Page 13 - September E uide Proof

The menu is expansive and varied; diners can order food to fit their mood, like mahi tacos, chicken potstickers with sriracha-infused soy sauce, and The Boss burger, which includes carnitas, andouille sausage, ghost pepper cheese, jalapeños and chipotle aioli.
Patrons at The Library Co. Bar & Kitchen can start with any number of appetizers, from southwestern chicken eggrolls to oysters to bang bang shrimp to avocado toast. Then it becomes decision time for the main entree, and that’s no easy
feat. Diners must choose between dishes like the half rack of ribs with bourbon glaze and mashed potatoes, the chicken parmigiana dinner, or The Secretary burger topped with grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, onion jam, blue cheese and aioli.
Just as any good parent would, Hernandez refuses to name a favorite among his restaurants.
“The GYM is the newborn, so
I’m usually there helping take
care of it. The Office is the older one, and The Library is like the weird middle kid who doesn’t need me for anything,” said Hernandez, who also has five actual children.
Unlike many restaurants these days, Hernandez’s three eateries are fully staffed. Aside from taking home above-average earnings, the staff
at each place feels like a family, a fact that’s confirmed by one of the bartenders. The relaxed atmosphere – one that comes partly from not constantly striving for perfection
at all times – is the result of a purposeful culture shift.
“I just wanted a place where you can have fun and move away from everything being so proper,” he said. “My staff and customers have fun.”
The public has responded positively, helping all three establishments
endure pandemic-related restrictions that spelled the end for some high-end restaurants. The feedback and support has been gratifying for Hernandez, who visualized and executed a
plan that has worked far beyond expectation. He even did much of the remodeling work himself.
Obviously, the names of the restaurants carry a humorous theme, allowing visitors to inconspicuously tell loved ones they’re going to The Office or The Library or The GYM while being entirely truthful. Other such styled names are ready for the taking should Hernandez decide to expand later on.
And like any successful restaurateur, Hernandez is always assessing and looking to the future for potential opportunities. He’s considering opening a street taco restaurant with a drive-thru near the heart of Parker.
The Office Co. Bar & Kitchen
230 Third St Ste 100 Castle Rock, 80104 303-660-2280 www.theofficecocr.com
The Library Co. Bar & Kitchen
3911 Ambrosia St Ste 101 Castle Rock, 80109 720-389-5986 www.bestbarcastlerock.com
The GYM Co. Tavern
18951 Mainstreet Unit C Parker, 80134 303-805-2877 www.thegyminparker.com
13
“I just wanted a place where you can have fun and move away from everything being so proper. My staff and customers have fun.”
– Mike Hernandez
The GYM Co. has great food and atmosphere – billiards, darts, foosball and fun.
The Library Co. Bar & Kitchen has a relaxed atmosphere like its sister restaurants.