History of Mi Casa Breckenridge: A Local's Guide to 40+ Years of Family Fun
Mi Casa Breckenridge has been serving delicious Mexican food to families and skiers for over 40 years. This beloved restaurant opened its doors in 1981 and has become a true local favorite in the heart of Summit County. From humble beginnings during Breckenridge's ski boom to today's thriving family restaurant, Mi Casa has grown alongside the town itself.
This article will take you through the complete story of Mi Casa's history, from its early days with founder Mike Jarvis to the recent ownership change that keeps this community staple in local hands.
The Early Days: Mike Jarvis and the Birth of Mi Casa
How It All Started in the Mid-1970s
Mi Casa's story begins in the mid-1970s when renowned restaurateur Mike Jarvis first opened the doors. This was a special time in Breckenridge history. The ski resort was just starting to expand on Peak 9, and the town was changing from a quiet mining community to a bustling ski destination.
Back then, the ski seasons were short and the off-seasons were long. Many businesses struggled to stay open year-round. This challenge would later lead to Mi Casa's temporary closure in 1980, but the foundation was already being built for something special.
The Breckenridge Boom Years
During the 1970s, Breckenridge was experiencing its biggest growth since the gold rush days of the 1860s. Peak 9 opened in 1971 and was originally called Royal Tiger Mountain, marking the beginning of the explosion that would become the resort and town of today. The world's first high-speed quad chairlift was installed at the base of Peak 9 during 1981, according to Breckenridge Ski Resort's official history . This innovation made skiing more accessible by dramatically reducing lift lines and encouraging more people to try the sport.
Mike Jarvis saw the potential in this growing mountain town. He understood that skiers and locals needed a place to gather, eat good food, and enjoy the mountain lifestyle that makes Breckenridge special.
The Alexandra Storm Era: Building a Community Hub
The 1981 Grand Opening
Alexandra Storm opened the doors on Aug. 5, 1981, to a grand opening of $736.57 in sales. After Mi Casa temporarily closed in 1980, Storm saw an opportunity to bring this restaurant back to life. She believed in the vision of creating a family-friendly place where locals and visitors could enjoy authentic Mexican food.
Dick Carleton joined Storm shortly after as managing partner. Together, they built something truly special. Together they are proud to announce that Mi Casa is the oldest restaurant in Breck operating under the same ownership.
Growing with the Community
During the 1980s and 1990s, Mi Casa became more than just a restaurant. It became a community gathering place. Mi Casa's strong brand as a hub for community events and celebrations has remained the same. The restaurant hosted everything from family celebrations to fundraising events for local charities.
In the early 1990s, the Mexican restaurant expanded, adding about 2,000 square feet to the lower dining room. This expansion showed how much the restaurant had grown with Breckenridge itself.
The Long-Term Success Story
Building a Legacy Team
One of Mi Casa's greatest strengths has always been its dedicated team. Longtime employees include manager Julie Ludwig (over 23 years), general manager Tracey Roach (over 18 years) and bookkeeper Cheryl Mattos (over 20 years). This kind of loyalty shows how Mi Casa treats its staff like family.
The kitchen team also became legendary in Breckenridge. Matt Blake leads the culinary team, which includes longtime employees Antonio Vazquez, Ermelando Hernandez, Florencio Martinez, Felipe Martinez and Reginaldo Garcia. These skilled cooks helped create the authentic Mexican flavors that locals and visitors love.
Research and Menu Development
Mi Casa never stopped improving. Members of the Mi Casa team have taken "countless" research trips to Mexico to help enhance the menu and grow the tequila list to over 125 offerings. This commitment to authenticity helped Mi Casa stand out from other restaurants in town.
The restaurant became famous for its extensive tequila selection, fresh ingredients, and family-friendly atmosphere. Parents knew they could bring their kids for a good meal, while adults enjoyed the festive cantina atmosphere.
The Perfect Location: Peak 9 Village
Growing Up with the Ski Resort
Being just a short walk from the Quicksilver Chairlift, Mi Casa has been a go-to spot for après ski and happy hour outings that's grown alongside the ski resort for over 40 years. This prime location near the base of Peak 9 made Mi Casa the perfect stop for hungry skiers and snowboarders.
The restaurant's location across from Peak 9 Village put it at the heart of Breckenridge's winter action. Skiers could easily walk over after a day on the mountain for happy hour specials and warm Mexican food.
Summer Success Too
Mi Casa proved that it wasn't just a winter destination. The restaurant's outdoor patio became a popular summer spot, offering great views and a relaxed atmosphere for hikers, bikers, and families exploring Breckenridge during the warmer months.
