From ‘burger battles’ to a business deal: Meet the former foes who now own Chef Daddy’s Grill, a new joint in Silverthorne

Chefs Scott Glasser and Trevor Rhodes used to work for competing restaurants in Colorado Springs and would face off in what they called “burger battles.”

The “burger battles” consisted of the two trying to outdo each other by seeing who could make the craziest specialty burger. They would show off their work to each other via text message. 

No one ever ended up being deemed the winner of these battles, and the two would go on to join forces 20 years later.

Both eventually left their respective restaurants in Colorado Springs and opened their own food trucks. Rhodes’ was based in Summit County and Glasser held down the scene in Denver.

This summer, Glasser found himself in Summit County and decided to grab pizza from Rhode’s newest restaurant, Melody’s Trattoria, which he opened in February.   

What started as a pizza run ended in a business deal. 

Rhodes called Glasser shortly after his visit and told him about an offer he had just gotten from Bluebird Market in Silverthorne, the spot where his pizza place lives. He said he was told the Mighty Burger was closing its doors and Bluebird Market wanted to know if Rhode’s wanted the space based on how well the pizzeria was received. 

“When I came up with the idea to make it a burger place, Scott was the first guy I thought to call,” Rhodes said. 

Glasser had previously spent a six-year stint working under the owner of Crave Real Burgers in Castle Rock, Jeff Richards, who he said is known for making the “perfect burger.”

He said Richards was meticulous about creating “the perfect bite” and placed emphasis on homemade sauces and toppings and using high-quality meat. 

Rhodes said they are carrying those values into their new business venture together: Chef Daddy’s Grill. Similar to the two other spots Rhodes owns, the pizzeria and Melody’s Food Cart, his new burger joint’s name also gives a nod to his seven-year-old Melody. 

“(Melody) started calling me chef daddy (when she was younger) and people heard that and also started calling me chef daddy,” Rhodes said. “It just kind of stuck.”

The two opened Chef Daddy’s Grill on Sept. 5. In addition to beef burgers, they also plan to offer elk, bison, salmon and veggie burgers. 

They said they plan to have rotating season specials and plan to add new items to the menu frequently. One of Glasser’s favorites, the southwest burger, is currently on the menu and features enchilada ketchup sauce, chipotle mayo and a corn black bean salsa. 

He said one of his favorite tricks to pull with burgers is putting meat on top of the meat and said people should expect a pulled pork burger on the menu soon.

Chef Daddy’s Grill’s burgers range from $17 to $20. It also has hot dogs for $7 and bratwurst for $9. Sides range from $7 to $18. 

On Sept. 27 Chef Daddy, Independent Deli and Upslope Brewing Company will have a ribbon cutting to introduce the three most recent additions to the Bluebird Market.