New chefs in town: Above: BaBooZa’s is proud to show the handiwork of local chainsaw artist Bongo Love. Middle; Owner Veronica Carpio is always ready with a smile. Bottom; The front desk of BaBooZa’s welcomes patrons. PHOTOS BY JAMIE LAMMERS[/caption]
Husband and wife pairing Veronica Carpio and Bongo Love did not intend to purchase BaBooZa’s to start a restaurant. They had initially bought the building, which sat vacant for fifteen years, to live in, considering that they might want to install sculptures that Love, a chainsaw artist, created. They realized there weren’t many food options in Coal Creek, and having already owned a food trailer from a previous business, they decided to create BaBooZa’s, named after their grandson’s nickname.
They’ve never owned a food establishment before, and Carpio says that it has been an eye-opening experience for them. Realizing how much food waste comes as part of restaurants in general, they decided to focus on more organic foods, along with making sure that the majority of the waste goes to local people with chickens and pigs. Their business is also paperless, with no paper bills, menus, or receipts.
The restaurant utilizes hemp, specifically the health benefits of hemp, in their food, and they also feature hemp wood in their commercial establishment, more than any other establishment in the country. The duo plans to expand their hours and establish a standard as to how the business should be run and how the food should be made.
They hope to start creating events, such as live music and a Coal Creek Canyon chainsaw competition annually. They also hope for a drama-free environment, as they are proud of their one-of-a-kind destination spot that can hopefully create a new community for the people that live nearby.
BaBooZa’s is located at 30549 Colorado 72 in Coal Creek Canyon. For more information about BaBooZa’s, please visit their website at www.baboozas.com or text 720-401-5609. Their Facebook can be found at https:// www.facebook.com/p/BabooZas-Food-Art-100084970403885/.
