reducing unnecessary electricity usage during non-operating hours
• Evaluating opportunities for ongoing operational efficiency improvements
• Encouraging employees to participate in conservation efforts

Education and Community Engagement

Environmental stewardship is an ongoing educational effort. Cactus Jack's is committed to educating employees and patrons about recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable practices through:

• Employee onboarding and operational training
• Clear signage and recycling instructions for guests
• Internal communication regarding sustainability goals and practices
• Community partnerships and participation in local environmental initiatives
• Encouraging responsible environmental behavior both at work and in the community

Leadership in Environmental Stewardship

As a long-standing Evergreen business, Cactus Jack's seeks to lead by example in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the hospitality industry and local community. We believe businesses play an important role in preserving the natural environment that supports our local economy, recreation, and way of life.

We are committed to continuous improvement, measurable environmental progress, and supporting initiatives that strengthen Evergreen's long-term environmental sustainability.

Statement of Commitment

Cactus Jack's Saloon & Grill, its ownership, employees, and patrons share a collective responsibility to reduce waste, recycle responsibly, conserve resources, and protect the environment for future generations. Through daily actions, education, and community leadership, we commit to operating in a manner that reflects respect for our mountain environment and dedication to sustainable business practices.

Together, we strive to make environmental stewardship a core part of the Cactus Jack's experience and culture.

From Our Restaurant to Our Community

Cactus Jack's commitment to sustainability has grown far beyond the walls of our restaurant. Owners Megan and Gary Mitchell also own Foothills Recycling, a locally owned recycling operation serving Evergreen and the surrounding areas. Foothills Recycling was inspired by the sustainability work Megan and Gary implemented at Cactus Jack's and their desire to find better, more responsible ways to manage the restaurant's waste.

Today, Cactus Jack's utilizes Foothills Recycling's source-separated recycling program, helping ensure recyclable materials are properly separated, recovered, and kept out of the landfill. What began as an effort to reduce the environmental footprint of one local restaurant has grown into a larger commitment to improving recycling access and environmental stewardship throughout our mountain community.

For Megan and Gary, the two businesses share a common philosophy: local businesses have both the opportunity and the responsibility to take care of the communities they serve. Through Cactus Jack's and Foothills Recycling, they are working to reduce waste, educate employees and residents, improve recycling practices, and help protect the Foothills community they are proud to call home.

LIVE MUSIC — IT'S PART OF WHO WE ARE

We have always had a passion for live music at Cactus Jack's.

Over the years, we've been incredibly fortunate to welcome some of the best local musicians and bands Colorado has to offer. There's just something special about live music along Bear Creek on a summer afternoon—and if you've experienced it, you know exactly what we mean.

Today, live music is a huge part of the Cactus Jack's experience. During the summer, you'll find bands playing Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We also host Open Mic Nights twice a month, giving musicians of all experience levels a chance to get on stage and share what they've got.

We've continued to expand our live music lineup over the years, bringing even more bands and musicians to Cactus Jack's and giving our customers more opportunities to enjoy great music right here in Evergreen.

Check our event calendar for upcoming bands, open mics, special performances, and other events.

You can also check out our YouTube channel for archived performances and a look back at some great Cactus Jack's shows.

Interested in playing at Cactus Jack's? Email CactusJacksStaffRocks@gmail.com. Our summer calendar fills up quickly, so get your requests in early.

And one tradition we're pretty proud of: we rarely charge a cover. We believe live music should be accessible to everyone. Occasionally, we'll make an exception for a fundraiser, benefit, or special ticketed performance—but most of the time, just come in, grab a drink, find a spot, and enjoy the music.

STILL HERE. STILL GROWING.

After all these years, we are incredibly grateful.

We never could have imagined where this journey would take us when we first took over Cactus Jack's. There have been floods, economic ups and downs, a pandemic, countless late nights, thousands of live performances, employees who became family, customers who became lifelong friends, and more memories than we could ever fit onto this website.

Through all of it, Evergreen has been there for us.

We plan to return the favor.

Our commitment to this community extends well beyond the walls of Cactus Jack's. We continue to volunteer, serve on local boards, support community organizations, host fundraisers, champion sustainability, and look for ways to make Evergreen an even better place to live, work, and visit.

We don't know exactly what the next chapter of Cactus Jack's will look like—and after everything we've experienced, we've learned not to make too many predictions.

But we do know this:

We'll keep showing up. We'll keep supporting this community. We'll keep the music playing. And we'll keep trying to make Cactus Jack's a place where everyone feels at home.

Evergreen is a special place.

Enjoy it. Support it. Take care of it.

And thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.

— Gary & Megan Mitchell