The green awnings and wrought-iron wraparound porch of J.R.’s, arguably one of the most iconic gay bars in Denver, shuttered in 2011. Tony P’s, a local pizza joint, quickly moved in, painting the façade a bright purple and pink. They slung mediocre pies for five years before moving on. Down the block, Hamburger Mary’s, known for drag brunch bingo, relocated in 2017. That building has remained vacant. And after 32 years, the nearby Avenue Grill finally succumbed to the pandemic, announcing in 2021 that they would not reopen.
Today, the J.R.’s/Tony P’s building has been bulldozed. Developers hungry to construct high-dollar, high-rise apartments in the heart of Uptown got their way. Now a five-story, 124-unit building looms over one of the oldest institutions on the block: Marczyk Fine Foods.
Owned by brothers Pete and Paul Marczyk in partnership with their wives Barbara and Cherise, this family-owned retailer with a sales floor just over 4,000 square feet has remained steadfast since it opened in 2002. There’s nothing magical about 4,000 square feet, but Barbara Macfarlane, recalls a tale: “You know how in all the old Westerns there’s always a shopkeeper who gets the items for the ladies? That was because only he could touch them. The first superstore, with aisles one could walk down and pick their own products, was so huge that it made women faint. It was 4,000 square feet.”
Marczyk Fine Foods might not have ladies routinely fainting in the aisles, but they have created retail locations worth swooning over. The overhead lighting casts an inviting glow over the well-stocked shelves. The aroma of fresh baked bread hangs in the air and warm smiles from the staff make you feel at home. Marczyk Fine Foods sources local food where possible, with an emphasis on brands that have a story to tell.
One of their earliest partnerships was with Niman Ranch, an all-natural meat company working with small, independent, family-owned farms to produce the finest-tasting beef, pork and lamb. The thick hand-cut steaks and chops were a draw for many customers, but the story about Niman Ranch’s origins helped turn the neighborhood shoppers into loyal Marczyk Fine Foods customers.
Pete Marczyk says, “I think our biggest ‘legacy’ is really the impact on our neighborhoods and neighbors. It is very gratifying to see ‘Walk to Marczyk’s!’ on the real estate flyers. Hopefully, we have also made some long-term impact on our supplier-partners as well.”
In 2006, when Niman Ranch launched its Next Generation Scholarship Foundation to raise funds for the children of rural farmers looking to pursue a career in agriculture and return to the farm, the Marczyks quickly became involved with fundraising efforts.
A large portion of the money raised comes from an event called the Marczyk Front Porch Dinner. Limited seats are sold to a private dinner at Pete and Barbara’s home—the intimate table is set on their front porch. The fundraiser accounts for about half of the money Marzcyk Fine Foods raises for the scholarship. Proceeds from one of their infamous Friday burger nights and a month-long round-up at the register also help contribute to the fundraising efforts.
“We are really fortunate to be doing what we love and doing it sustainably,” says Pete. “I am very humbled by the loyalty of our staff and our customers. Without them, we couldn’t do any of this.”
Since the scholarship’s inception the Marczyks have helped raise more than $220,000 for the Next Generation Foundation—a sum that’s impacting rural farming communities.
Says Chris Oliviero, general manager of Niman Ranch, “Every year, I’m in awe of how Pete, Barb, Paul and the entire Marczyk family and community come together to raise money for young farmer scholarships and grants. Their passion and commitment helped hundreds of young farmers get started raising livestock humanely and sustainably and helped drive job creation and economic vitality back into rural agriculture communities.
During a time of increased division in our country, the Marczyk community has built authentic relationships between urban foodies and rural farmers, showing how food can unite us and be a force for good.”
Being a force for good led Marczyk Fine Foods to open a second location in 2011. At the corner of Colfax and Fairfax, this location was poised to better serve the residents of the Park Hill and Mayfair neighborhoods.
Then came the commissary, which allowed them to produce a wide variety of fresh baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, hot-bar items, homemade ice cream and more.
Their dedication to their craft and the highest-quality products promises success of their plans for a third retail location—in Westminster, slated to open in June—and a grab-and-go location at Denver International Airport (opening in late 2023).
And success for the Marczyk Fine Foods team seems to result in a ripple effect.
“We choose to give money primarily to causes/groups/ideas which promote access,” says Pete. “This is an amazing country to live in, and when young people have access [to education, coaching, gardening, news and information, etc.] they have their best chance at being great Americans who in turn give back when they are able.”
