DENVER (KDVR) — A handful of local businesses were named among America’s favorite mom and pop shops of 2025.
Business journal Entrepreneur curated a list of America’s 150 favorite mom and pop businesses, featuring small and family-owned businesses across the nation.
Five Colorado spots were named on the list and recognized for their unique features that set them apart from other local businesses.
Boxcar Coffee Roasters
Boxcar Coffee Roasters, with locations in Boulder and Denver, was recognized for its social setting and unique brewing system designed to make the best coffee at high elevations.
The founders, Vajra and Cara Rich, opened the cafe in Boulder in 2010. According to the website, brewing at a high elevation forced them to dig into the science of coffee brewing, leading them to develop their own brewing system, the Boilermakr.
“At high elevations, water boils at a lower temperature, which can lead to under-extracted, flat coffee. The Boilermakr brings the water and grounds to a full 202F rolling boil, which you won’t see in a typical pour-over setup,” the Entrepreneur article states.
Mile High Comics
Mile High Comics is described by Entrepreneur as a “heaven for nerds is one of America’s largest comic book dealer.”
Founder Chuck Rozanski started the business in his parent’s basement in 1969, when he was 13 years old, according to the website. He sold comics at a flea market at 14, was a dealer at a national convention at 17 and opened the comic book shop at 19. By 21, there were four Mile High Comics locations.
Today, most locations have shut down, except for the “mega store” located at 4600 Jason Street, which is open seven days a week. Entrepreneur noted that while most brick-and-mortar stores no longer exist, Mile High Comics has a “booming” online business, and the warehouse is stocked with millions of comics.
Miller Lane Mercantile
Located on Tennyson Street, Denver’s Miller Lane Mercantile offers a wide assortment of products sourced from small-batch makers and independent artisans. According to the website, the store sells kitchenware, ceramics, home decor, stationery, children’s goods, women’s accessories and more.
“Beauty meets practicality in every corner of Miller Lane Mercantile, with soft pillows on wicker trunks, rows of fine crystal, handmade kids’ toys and high-end bath products,” the Entrepreneur article states.
The store opened in 2019 with the goal of celebrating “simple goods for slow living.” The store website says they hope their product collection promotes frequent gathering, joyful living and a deep appreciation for the little things in life.
Oakwell Beer Spa
The founders of Oakwell Beer Spa, Jessica and Damien Zouaoui, made a pact to quit their jobs in New York and travel the world until they find the perfect business idea. According to the website, the two embarked on many experiences, visiting hedgehog cafes and trying real-life Mario Kart racing, before they found their inspiration in a mountain town in Poland: a beer spa.
They moved to Denver and built the beer spa in 2019. They offer a private “beer bath” in barley and hop-infused water, and also serve Colorado-based beers on tap. The spa has other amenities like an infrared sauna and a rain shower with beer infused shampoo and conditioner.
Oakwell Beer Spa was a quick hit and remained busy through the pandemic despite COVID restrictions. There is a location in the River North neighborhood of Denver and a new one in Highlands Ranch. It was also named the No. 3 best spa in the country by USA Today this year.
Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Wheat Ridge Cyclery has been supplying locals with bikes for over 50 years. Eugene Kiefel opened the business in 1973 in a 750 square-foot space, and it became a family business with wife Nora handling apparel and the kids helping as well, according to the website.
Their daughters Leona and Erlinda helped run and expand the shop and son Ron went on to a professional cycling career, garnering Olympic medals and racing in the Tour de France multiple times. The sisters, who also cycled at a high level, went on to new careers in bike sales and rocket science.
Today, there are two store locations, in Wheat Ridge and Ken Caryl, spanning 30,000 square feet. Ron moved on in 2019 and the business was sold to David Dentry in 2021, but Entrepreneur said the store still holds to its family values. Remnants of the Kiefel family remain as well, with vintage bikes from Ron’s racing days hung on the wall above the service center.
Entrepreneur’s list of America’s Favorite Mom and Pop Shops features businesses in various industries in every state.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
