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Pleasure to Meet You

I’m Chef Colton Wagner, owner and founder of The Colorado Cache, LLC. My journey begins in the picturesque small town of Durango, Colorado—a hidden gem nestled in the majestic San Juan Mountains. As a proud multi-generational Coloradan, my culinary roots run deep in the rich soil of this incredible state. Weekends on our family ranch were spent crafting canned preserves and elk sausage, embodying the essence of true home-style cooking.

My first steps into the culinary world came as a dishwasher and prep cook at a renowned seafood and steakhouse in downtown Durango. Peeling potatoes and shucking oysters by the hundreds, I slowly climbed the ranks and discovered my passion for the craft.

After high school, I moved to Beaver Creek in the Vail Valley to attend culinary school. For two years, I immersed myself in diverse restaurant concepts, learning classic French techniques one day and perfecting handmade pasta the next. Under the guidance of some of the most skilled and demanding chefs in the region, I honed my skills and developed a deep respect for the art of cooking.

The next chapter of my journey brought me to the city, where I accepted a sous chef position at a gastro pub in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. It was here that I fully embraced my culinary creativity, weaving the flavors of my childhood into the world of fine dining. Our hard work paid off with accolades such as Best New Restaurant and Best Charcuterie Menu in Denver in 2010.

In 2012, I moved to Boulder, where I fell in love—with both the city and the life I’ve built here with my wife and daughter. At just 23 years old, I was honored to become the executive chef for The Kitchen, a celebrated farm-to-table concept founded by Kimbal Musk. Over six years, I led the kitchen through numerous accolades and expansions, eventually taking on the role of National Executive Chef. This gave me the incredible opportunity to travel the country, open new restaurants, and deepen my understanding of the industry.

But my thirst for culinary knowledge didn’t stop there. I sought inspiration globally, staging at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City and exploring the culinary landscapes of Peru, Spain, and France. From the refined elegance of three-star Michelin dining to the vibrant street food scenes, these experiences fueled my passion for innovation and creativity, particularly in the realm of molecular gastronomy.

Through The Colorado Cache, LLC, I’ve been privileged to bring my culinary vision to life across Colorado. From intimate wedding dinners to private events for headliners at Red Rocks Amphitheater, every meal is an opportunity to share my love of food and the mountains that inspire me.

This journey is far from over, and I’m excited to continue creating unforgettable culinary experiences with you.

Talk soon,
Chef Colton Wagner