The 2022 Ownership Change: Keeping It Local
A New Chapter with Familiar Faces
After running Mi Casa Restaurant and Cantina for about 41 years, Alexandra Storm and Dick Carleton sold the popular Breckenridge location on Thursday, Dec. 8, to a team of local businesspeople. This wasn't just any sale - it was a carefully planned transition to keep Mi Casa in the hands of people who understand and love the Breckenridge community. According to the Summit Daily News , this type of local ownership transition helps maintain the authentic character that makes mountain town restaurants special.
Mi Casa has been purchased by a real estate investment group led by Peter Joyce, who has teamed up with Matt Vawter — the owner of Rootstalk and Radicato in Breckenridge — and Mike Zehnder, a local chef, to run the restaurant.
The New Team's Vision
Matt Vawter brings impressive credentials to Mi Casa. According to the James Beard Foundation , Vawter was named best chef in the mountain region — which encompasses Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming — during the 2024 awards ceremony. His James Beard Award shows his commitment to excellent food and hospitality.
"We're not looking to change it, we just want to elevate it," Joyce said. Vawter, who grew up in Summit County, will offer his expertise as a restaurateur, and Zehnder, who previously worked as a chef at Copper Mountain Resort, will run Mi Casa's day-to-day operations.
Mi Casa's Place in Breckenridge History
From Mining Town to Ski Resort
Understanding Mi Casa's history means understanding Breckenridge itself. The year was 1859, two years before Colorado became a territory and 17 before recognition as a state. According to the Colorado Encyclopedia , Breckenridge grew from a mining outpost of a few dozen to 8,000 people by spring 1860 when gold seekers flocked to the area after rich placer deposits were discovered in Georgia Gulch.
After the mining boom ended, Breckenridge needed a new identity. What caused this spike in population? You guessed it – skiing! Town residents took advantage of the growing popularity in the need for ski resorts, and in 1961 Breckenridge Ski Area was established. The National Ski Areas Association reports that skiing participation doubled every five or six years during the 1960s golden age of skiing, which helped fuel Breckenridge's transformation into a world-class resort destination.
Mi Casa opened right as this transformation was happening. The restaurant became part of Breckenridge's new chapter as a world-class ski destination.
A Community Cornerstone
One thing that separates Breckenridge apart from other ski towns throughout the country is its incredibly rich history that dates back to the 19th century gold rush, and all of us at Mi Casa are incredibly proud to be a staple in Breck's unparalleled cuisine history.
The restaurant has always been more than just a place to eat. It's where families celebrate special occasions, where ski clubs gather after powder days, and where locals meet friends for happy hour. This community connection is what makes Mi Casa special.
The Menu Evolution: From Simple to Spectacular
Traditional Mexican Roots
From the beginning, Mi Casa focused on authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant used fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create dishes that satisfied both locals and visitors. Popular items included handmade tamales, chile rellenos, and sizzling fajitas.
The famous house margaritas became a signature item, made with quality tequila and fresh lime juice. This attention to detail helped build Mi Casa's reputation as more than just another ski town restaurant.
Modern Innovations
Under the new ownership, Mi Casa continues to honor its traditional roots while adding modern touches. Our chef blends traditional recipes with modern twists, using locally sourced ingredients to create authentic American cuisine.
The restaurant now offers seasonal menu changes and specialty items like elk tacos, which reflect both Mexican traditions and Colorado's local ingredients. This evolution keeps Mi Casa fresh and exciting while maintaining the flavors that made it famous.
Happy Hour Heritage: The Après Ski Tradition
Daily Happy Hour Since 1981
Stop by the cantina from 3-5 p.m. everyday for the best happy hour specials in Breckenridge. This daily tradition has been a constant throughout Mi Casa's history. Skiers know they can count on good drinks, free chips and salsa, and a warm welcome after a day on the mountain.
The happy hour atmosphere captures the spirit of Breckenridge - relaxed, friendly, and fun. It's where stories from the slopes are shared and new friendships are made.
Summer Patio Perfection
And happy hour isn't just for skiers and snowboarders, because our outdoor patio seating in the summer offers great views and unbeatable weather after another beautiful adventure in Breckenridge. The patio extends Mi Casa's appeal beyond the ski season, making it a year-round destination.
Community Involvement: More Than Just a Restaurant
Supporting Local Causes
Mi Casa has always been deeply involved in the Breckenridge community. One of our biggest community partnerships is with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). Every year, we host the BOEC's fundraising events to help support their mission.
The restaurant also supports other local organizations like The Cycle Effect and TreeTop Child Advocacy Center. As an independently owned restaurant, we care for our guests, our community, and our staff equally.
Event Hosting and Private Parties
We've been the go-to option in Breck for large parties, group dining, rehearsal dinners, family reunions and corporate events since the 80s. This service has made Mi Casa an important part of many family celebrations and corporate gatherings over the years.
