According to the South Metro Denver Small Business statistics,
the number of new establishments that opened in 2008 in Douglas
County was 327.
Statistics for 2009 include The Little Gym and Pasta Jay’s in
Lone Tree, both opening their doors within the last few weeks. Both
businesses have successful track records, one an eatery and the
other, a fitness center for children. One builds self-esteem and
motor skills and the other fills the family up with authentic
Italian food.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., The Little Gym was founded
in 1976 by Robin Wes, an innovative educator with a genuine love
for children. Today, The Little Gym International has more than 269
franchises across the United States and sets their digs in 24
countries.
The company uses curriculum-based gymnastics, movement and other
programs to promote coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility.
In addition, The Little Gym’s programs have a history of enhancing
children’s listening, social and intellectual skills. The gym
welcomes children, ages 4 months through 12 years.
“Our philosophy is to introduce kids to the world of fitness in
a caring and non-competitive way,” said Scott Risby, owner of the
new gym. “Our students progress at their own pace, and rather than
be the best, they are encouraged to try their best.”
The Little Gym is owned by Risby and his fiancé Cari Brainard.
After years of dreaming of owning a business and exploring many
different business opportunities, Risby and Brainard decided that
they wanted to do something that made a difference and had a
positive impact on people and their community. Both entrepreneurs
who received their degrees in business from the University of
Colorado at Boulder.
Risby went on to a career in marketing and international
business, while Brainard continues to work for a large medical
group management company. However, both look back on their
extensive childhood experiences in sports and athletics as key
building blocks in making them the people they are today.
Pasta Jay’s first restaurant opened in Boulder in 1988 and has
been serving Italian food since, in a fun-family atmosphere. A
second restaurant opened in Moab, Utah, and now business is
“excellent” in Lone Tree, according to manager Tony Nogo. He has
been with the restaurant chain since 2001, starting in the Boulder
location.
“We are on day 16,” Nogo said enthusiastically.
Incorporating family secret recipes, “Jay” learned the art of
cooking from his mother, Marna Genovese and her grandmother, who
was a cook for the first king of the United Countries of Italy.
None the less, the slogan for the restaurant is “food fit for a
king.”
The menu consists of succulent pasta dishes and pizza’s with
tomato crème sauce with crumbled sausage and fresh spinach. For the
pickier eater, try “Jay’s” fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti,
rigatoni or pasta of the day served with garlic bread.
For more information on The Little Gym visit www.TheLittleGym.com or call
303-952-9393. For more information on Pasta Jay’s, visit www.pastajays.com
