Bigsby’s Folly Urban Winery: Connecting Through Costumes and Kindness

Locally-owned and family-run, Bigsby’s Folly Urban Winery in Denver, Colorado has found a unique way to connect with customers during the global quarantine. Co-founder and co-owner Chad Yetka dresses in a different costume every day to deliver wine curbside to his customers.

When Governor Jared Polis from Colorado announced that restaurants and bars must close during the state-wide quarantine, Chad and his business partner and wife Marla Yetka looked at each other and said, “what are we going to do?”

“At first, we were devastated,” said Marla. However, they quickly decided they could either go through it stressed or smiling. They truly wanted to bring joy to the community. Chad had the idea to use the one costume they had – an old pink bunny costume from The Christmas Story and offer curbside delivery to customers. This initiative made many people laugh and smile; thus, Chad and Marla considered it a success and continued the unique service.

Marla shared Chad’s antics on Instagram with the hashtag #whatschadwearing, initially asking friends and family if they had any costumes to share. Consequently, Marla posted a broader call for costumes on social media, and people started coming to pick up wine and drop off their costumes.

“People say that coming to pick up their wine is the highlight of their day or week,” said Marla. “We’ve had customers travel from miles away just to come pick up wine and see Chad.”

The joy seems to be mutual, as Marla and Chad are getting to know their customers like never before. “People come in one at a time, and we stand six feet apart, but they can talk to us,” said Marla. “They share their daily experiences, whether it’s about being laid off or being home with kids – it’s all very personal.”

Chad and Marla are also hearing stories about what Bigsby’s Folly means to people in the community. They’re learning about customers who frequented the winery weekly without ever having met. Many people shared stories of getting engaged, having their first date, or celebrating other milestones at Bigsby’s Folly.

“We are truly getting to know our best customers and connecting with people on a personal level,” Marla observed.

In addition to the growlers of wine Bigsby’s Folly is offering, they’ve started providing mixed cocktail pints. Recently, a new mural went up in Denver honoring the city’s healthcare workers. Marla collaborated with artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler to create labels for the pint jars and offered free ones to any healthcare worker who came by. The first day, a caravan of nurses from a nearby hospital showed up after a shift, with one even bringing her husband and golden retriever—all dressed in costume.

“How we’re going to get through this is with kindness and smiles,” said Marla. “The community’s support has floored us, and we hope to give that support right back.”