La Loma, a staple in Denver’s culinary scene since its inception in 1973, has undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly following a high-profile divorce within the Brinkerhoff family, the longstanding owners.
Founded by Savina Mendoza in a quaint Victorian cottage in Jefferson Park, La Loma started with a signature pea-soup-hued green chile that garnered a loyal following.
After being acquired by oilman Milford ‘Sonny’ Brinkerhoff and his son William in the early ’80s, the restaurant expanded to new locations, moving to a larger space on West 26th Avenue to accommodate a liquor license, allowing customers to enjoy margaritas with their meals.
Despite the changes in ownership and location, the Brinkerhoff family has maintained its commitment to the restaurant, with William Brinkerhoff still at the helm alongside his son Mark. The duo has played a pivotal role in the growth of the La Loma brand, expanding its presence to multiple locations, including a more upscale dining option, Sierra, and recently a new establishment, Caldéro.
However, the family dynamics took a dramatic turn in December 2024, when William and his wife Renée entered divorce proceedings, leading to the division of the restaurant business.
In this restructuring, William and Mark retained control over the Tremont Street and Castle Rock locations, alongside Sierra, while Renée and their son William Brinkerhoff Jr. took charge of La Loma in Parker and Caldéro, which they have since been allowed to rebrand.
Following this change, Renée became the sole operator of the La Loma brand, and they recently debuted a new La Loma location in the Denver Tech Center on August 21, reaffirming their commitment to traditional dishes, including Savina’s award-winning green chile.
One of the most crucial elements to emerge from this split is the fate of the revered green chile recipe, now shared between both factions. A Douglas County court ruled that joint custody of the beloved recipe would be maintained, ensuring that patrons will continue to enjoy this signature dish.
Recognizing the potential for consumer confusion with two separate businesses operating under the same name, as of September 4, 2025, William and Mark decided to rebrand their locations as Savina’s Mexican Kitchen.
Mark addressed the transition, stating, ‘In a bid to make peace, we’ve given my mom the La Loma name.’ The split aims to streamline the dining experience for customers, reducing misunderstandings related to gift cards and branding.
Plans for Savina’s Mexican Kitchen include further expansion, with new locations in Loveland and Colorado Springs expected in the near future, alongside other dining ventures such as the Brinkerhoff, a Mexico City-inspired steak and sushi restaurant, and Bar Hummingbird, a cocktail bar.
As for the green chile that has delighted fans for decades, both Savina’s and La Loma locations continue to offer similar versions of the dish at comparable prices.
Recent tastings of the green chile from both establishments showed they are remarkably similar, characterized by a viscous texture, pork inclusions, and a mild spice level, signifying they originate from the same cherished recipe.
Although the McGregor Square offering appeared slightly darker, likely from additional cooking time, the core essence of the beloved green chile remains intact at both locations.
As La Loma transitions into Savina’s Mexican Kitchen while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction, the local community can rest assured that their favorite flavors will continue to thrive in both family-run establishments.
image source from：5280
