Local Busnisses

     Pueblo, Colorado is a quintessential small town that has many local businesses that outsiders do not know about. These businesses are unique to Pueblo, some have their roots here, and then they have branched off to other locations; others sadly have succumbed to the small town and closed their doors. By looking into these businesses further (both literally and figuratively), one can understand how truly important these unique businesses are to Pueblo, not only to Pueblo, but to Colorado.

Recipe for Success…?
      Hopscotch Bakery is one of the many local businesses that are located here in Pueblo. Hopscotch makes many of their sweet treats in house, meaning that they make everything themselves from their unique flavored ice creams and sorbets to their delectable pastries. Their staff is always very friendly and are there to greet you once you open the door. This store makes quality goods that are a little higher price but it is worth it for the love and passion that goes into each item. They have many loyal customers that continue to come in, the staff says that they like having regular customers that come in every day because then they can build relationships with their customers. The conversations can be more personal. The topics of conversation are more like these: “How is your dog doing?” or “How was that trip you were going to take?” rather than “How are you?” or “How is your day?” and “How is the weather?” She also stated that all the staff members are really nice and easy to talk to, she liked how her work atmosphere was more like a family than a job. The friendly staff and the personal interaction that customers enjoy might be why Hopscotch Bakery has been around for 10 years.

 

 

Delicious pastries are made fresh daily.

 



Rolling for Initiative…
      Chaos Games and More is one of the only card game stores Pueblo has to offer, but that’s not the only thing a customer has to expect from this unique establishment. This store offers a diverse collection of items that would send many gamers’ heart to flutter, and the owner will make you feel right at home. Chaos games was intended to be a place for gamers of different platforms to come together and co-mingle, one game does not reign supreme over another in this store, in fact the owner John does not like that at all. Once you enter the store you are greeted by the owner himself, standing behind the counter with a “Hello welcome to Chaos Games and More. Anything I can help you find today?” or if you are a returning customer a handshake for the men and a warm hearted hug for the women. The store has many things from board games, miniature games, table top role playing games, and anime. The success of this shop lies in how the owner runs his business with an inclusive not an exclusive attitude and his friendly playful demeanor that helps his customers feel comfortable and at home.

 

 

"Throwback store where you have to talk to other humans"
 John the owner

                                      

This store has many different items for different interests.

 






John likes to joke around with costumers, he has a
very playful personality.



Many different games are played downstairs,
here is Star Wars X-Wing.



Many card gamers come from all over Colorado to play in the tournaments.
There will be a regional Dragon Ball card game held here, there are only
 12 stores hosing in the country.



 

 

Aged to Perfection?

      80/Twenty Wines is the only exclusive wine shop in Pueblo that has a truly knowledgeable staff. The staff helps take the scariness out of purchasing wine because they truly know their wines and can help you pick the perfect wine for any occasion. They also keep a log of what returning customers purchase to help keep track of what you love. This shop is also community minded, they have made and sold wines to benefit local charities such as the YWCA and the Bessemer historical society. The owner will craft a wine and the proceeds from the sales go to the cause.  80/Twenty Wines has the respect of many Denver wine aficionados and have award winning French and Hungarian wine makers visit their shop to have their wine sampled. These wine makers would not go to the big box liquor shops, this coupled with the friendly informed staff is why 80/Twenty Wines has been open for 6 years and will continue to be open for many years to come.

 

Home Grown

     Bingo Burger is Pueblo’s only burger joint and they are expanding to Colorado Springs and possibly New Mexico. Bingo Burger uses ingredients from local farmers, they make their burgers fresh to order, and offer a variety of different meats. They even cater to the vegan crowd with a veggie burger. Their fresh ingredients, friendly staff and fun atmosphere makes this burger joint uniquely successful.

                                

 

Another one bites the dust

     For every successful business there is one that does not succeed in a small town. Two examples of this are Sister’s Courtyard Tea Room and Alternate Universe. Sister’s Courtyard Tea Room was a tea shop that created a playful atmosphere that was reminiscent of tea parties that British socialites would have had. They had many different teas to choose from and a menu that ranged from basic sandwiches and soups to a full tea service that included petit fours and mini tea sandwiches, but alas the atmosphere they created could not keep them open. Alternate Universe was the game store before Chaos Games and more, the owner catered to many different gamers but the small shop made it feel cramped if there were too many people. So when his business started to go under he contacted John and Chaos Games and More opened their doors a month after Alternate Universe closed theirs.