How New Owner Byron Wheeler is Taking Peckish to the Next Level

If you've been on the Hill recently, you're sure to have noticed a new energy coming from Peckish, wether it's the waiting list to get inside for their popular Flip Night promotion on Tuesdays, or the constant parade of local celebrities in and out of the restaurant, it's easy to see that something is new and exciting happening on the Hill.

Byron Wheeler, an experienced restaurateur and brand builder, purchased the business last summer, and immediately began putting his touch on the restaurant.  Wheeler diversified the menu, adding a grill that serves burgers and cheesesteaks in addition to their signature wings, and he rebranded the bar into a CU themed sports bar with additional seating, additional bar services, and of course, more TVs.

"Before I ever walked in this building, the product and location were great," Wheeler says.  "Those are the hardest things to get right.  All they were missing was a little direction on how to be able to serve more guests in a dining room and bar of that size, and how to entice new customers from off the Hill to give the brand a try."  

Wheeler, a parent of a current CU cheerleader, loves being part of the Boulder community and is a proud sponsor of CU Athletics.  "Peckish is a preferred dining partner of CU Athletics, and we are proud to have a close working relationship with the athletic department and the University.  We love being the place where the football and basketball players as well as cheerleaders go after the game, and we are working hard to become the destination sports bar in Boulder."  

Byron also has a passion for the Hill and supporting local businesses.  "I love that there are so many restaurants and bars on the Hill.  They aren't my competitors, they're my friends, my neighbors, my colleagues.  I love that Boulder's best pizza is across the street from me, and that a 100 year old iconic brand is steps down the road from me, and that the best Margarita in Colorado is right around the corner.  There are 30,000 students in our city and another 80,000 residents.  There are plenty of customers for all of us, and if we are all providing great services and products, then the Hill becomes and remains a destination for everyone from miles away!  I'm just proud to be associated with such a great group of local business owners that support each other, support our community, and support CU." 

So what's next for Peckish?  Wheeler says that the restaurant just debuted a new menu that allows for more diversity in food and drink offerings, and they are beginning a live music series that will run on Wednesdays for the remainder of the semester.  Wheeler was most excited about the "Peckish Gives Back" program, featuring CU athletes that plan, promote, and execute fundraiser events at Peckish to raise money for the athlete's hand-picked non profit organization.  "I love partnering with our athletes and being able to work shoulder to shoulder with them to impact an organization that they are passionate about, all while introducing more people to the exciting changes that are happening at Peckish."

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