Cooking Up Happiness

At the grill, Jon Parker sports a splashy tropical shirt while his wife, Alyda, exudes a vibrant personality that’s every bit as colorful as Jon’s look. “He’s the talent,” she explains, “and I’m the help.” But only true teamwork could succeed in launching the catering business they share, JR’s Grill. After three years, JR’s has become one of Grand County’s most popular caterers – not just because the Parkers serve up amazing food, but because they bring an infectious joie de vivre to every event. “We feel privileged to serve people at such important times in their lives,” Alyda explains.

Life hasn’t always been a celebration. Jon was working as a FedEx delivery driver in Boulder, and Alyda was an administrative assistant for Denver’s University Hospital when they experienced some personal tragedies. Moving to the mountains seemed like the best way to put their heartbreak behind them, so in 2001 the Parkers traded their Winter Park vacation condo for a home in Silver Creek. That’s when they hatched the catering idea.

Jon always loved to barbeque, so Alyda used her administrative experience to draw up a plan for their budding business. JR’s Grill cooks up traditional slow-and-low barbecue (brisket, pulled-pork and St. Louis-style pork ribs) and scrumptious tamales made from three generations of Alyda’s Cuban family recipes. They also accommodate any type of custom menu. The couple works side-by-side putting in 16-hour days together, but it’s all worth it. “Being self-employed is fantastic,” Jon says. “And the satisfaction of doing what we do, with the mountains all around, and great people enjoying our food – it’s tremendous and very healing.”

- Article courtesy of Grand County BluePrint, July 2005 issue.