The Mile-High Secret: 7 Reasons Denver Biscuit Company Is Still Colorado's Must-Try Breakfast In 2025
Step inside the world of Denver Biscuit Company (DBC), and you’ll immediately understand why this Colorado-born institution continues to dominate the breakfast and brunch scene years after its humble beginnings. As of late 2025, DBC isn't just surviving; it's thriving, having recently secured the coveted Readers' Choice award for both "Best Biscuit" and "Best Breakfast" in the Westword's 2025 Best of Denver awards. This article dives deep into the seven core reasons—from its scratch-made philosophy to its aggressive expansion—why this mile-high biscuit haven remains a culinary pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike.
The secret to Denver Biscuit Company's enduring success lies in its commitment to a simple, yet perfectly executed concept: the Southern-style biscuit, elevated to gourmet status. What started as a quirky side venture has blossomed into a multi-state phenomenon, proving that sometimes, all you need is a flaky, buttery foundation and an inventive topping to create a true food empire. Keep reading to explore the full story, the must-order items, and the latest updates on their 2025 expansion.
The Founders and The Atomic Cowboy Ecosystem
The story of Denver Biscuit Company is inextricably linked to the vision of its founder, Drew Shader, and the unique, triple-concept restaurant where it all began: Atomic Cowboy. This is not just a biscuit shop; it is one-third of a powerful culinary triad that has become a staple of Denver nightlife and brunch culture.
- Founder: Drew Shader.
- Concept Origin: DBC began as a side project in late 2009, launching as a gourmet food truck known as the "Biscuit Bus." The popularity of the bus quickly necessitated a permanent home.
- The Trio: Denver Biscuit Company operates under the same roof as two other popular concepts, all part of the Atomic Cowboy family:
- Atomic Cowboy: The central bar and lounge.
- Denver Biscuit Co.: The morning/daytime breakfast and lunch concept.
- Fat Sully's NY Pizza: The late-night and evening New York-style pizza concept, known for its giant hand-tossed slices.
- Original Location: The iconic Colfax Avenue location in Denver, which remains a bustling hub for the three concepts.
- Current Reach: The company has expanded beyond Colorado, with locations now in Colorado Springs, Kansas City, and Overland Park, demonstrating its regional dominance in comfort food.
The 7 Secrets Behind DBC's 2025 "Best Breakfast" Win
In a city filled with brunch hotspots, Denver Biscuit Company consistently outshines its competitors, such as local favorites Lucile's and Rise & Shine. The following seven factors are the bedrock of their continued success and critical topical entities that define their brand.
1. The Scratch-Made Philosophy: From Biscuit to Butter
At the heart of the DBC experience is an unwavering commitment to making everything from scratch. This isn't a marketing slogan; it's the operational standard. The legendary, mile-high biscuits are baked fresh daily, ensuring a perfect, flaky exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Beyond the star of the show, key ingredients—critical for flavor and topical authority—are also made in-house. This includes the rich, savory house-made sausage gravy, the various fruit jams, and even the local honey butter and pickles.
2. The Unstoppable Power of "The Franklin"
No discussion of Denver Biscuit Company is complete without mentioning its most famous creation, The Franklin. This dish is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the menu and the reason many first visit. It is the perfect embodiment of Southern-inspired comfort food and the single most important entity on their menu.
- The Franklin Breakdown: This massive biscuit sandwich features a buttermilk fried chicken breast, thick-cut bacon, and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, all smothered in a generous ladle of their signature house-made sausage gravy. For the ultimate experience, many opt to add an over-easy egg, allowing the yolk to mix with the gravy for an extra layer of decadence.
3. The Menu's Creative Biscuit Sandwich Lineup
While The Franklin gets the headlines, the rest of the biscuit sandwich menu is a masterclass in creative combinations, offering something for every palate. These named sandwiches serve as additional, highly relevant entities that drive search traffic and customer curiosity:
- The Dahlia: A sweet and savory masterpiece featuring a house-made sausage patty, apple butter, a fried egg, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- The Sherman: A simpler, yet equally satisfying option, built around Tender Belly bacon, a fried egg, and cheddar cheese.
- The Winona: A popular choice for fried chicken lovers, featuring buttermilk fried chicken, house-made honey butter, and a hint of sweet jam.
- The Ellsworth: A vegetarian-friendly option often featuring a fried egg, cheddar, and a unique combination of avocado and tomato.
4. The Genius of Biscuit French Toast
For those looking for a sweeter path, DBC turns its core product into an innovative dessert-for-breakfast: Buttermilk Biscuit French Toast. Instead of traditional bread, the flaky biscuits are dipped and griddled, offering a unique texture that is both crispy and tender. Other sweet treats include the enormous Giant Biscuit Cinnamon Roll and the seasonal Strawberry Shortcake.
5. Strategic Expansion and the Drive-Thru Future
The company's strategic growth is a key piece of its 2025 narrative. While the Denver locations remain busy, DBC is actively expanding to meet demand. The recent debut of a location in Golden, Colorado, marked the chain's eighth outpost, bringing the triple-concept experience to a new community. Most notably, plans are underway for a new Centennial outpost that will feature a modern convenience amenity: a drive-thru. This move signals a forward-thinking approach to breakfast service, adapting the gourmet biscuit experience for the on-the-go customer.
6. The Topical Authority of Comfort Food
DBC has mastered the art of elevated comfort food. Dishes like the Biscuit Pot Pie (available with chicken or vegetarian options) and the classic Biscuits + Gravy plate showcase a deeper menu that goes beyond just sandwiches. This commitment to Southern-inspired cuisine, executed with high-quality, house-made ingredients, solidifies their topical authority in the breakfast and brunch space, making them a reference point for "best biscuits" across the region.
7. The Enduring Atomic Cowboy Vibe
The shared space with Atomic Cowboy and Fat Sully's is not just a logistical choice; it's a branding triumph. It creates a unique, all-day destination. Customers can enjoy a hearty breakfast from DBC, return for a slice of NY-style pizza from Fat Sully's in the evening, and cap the night off with a craft cocktail from the Atomic Cowboy bar. This synergy keeps the locations busy and relevant across multiple dining segments, ensuring a steady stream of traffic and buzz for the Denver Biscuit Company brand.
How to Navigate the Denver Biscuit Co. Experience in 2025
If you plan to visit a Denver Biscuit Company location, especially the original on Colfax Avenue, be prepared for a wait—it's a testament to their popularity. The lines, particularly on weekend mornings, are legendary. However, the experience is worth the patience.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Go Early or Late: To avoid the longest queues, aim to arrive right at opening or closer to the 2 PM weekday or 3 PM weekend closing time.
- Try the Biscuit French Toast: It's a highly recommended way to experience the biscuit in a sweet format, often overlooked in favor of the savory sandwiches.
- Don't Forget the Sides: The house-made pickles and local honey butter are essential additions that showcase the company’s dedication to scratch-made quality.
- Explore New Locations: The newer locations, such as the Golden debut or the upcoming Centennial outpost with its drive-thru, may offer shorter wait times and a slightly different atmosphere than the bustling Colfax original.
Denver Biscuit Company's continued reign as a top breakfast spot in 2025 is no accident. It is the result of founder Drew Shader's simple, powerful vision: take the humble biscuit, make it from scratch with the best ingredients, and top it with bold, unforgettable flavor combinations. Whether you're craving the intense comfort of The Franklin, the sweet-and-savory balance of The Dahlia, or a simple plate of Biscuits + Gravy, DBC is a guaranteed culinary highlight of any Colorado trip.
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