After a challenging few years, chef and entrepreneur Jim Pittenger is reviving his beloved brand, Biker Jim’s, with a new stall at Avanti, located at 3200 North Pecos Street in Denver. This new venture, which opens its doors on November 15, 2023, marks a significant return to the brick-and-mortar restaurant scene after Pittenger’s previous establishment faced difficulties during the pandemic.
Pittenger, known for his unique gourmet sausages, first gained popularity in 2005 with a food cart that showcased exotic offerings such as wild boar and rattlesnake. His reputation was solidified in 2010 when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain praised his creations, stating, “Thank you for all your good work in making Denver a wonderful place to be.” However, after partnering with a new CEO, Andrew Soulakis, in 2020, Pittenger lost control of the brand he had built for decades. By the end of that year, the Ballpark location of Biker Jim’s had closed its doors, leaving Pittenger to reevaluate his future.
Determined to rebuild, Pittenger spent the summer of 2023 returning to his roots by selling gourmet hot dogs at farmers’ markets. Now, he is excited to welcome customers to his new stall. “After everything I’ve experienced over the last few years, it feels great to have a home at Avanti Denver,” he said. “I’ve done it all — food trucks, restaurants, catering and even a little time off — but it’s time to get back to doing what I love: serving the best damn hot dogs around.”
The new Biker Jim’s stall will feature a variety of sausages, including six signature options priced between $10 and $13. Customers can choose from ostrich, elk jalapeno-cheddar, all-beef, German veal brats, spicy red hot, and a bacon brat, alongside options for vegans and children. Toppings will include classic favorites and innovative combinations such as cream cheese and caramelized onions.
Beyond hot dogs, Pittenger is expanding his culinary repertoire with brunch offerings that reflect his creativity. He plans to introduce a mash-up of shakshuka and chilaquiles, as well as fried chicken served with sour cream waffles and Sriracha maple syrup. Additionally, he is developing a Dutch baby pancake and a dessert called Bomb Cakes, which feature a unique cake-to-frosting ratio designed to enhance the dessert experience.
With his sights set on raising $50,000 by the end of the year, Pittenger aims to ensure the sustainability of his new venture while continuing to serve the community he loves. The stall will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, inviting the public to enjoy both classic and innovative culinary creations.
As Biker Jim’s makes its return, the community is eager to support Pittenger in this new chapter, celebrating the resilience of a local favorite and the joy of enjoying quality food.
