An Interview with Snooze

I love breakfast. A warm cup of coffee, bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast… or maybe pancakes… or should I do a breakfast burrito.. it all sounds so good. I remember living in the mountains and being the biggest pain in the butt to my friends. Some people woke up early for fresh tracks, I woke up even earlier so I could have a big breakfast before my fresh tracks. My friends would always know it was me because my calls came in the wee hours of the morning looking for breakfast and ski companions as a round robin, hitting their home, their cell, then their roommates cell. Eventually I would find someone who hadn’t gone out big the night before. Okay, I admit I can be a bit of a freak about getting up on the hill early and staying fueled up to ski through the day without stopping… especially on a powder day. And the key to making that happen is a great breakfast.
So of course my time in Denver has been spent hunting down some of the best breakfast spots around. Now imagine how excited I was the first time I went into Snooze. Great coffee, killer pancakes, and a steak and eggs benedict that is out of this world. You will find me there at least once every week, which is made easier by the fact that they are open every day.

The last time I was in there I was with about 12 folks, which gave us a full sampling of the menu. Everything was great, and a few new members of the Snooze fan club were started. So I thought it was time to get to know Snooze and it’s host and owner Jon Schlegel a little better. Join me for an interview with Snooze…

1: Let’s start out basic for folks who have never been in to visit you. Tell us a little bit about Snooze.

Snooze is my dream. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 13, went to DU for the Hotel, Restaurant School, and have been in fine dining for a while. It’s the package for a breakfast restaurant; focus on great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere.

2: By the way, Snooze is a great name. Where did you come up with that?

I’ve been working restaurant hours since I can remember. I thought to myself, If I ever want to coach my kids soccer teams, If I ever want to be at home for dinner with a future family, if I ever want to have nights off, I needed to change something. I would set my alarm every morning to try and be an early bird, to live the life of “normal” people, even though I went to bed at 3a most nights. I hit the Snooze 3 times, each morning….and one morning, while I was searching for my answer on how to have nights off….the epiphany happened.

3: Can you share a little bit about the background of Snooze and how you got started? Is this your first restaurant?

Snooze is the classic start up business story. Over 20 banks said NO, investors, developers….and than finally, the whole thing happened. I started the business plan in 2000, and had several people critique it. It’s my first restaurant that I own, but since moving back to Denver, I’ve been the manager of The Denver Chophouse, Sushi Den, MAO (Now Ocean), and Monarck.

4: Okay, I have to ask about the pancakes. How many types do you have and which are your favorites?

We had National Pancake Day in September and we had three batters, 20 ingredients, 15 sauces and 7 butters to choose from. We have a ton of pancake ideas….it is really what tastes best, what’s the season. It’s great because it’s constantly evolving. I am a Reece’s Pieces junkie….it’s a joke among my family. The new big cups are my favorite. So, the Peanut Butter Cup pancake is mine (Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter Cream Anglaise, and More Chocolate on top, crushed peanuts for garnish)

5: If you had a friend in to visit and they only got one meal at Snooze, what would you recommend they try that they couldn’t find anywhere else?

Juan’s Breakfast Tacos with flour tortillas and Chorizo, a side Pineapple Upside Down Pancake, a cup or House Coffee (Our Own blend flown in from Guatemala each week) and a Morning Manhattan.

6: Any plans to franchise Snooze, open additional locations, or open something new?

We still have so much we want to do with this Snooze. The product can always evolve, improve I feel. Plus, I have some great regulars and employees. When you have more locations, that all changes.

7: Any plans for lunch or dinner? Any new items for the menu coming soon?

No Dinner. We want to do two meals, breakfast and lunch, and do them well. We serve lunch Monday – Friday and our menu changes approximately each 2 months. We have a new menu rolling out February 6th…..it’ll be sweet!

8: Didn’t you recently have a pancake charity event? What events have you had and are there any more planned?

Make a Wish for Pancakes Day….Pick your batter, pick your ingredients. All Pancake sales went to our neighbors at the Samaritan Shelter. We’ve hosted everything from DU alumni events, to Dinner Rehearsals. We have the chef and the liquor license and the space. It depends on the occasion.

9: Can you tell us about your location? Denver is constantly growing, have you seen changes?

As a Denver native, I wasn’t even allowed down in this area. However, I live above the restaurant and am the VP of the Ballpark Neighborhood Association. I’m familiar with the historic district, future developments; future endeavors….the area are great. In my opinion, it’s the most diverse of the Denver Neighborhoods which is a cool characteristic.

10: Anything else I should have asked that folks should know?

I love hearing about someone’s Favorite dining experience! It doesn’t matter when or where but what was it that made it so memorable!? One of my favorite books is THE PERFECT MEAL……it’s about the best meals all over the world. Some in rural parts of Asia, other chapters at the nicest fine dining restaurant in the world. Tell me yours….

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