Denver Power Women: 4 Questions With Chef Jen Jasinski

This limited series profiles Power Women who have helped shape metro Denver's cities, neighborhoods, businesses and lifestyles. These women will be honored at Bisnow's Denver Power Women event on Dec. 5.

Chef Jennifer Jasinski owns and runs several restaurants in Denver, including Rioja, Euclid Hall, Bistro Vendome and Stoic & Genuine. She won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Southwest Chef in 2013.

Bisnow: What is the biggest business problem you have faced, and how did you solve it? 

Jasinski: The biggest problem I have ever had to deal with is the current situation of staffing. I am not sure I can call this a victory yet. What we try to do is take great care of our people, train them well and follow up with them through reviews and personal attention to try to help with keeping people. Another thing we are trying to do to solve this issue is build up our bench strength.

Bisnow: What is one thing you think companies can do to address wage and gender inequality? 

Jasinski: We actively try to create teams with diversity. We have seen this be successful, and the staff on the ground feels the same. We are much stronger with a diverse set of people with different experiences.

Bisnow: What piece of advice do you give others entering the industry? 

Jasinski: When others are entering the industry and they have not grown up in it, I try to scare them away. I know that sounds funny, but it is a tough business and TV and such have made it look romantic and sexier than it really is. If it is an operator who I think is great, then I advise them to make sure they have enough opening capital, as that is an issue — underestimating the beginning of a restaurant is a common mistake.

Bisnow: What do you do to unwind when you're not working?

Jasinski: I read a lot, sit and snuggle with my three dogs, go for a hike in our gorgeous mountains or perhaps have some wine with friends.

Meet Chef Jennifer Jasinski at Bisnow's Power Women event Dec. 5 in Denver.