OUR STORY

All began in November 2000 when Jeff and Nancy Progar, in collaboration with Jeff’s brother Steve, opened Abrusci’s Italian Ristorante. Drawing from Nancy’s connection to the Abrusci family name, Steve’s culinary experience, and the brothers’ strong ties to Applewood, their mission was clear: to deliver “the Best Damn Italian Food…Period!” The initial journey was rocky, and just as the family was on the brink of doubting their venture, a turning point arrived. In Winter 2003, Abrusci’s was named one of Denver’s Best Kept Secrets by 5280 magazine. The award marked a turning point; the business started flourishing, and Abrusci’s had securely established their place on the map!

In 2015, after Steve’s exit from the venture, Jeff embarked on reimagining Abrusci’s. Procuring land merely 10 blocks from their original spot, he laid the foundation for what would become their permanent establishment. By June 2017, Jeff, Nancy, and their new partner Marvin Williams proudly launched Abrusci’s Fire and Vine. It quickly became Applewood’s favorite rendezvous. The patrons relished the modern rustic ambiance while indulging in the familiar menu they cherished.

In 2019, the group began to recognize Applewood’s need for a quintessential Breakfast Burrito spot. And just like that, cookery brainstorming began. Their vision materialized sooner than expected. When 2020 brought the unexpected challenge of COVID, it simultaneously provided the momentum for the birth of website homepage Pablito’s Burritos. This timely venture not only supplemented the income for Fire & Vine during these precarious times but also ensured that their dedicated staff remained employed. Through recessions and elections, construction, and destruction, Abrusci’s has remained a cornerstone of the community.