Leadership Moment with restaurateur Brenda Lucio

Leadership Northern Colorado and Leadership Fort Collins Alumni are invited to

join us for a conversation on

Tuesday, April 13 from 3:30pm to 4:00pm

Register in advance

Brenda Lucio was born in Austin, Minnesota and moved to Colorado when she was 8, and here she grew roots.

Brenda graduated from Greeley West High School and enrolled at UNC with the intention of getting a Business degree.  One semester in she went to work for a family owned restaurant (who would later become her family) that became a chain of 14 at their peak. She put college on hold but found her calling with The Armadillo.  After 19 years of hard work and determination Brenda and her husband left his family’s business and opened their first restaurant, Coyote’s Southwestern Grill in Greeley in 1999.  They have since opened 2 Palomino Mexican Restaurants, 2 Blue Agave Grills and 2 Vatos Taco & Tequila locations.

Brenda married Richard Lucio (her high school sweetheart) at the age of 25.  They have 2 children,  Blake (29) who works in their company and Savannah (23) who is applying to PA schools in April.

They employ 280 people and will continue to expand their family of restaurants in the future.

Brenda’s family is involved with the local Food Banks, American Cancer Society, United Way and have become a 20 year supporter of Billie Martinez Elementary School in Greeley.

They have experienced a challenging year through the pandemic but have been able to not only survive but thrive and owe it to surrounding themselves with an amazing team of people.  Everyone got innovative and creative to rapidly change the business models to create additional revenue streams.  They furloughed 285 employees when it became necessary and had 250 of them come back as soon as they could start putting them back to work.  That felt like a big accomplishment for everyone involved!

Join us to be inspired and hear more about Brenda’s amazing restaurateur journey!