Josh Wolkon: Owner of Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve Artwork

Career Conversations with Chris

An informational podcast all about the world of work and those within it. Past, present and future will be discussed in detail with opportunities to explain successes, failures and learning opportunities where the guest will represent their specific industry. Exposing the unknown intricacies in industries for young professionals where advice is passed on from established professionals to those joining the workforce.

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Career Conversations with Chris

Josh Wolkon: Owner of Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve

December 29, 2025 • Chris W

0:00 | 50:28

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, I’m joined by Josh Wolkon, the force behind some of Denver’s most iconic spots: Vesta, Steuben’s, and Ace Eat Serve.

Key themes from the conversation:

From frat parties to full dining rooms: how early instincts sparked a career in hospitality
Corporate structure vs. soul: what big F&B taught him (and why he left)
Butts in seats: the mix of word-of-mouth, social media, and a little Food Network magic
When the wheels fall off: service crashes, guest recovery, and lessons learned
Denver’s food story: from a handful of kitchens to a true culinary city
Creativity at scale: ping-pong tables, modern Asian menus, and 500 covers a night
Staying power: building culture, delegating, and finding balance outside the kitchen
What’s next: wing sauces, coffee bars, and exploring new outlets for creativity

Join Chris and Josh for a fast-moving conversation on restaurants, resilience, and why hospitality still feels like throwing the best party in town.