Before JW Roth built amphitheaters, restaurants or multimillion-dollar ventures, he was a 7-year-old ranch kid in Larkspur showing his prize steer, Pay Day.

“I have a photo of him in my office,” Roth said with a grin. “My steer won first place in 1972.”

That early drive — and a love of excellence that began in the show ring — has carried Roth through a career that spans industries and continents. The Colorado Springs entrepreneur has launched businesses in biopharmaceuticals, real estate, venture capital and chilled prepared foods.

But no matter the venture, his focus has always been the same: creating unforgettable experiences.

In August 2024, Roth unveiled The Ford Amphitheater, the gleaming, 8,000-seat live-music venue anchoring Polaris Pointe. It’s a $150 million testament to his passion for music, entertainment, and community — and now, it’s inspiring his next act.

To complement the energy of The Ford, Roth turned his attention to a stage he knows just as well: food. As founder of Roth Premium Foods — a national leader in chilled prepared proteins and meal solutions — he’s long believed that great meals and great moments go hand in hand.

“We run the number one chilled protein manufacturing company in the country,” Roth said, referring to the company co-founded and now led by his son as CEO.

That same obsession with quality and connection drives his newest project: Roth’s Sea & Steak featuring Brohan’s, a fine-dining restaurant and cocktail lounge designed to match the grandeur of the mountain backdrop surrounding The Ford Amphitheater. The restaurant opened Nov. 8.

A Natural Progression
Stepping into fine dining was the natural next move for Roth.

“My wife and I went to a concert at a Napa Valley winery’s amphitheater,” he recalled. “I came home with the idea of building a massive amphitheater — and pairing it with an elevated dining destination so Colorado Springs could become a true cultural destination.”

For Roth, life has always been about cultivating lasting memories through meals, music and shared experiences.

“To this day, I remember going deer hunting near Kremmling with my dad,” he said. “We’d always stop for breakfast at a place called The Café. I can still picture it.”

That nostalgia — combined with his obsession for excellence — drives his culinary philosophy.

“We were very intentional about bringing the best seafood and beef to Colorado Springs,” Roth said. “We’ve spared no expense to have the freshest seafood delivered directly from the fishermen to us daily.”

Building a World-Class Team

As with all his ventures, Roth credits success to hiring extraordinary talent and giving them the freedom to shine.

“If I were the owner or coach of a major football team, I wouldn’t want to hire people I have to train,” he said. “I want to bring a team with the top credentials, and I want them to call on their Rolodex to bring even more talent to our restaurant.”

That philosophy guided Roth’s Sea & Steak restaurant’s elite culinary lineup. Roth and his management team compiled a list of memorable restaurants from his travels, then tracked down the chefs, sommeliers and managers who impressed him most.

“These superstar chefs and sommeliers have already won the Super Bowl,” Roth said. “Now they’ve surrounded themselves with the cream of the crop from their own Rolodex.”

Inside, the atmosphere is equal parts sophistication and welcoming. The culinary team crafted a menu that fuses coastal refinement with Colorado character — fresh seafood, elk tenderloin, Wagyu beef, prime premium steaks (the top few percent of USDA Prime), and seasonal ingredients elevated with global technique.

Brohan’s: The Lounge Above It All

Walk up the spiral staircase and guests will discover Brohan’s, an elegant cocktail lounge that completes the dining experience with top-shelf pours, curated spirits, and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. Together, Roth’s Sea & Steak and Brohan’s embody Roth’s latest mission: to elevate Colorado Springs’ dining scene and create a gathering place worthy of its growing cultural landscape.
Why the name Brohan’s?

“That’s a salute to my business partner of more than 20 years, Gary Tedder. I’ve always considered him a brother or “brohan,”’ Roth said. “As a matter of fact, we have a Brohan’s sign on his desk. His son is Ryan Tedder, co-founder of OneRepublic, who opened the amphitheater’s first concert last August.”

Meet the Culinary Team
Jeroen Erens, general manager, grew up in the Netherlands and brings more than 15 years of experience in wine and fine dining. His career spans Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class vineyards, and leadership roles with Europe’s most respected wine producers.

Known for his discerning palate and expertise, Erens has judged wine competitions across the globe. At Roth’s, he brings an international perspective and an educator’s heart to every glass.

His goal for Roth’s Sea & Steak?

“To set a new standard for fine dining in Colorado,” he said. “I’m passionate about details. I have a 55-page training manual, and 17 pages are devoted to the culture of fine dining — the art of giving customers more than they expect.”

Executive Chef Ricky Biswas adds an impressive culinary pedigree. A San Pellegrino Young Chef USA finalist, his cooking is rooted in French technique and shaped by global influences. Trained under Franck Putelat, the two-Michelin-starred chef honored with the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF, or Best Craftsman of France) distinction and a Bocuse d’Or title, Biswas honed his skills in renowned American kitchens including The French Laundry, Coi, and PRESS.

He brings precision, creativity and deep respect for ingredients to every dish.
“To truly know who is producing our food — where it comes from and the passion behind it — that’s everything,” Biswas said. “We’re not just putting farmers’ names on a menu; we’re learning their stories. As chefs, we’re storytellers. We honor the people who bring us these incredible ingredients.”

Now that Roth’s Sea & Steak has officially debuted, JW Roth’s signature enthusiasm is unmistakable.

“We’re ready to rock and roll,” he said with a grin.

IF YOU GO
Where: 13010 Spectrum Sun View
Contact: 719-314-3350, rothsseaandsteak.com
Hours: 5-10 p.m. daily