Matthew Brooks

Director of Operations

The Crafted Concepts restaurants:

Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, Stoic & Genuine and Ultreia

Born in Montrose, Colorado, Matthew Brooks is the Director of Operations for Crafted Concepts working alongside Beth Gruitch and Jennifer Jasinski since 2015. Starting at Rioja as a Front of House Manager and Wine Buyer, Brooks moved up the ranks to his current position as part of the Crafted Concepts executive team operating four Denver restaurants. 

After serving in the US Army, specializing in communications, Matthew went on to manage hotels through the South and Southeast United States. Many restaurants and hotels later, New York City became his home where he managed Aquagrill with Jennifer and Jeremy Marshall in addition to working with Kevin Zraly at Windows on the World. Matthew moved back to his home state of Colorado with gigs at Elway’s Cherry Creek and Izakaya Den before signing on with Jasinski and Gruitch. 

Brooks plays no favorites in food and wine thinking the fun of food and wine is that they work well together in their own ways. He loves operating restaurants due to the variety of work that needs to be done – creating events, experiences for guests, or building spreadsheets – always something new, challenging and different.

As the Vice President of the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, Brooks is a key member on the Government Affairs, Drink Red Wear Red and Fundraising committees. 

Embracing the Colorado outdoor lifestyle, Brooks spends leisure time camping or off-roading with his family, his partner Aaron, and his pups, and often participates in National Forest and OHV Trail Cleanup projects.