Sweet and savory crepes, paninis, and plenty of local flavor come together at a family-owned cafe
By Jamie Lynn Miller
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Jacob and Bri Blaylock have been building businesses of flavor for nearly a decade. While attending Missouri State University, Jacob Blaylock joined an entrepreneurship program that backed one student per year to build their first business. As the program’s grand-prize recipient, he received financing to open a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in southern California. It was a welcome change of scenery, yet a visit to family in Castle Rock elevated the couple’s plans. “We really love it here,” says Bri Blaylock, of their new hometown.
In 2018, Jacob Blaylock opened Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in the Outlets at Castle Rock. As sales rose and costs fell, his business acumen soon caught the eye of Outlets owner Steve Craig, a major benefactor of Jacob Blaylock’s alma mater.
When the mall closed the food court, the Blaylocks saw an opportunity. “During a family trip to Breckenridge, we’d stopped for crepes at a local favorite,” Bri Blaylock says. “People coveted the fare, and we saw how fast it was to prepare them! We proposed our new concept as a separate, independent business.”
And yet, Jacob doesn’t really like crepes, she says. “He does like paninis, though. We realized that everything that can go on a crepe can also live on a panini.” With a soft opening this past May and a grand opening in June, Griddled Crepes & Paninis is quickly becoming a neighborhood mainstay.
It’s a unique concept for Castle Rock, as well as an independent one. “From our curated menu to our logo and operations—nothing’s from a manual, and it’s not a franchise. It’s all ours,” Bri Blaylock says, with a smile. On the back wall, a colorful mural reflects the why behind it all. “Faith, adventure, family, and coffee. That’s what it’s about.”
What’s on the menu? A lot. “The Trailblazer’s a local favorite, in crepe or panini,” says Bri Blaylock. Enter chicken sliced in-house, preservative-free bacon, avocado, provolone, and balsamic mayo. And remember to try the Monte Cristo Panini, aka chicken, ham, Dijon mustard, and raspberry jam dusted with powdered sugar.
The most popular sweet treat is the Nutella Strawberry crepe. The Blaylocks’ spin on traditional Nutella mixes in mascarpone for a creamier, lighter flair. “Everyone loves a Nutella crepe,” says Bri Blaylock. “The mascarpone makes it quite delicious.”
To suit discriminating palates, Brown Boot Coffee’s Luke Meyers brings whole beans and the perfect brew to complement both the sweet and the savory.
“Now that we’ve gotten our groove in the store,” shares Bri Blaylock, “we’ll be expanding into catering as well.”
Above all, Griddled’s local emphasis enhances the ambiance. “We’re really kid-friendly and neighborhood-driven, which appeals to our regulars,” she says. Donating a portion of the restaurant’s profits to veterans and special needs organizations, the Blaylocks value giving back to the community. Further demonstrating that commitment, Griddled caters its hours to offer a ‘non-outlet’ vibe for those seeking a quieter dining experience. “Sometimes people want to avoid the outlet bustle,” says Bri Blaylock, “so we open an hour earlier than the other stores!”
GRIDDLED CREPES & PANINIS
5050 Factory Shops Blvd., #175
Castle Rock
720.728.8232
griddledco.com
PHOTO: SILVER
