During periods of government shutdown, federal employees face significant financial strain due to missed paychecks. In response, local businesses and community organizations often step forward to provide support. This article details the free offers and assistance programs available to furloughed federal workers in the Denver, Colorado area, based on information reported during past shutdown events.
The following offers were documented as available to federal employees presenting valid government identification. Eligibility requirements, specific locations, and offer durations vary by vendor.
Food and Beverage Offers
Numerous restaurants and food service providers in the Denver and Boulder areas have offered complimentary meals and discounts to affected workers.
Full Meals and Entrees
- Annette: Located at the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora, this venue offered furloughed employees a complimentary grilled cheese, steak frites, or breakfast sandwich during happy hour (3-5 p.m.).
- Aperitivo: This Gunbarrel spot provided a free meal for up to four people once per week per employee.
- Bar Dough: Offers were available for furloughed workers.
- Citizen Rail: Children of furloughed workers could eat free.
- Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria: During specific periods, this venue offered a free 10-inch pepperoni pizza and soda to furloughed workers with an ID.
- DC Pie Co.: Workers could receive a free specialty cocktail of their choice.
- El Dorado Mexican Restaurant: Located in Golden, this restaurant offered a complimentary burrito and soft drink.
- Fazoli’s: This national chain offered free baked spaghetti or pizza with the purchase of a small drink.
- Hopdoddy: On specific dates, this chain offered a free burger, regular fries, and non-alcoholic beverage.
- Modern Market Eatery: Offers were available for furloughed workers.
- Oblio’s Pizzeria: This venue offered complimentary dinners to impacted employees and their immediate families. Additionally, the owners planned to "adopt" five federal workers and dedicate 20% of sales from specific nights to support them.
- Señor Bear: This restaurant offered a free bowl of pozole and a beer from 5 p.m. until close on Mondays through Thursdays.
- Sushi-Rama: Available at multiple locations (excluding DIA), this venue offered a free lunch of conveyor belt sushi from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Urban Farmer: Located at 1659 Wazee St., this modern steak house offered a free brunch entrée (inclusive of tax and tip) from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. during a specific week.
- Walnut Café: Locations in Boulder and Lafayette offered free breakfast to furloughed employees.
- West End Tavern: Located in Boulder, this tavern offered a "Furlough Lunch" special Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (dine-in only; tax and tip not included).
- Zolo Grill: Located in Boulder, this Southwestern restaurant offered a "Furlough Lunch" special Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (tax and tip not included).
Coffee, Snacks, and Specific Items
- Denver Central Market: This RiNo marketplace offered a variety of deals, including:
- Free drip coffee or 50% off a specialty beverage at Crema.
- A free Juan’s burrito at Izzio.
- A free chocolate bar at Temper.
- 20% off anything at Tammen’s, Green Seed, SK Provisions, Vero, and Curio Bar.
- A two-pound package of ground beef or chicken at Local Butcher.
- A free breakfast sandwich at Culture Meat & Cheese.
- Great Divide Brewing Company: Furloughed employees received buy-one-get-one beers.
- Mod Market: Offered a complimentary grain bowl with a federal ID badge during a specific three-day period.
- Papa John's Pizza: Offered two one-topping pizzas and a two-liter soda for free.
- Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel: Offered a free flatbread pizza or house salad with the purchase of a beverage.
- State 38 Distilling: Offered a free shot of Impeach Vodka.
- The Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria: Offered a free meal to furloughed workers showing their employment ID.
Non-Food Offers and Services
Support extends beyond food service to include wellness, financial, and resource assistance.
Wellness and Recreation
- Flex Yoga & Barre: Located on Welton Street, offered free classes through the duration of the shutdown.
- Yoga High: Denver location offered free yoga for furloughed employees. Scheduling was available via their website or by phone.
Financial and Resource Assistance
- Premier Members Credit Union (PMC): Assisted existing and potential new members by offering a fixed-rate loan with no payments for 90 days and a term up to 24 months.
- Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07): The congressional office offered free breakfast and lunch, plus additional resources, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Statewide Resource Line (211): Furloughed federal employees and government contractors in need of resources could call 211. The statewide program connects callers to health care services, food pantries, mental health resources, childcare, utility assistance, and eviction prevention assistance.
Cultural Institutions
- Colorado Symphony: Offered two free tickets to specific concerts (Mendelssohn Double Concerto or Classical Romance).
- Denver Art Museum: Offered free general admission to furloughed employees and one guest.
Important Considerations for Participants
While these offers are generous, there are standard requirements and limitations that participants should be aware of.
Identification Requirements
Almost all offers require proof of employment. Participants must present a valid federal government ID or employment badge to redeem the offers. Some venues may also accept other proof of employment.
Location and Timing
- Location Restrictions: Some offers are valid only at specific locations. For example, Sushi-Rama explicitly stated their offer is not valid at the DIA location.
- Time Restrictions: Many food offers are limited to specific hours, such as happy hour windows or lunch periods.
- Duration: Offers vary in duration. Some are valid "until the shutdown ends," while others are limited to specific dates or a set number of weeks.
Financial Obligations
- Tax and Tip: In many cases, the offer covers the cost of the food item, but the customer is responsible for paying tax and tip.
- Purchase Requirements: Some offers, such as Fazoli's, require the purchase of a small drink to receive the free entrée.
Family and Guest Policies
- Family Offers: A few offers extend to immediate family members or children of furloughed workers (e.g., Citizen Rail, Oblio's).
- Guest Limits: The Denver Art Museum offer includes one guest. Aperitivo limits the free meal offer to four people.
Offer Specificity
The offers described are specific to the food items or services listed. For example, a "free lunch" at Sushi-Rama refers to their signature conveyor belt sushi, and a "free meal" at Annette refers to the specific items listed (grilled cheese, steak frites, or breakfast sandwich).
Conclusion
During government shutdowns, the Denver and Boulder communities provide a variety of support mechanisms for furloughed federal employees. These range from full meals and coffee to financial loans and cultural experiences. The availability of these offers is typically dependent on the duration of the shutdown and the specific policies of the participating businesses. Workers are advised to carry valid identification and verify specific terms, such as location restrictions and operating hours, before visiting a participating venue.