The restaurant's ability to handle groups of 20-200 people makes it perfect for ski clubs, wedding parties, and other large gatherings that are common in a resort town like Breckenridge.
The Interior: Authentic Hacienda Atmosphere
Original Design Elements
From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be transported back in time as original oil paintings and genuine Mexican tiles surround you in a true hacienda ambience. These design elements have been part of Mi Casa's charm since the early days.
The restaurant's interior reflects both its Mexican heritage and Colorado mountain setting. Warm colors, rustic wood, and authentic decorations create a cozy atmosphere that feels both exotic and familiar.
Recent Updates
Under new ownership, Mi Casa has made thoughtful updates while preserving its classic charm. We've incorporated reclaimed wood and stone elements to create a rustic yet cozy atmosphere that reflects the charm of our alpine setting.
These improvements show how Mi Casa continues to evolve while staying true to its roots as a family-friendly Mexican restaurant.
Recognition and Awards
Local Favorite Status
We've been known as a top-rated restaurant in Breckenridge since 1981. This recognition comes from locals who have made Mi Casa part of their regular dining routine and visitors who return trip after trip.
Customer reviews consistently praise the restaurant's food quality, service, and atmosphere. Awesome food, all house made. Everything is so good, salsas, birria tacos, rellenos, guacamole. Excellent service!
Generational Loyalty
Many families have been coming to Mi Casa for decades. My family has been coming to Breck since over 30 years, summer and winter. Mi Casa is a standard stop for every trip to Breck. This kind of loyalty shows how Mi Casa has become part of people's Breckenridge experience.
The Future: Continuing the Legacy
Commitment to Excellence
The new ownership team has made it clear that they want to honor Mi Casa's history while continuing to improve. The new team met with Mi Casa's staff earlier this week to introduce themselves and solicit feedback, and has also been in contact with nonprofits that the restaurant has supported over the years.
This approach shows respect for the restaurant's past and commitment to its future success.
Staying Connected to Breckenridge
We've since ensured that Mi Casa's strong brand as a hub for community events and celebrations has remained the same, and we've also taken a few steps forward to maintain innovation and elevate our dining experience.
The restaurant continues to be a place where locals gather, visitors feel welcome, and everyone can enjoy good food in a relaxed setting.
What Makes Mi Casa Special
The Perfect Combination
Mi Casa's success comes from combining several key elements:
- Location : Right across from Peak 9 Village, perfect for après ski
- Food : Authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients
- Atmosphere : Family-friendly with a festive cantina vibe
- Service : Friendly staff who treat guests like family
- Community : Deep connections to local organizations and events
A Place for Everyone
Whether you're a local looking for your regular happy hour spot or a visitor wanting to experience authentic Mexican food after a day of skiing, Mi Casa welcomes everyone. The restaurant's large dining rooms can handle big groups, while intimate tables work perfectly for date nights or family dinners.
The extensive tequila selection appeals to adults, while the kids' menu and welcoming atmosphere make families feel comfortable. This balance has been key to Mi Casa's long-term success.
Visiting Mi Casa Today
What to Expect
Today's Mi Casa honors its 40+ year history while offering modern touches. You'll still find the same warm welcome, delicious Mexican food, and community spirit that made it famous. The happy hour from 3-5 p.m. daily continues to be a local tradition.
The restaurant offers takeout orders for families who want to enjoy Mi Casa's food at home, and the private events service continues to host special celebrations for groups of all sizes.
Planning Your Visit
Mi Casa is located at 600 S. Park Ave in Breckenridge, just a short walk from the base of Peak 9. The restaurant is open daily and offers lunch, dinner, and happy hour service. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially during peak ski season.
Whether you're interested in trying the famous steak tacos or enjoying a margarita on the patio, Mi Casa offers something for everyone in your group.
Final Thoughts
The history of Mi Casa Breckenridge is really the story of Breckenridge itself. From Mike Jarvis's vision in the 1970s to today's family-friendly restaurant, Mi Casa has grown alongside the town it serves. The restaurant survived the challenges of the early ski industry, thrived during Breckenridge's growth years, and continues to evolve under new local ownership.
What makes Mi Casa special isn't just the food or the location - it's the sense of community that has developed over 40+ years. This is a place where families create memories, where friends gather after adventures, and where the spirit of Breckenridge comes alive every day.
As Breckenridge continues to grow and change, Mi Casa remains a constant - a place where anyone can walk in and feel at home. Whether you're planning your first visit or you've been coming for decades, Mi Casa's history shows that some things never go out of style: good food, friendly service, and genuine hospitality.
Come experience the best Mexican restaurant in Breckenridge and become part of Mi Casa's continuing story. After all, "Mi Casa" means "my house" - and at this beloved Breckenridge institution, everyone is welcome home.
