Business-owner, award-winning chef and entrepreneur, Dana Rodriguez, is one of Denver’s most beloved personalities. “Loca,” as she is affectionately known by friends, grew up on a farm in Chihuahua, Mexico without running water or electricity under the watchful eye of a mother who taught her to grind corn daily into masa for tortillas. In her early 20s, Dana relocated to Denver and took a job at the city’s storied Panzano restaurant, starting as dishwasher and working her way up through every position in the kitchen until she was asked to serve as the executive chef.
Since then, Dana has gone on to open the beloved and award-winning Denver concepts Work and Class (2012) and Super Mega Bien (2018). In January 2022, she opened Cantina Loca to immediate praise. In late 2021, Dana was asked to serve as the culinary partner and executive chef at Casa Bonita, bringing her brand of “loca” to the beloved and iconic Colorado restaurant and entertainment experience.
As a result of her culinary and business prowess, Dana has garnered an impressive five James Beard nominations, including this year’s inclusion as a nominee in the “Best Chef: Mountain 2022” category, among countless other honors.
In addition to her role as chef and restaurateur, Dana is also the face of her own brand of premium organic agave spirits, Doña Loca, sourced from some of the top independent producers in Mexico. True to Loca form, the brand is already garnering top honors and recognition in the spirits industry – including a gold and silver medal from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Awards, the oldest, largest and most influential spirits competition of its kind.
Rodriguez is also a passionate charity supporter, participating in dozens of charity events each year and regularly supporting organizations that empower women and support education.