Post #811375 by AcmeTiki on Tue, Nov 28, 2023 4:24 PM

These are photos of Denver Outrigger and Trader Vic's manager Leo Goto from the 1960s. Leo was legendary in the Denver restaurant scene. Born in Sacramento CA, his family were forced into Japanese internment camp in Ft. Lupton, CO during WWII. Goto’s career had a humble start: washing dishes in the Denver Outrigger while attending the University of Denver. He quickly earned the trust and respect of owner Victor Bergeron, who promoted him to general manager and enlisted him to help open additional locations of the upscale eatery in London, Houston and Portland. In 1969, Goto ventured into restaurant ownership with the opening Leo’s Place at 16th and Broadway. Leo’s Place became an instant hit, drawing nightly Who’s Who crowds until the property was condemned to make way for an RTD station and high-rise buildings.

Here are some quotes I found online after his passing:

“Leo was a marvelous greeter with an incredible memory. He knew everyone’s story; plus, he was a real sweet guy,” said longtime friend and business partner Larry Atler.

Goto was “the consumate host,” adds restaurant consultant John Imbergamo. “He was the superstar face of restaurants long before restaurants started to be identified by their chefs.”

“Leo was a mentor to many current restaurant owners and employees,” said CRA president/CEO Peter Meersman. “He always put others first,” added Holly Arnold Kinney, whose late father, Sam Arnold, owner of The Fort, had been one of Goto’s best friends.

"Makes me very said because I knew Leo back all the way to Trader Vics. He was a consummate restauranteur and a pillar of the community. I think all the classy front of the house guys are gone (including Paul Attardi most recently). Not many gracious hosts these days IMO just a bunch of teenagers who don't have a clue." –Denver Dave, The Denver Westword

You can read more about Leo Goto here: https://www.denverpost.com/2013/03/06/leo-goto-dies-denver-restaurateur-was-philanthropist-and-friend/

[ Edited by AcmeTiki on 2023-11-28 16:55:28 ]