Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar Open In Downtown Grand Junction — Chicago-Inspired Cuisine + Local Libations
Photos courtesy of Cruise Control
We’re excited to welcome Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar to downtown Grand Junction’s growing culinary scene. This fresh concept is a fast-casual wine bar in the heart of the Grand Valley.
Owner Taryn Brooks is excited for guests to experience the pairing of familiar and approachable food with world-class libations. The Cruise Control motto of “Elevated Classics” is showcased on their food and cocktail menus, from the Windy, a Chicago-style 7-inch hotdog, to barrel-aged cocktails in partnership with local distillers. The Cruise Control kitchen is slated to be fully open by May 1. In the meantime, food trucks are popping up every weekend through the month of March. Menu highlights will be continental-inspired snacks, salads, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, gourmet sandwiches, elevated hotdogs and artisanal desserts. All designed to pair with craft beer, spirits and wine.
“Where the Windy City meets the Million Dollar Breeze,” another motto at Cruise Control, is a nod to Brooks’ husband, Patric Matysiewski, creative director at Cruise Control. Matysiewski is originally from Chicago — the “Windy City” — and he is the winemaker at Sauvage Spectrum in Palisade, home of the “Million Dollar Breeze.”
“As the mother of a baby boy, I wanted to construct a restaurant that is family friendly and inclusive to everyone, where you can stay awhile and get comfortable,” shares Brooks. “A relaxing place to bring your family or friends for happy hour or to enjoy a meal. I want people to feel welcomed, comfortable and not rushed to leave.”
As you walk through the doors at 555 Colorado Ave., you are presented with a micromarket displaying local produce, with curated food items, bottled beverages to-go, as well as art from makers nearby. Local purveyors will be featured and invited to showcase their goods with on-site tastings on a rotating monthly basis. “We want to support other small and local businesses by featuring them in the market up front,” says Brooks.
Prior to purchasing your to-go beverages, belly up to the bar or find a seat in the lounge area to try before you buy; that’s just one of the unique options at Cruise Control.
Cruise Control plans to contribute to the momentum of the region’s charming farm stands, vineyards and stellar dining by adding to the diverse food scene in the Grand Valley, while promoting goods produced by Colorado agriculture.
Cruise Control will be hosting a series of ticketed paired dinners to highlight local winemakers, brewers, distillers and farmers. There is a small lounge available to book for gatherings. Other plans for growth include wine tanks in the back for more wine to have available on tap, as well as an outdoor patio out front. They also plan to extend the hours and offer breakfast in the future.
My drink of choice when I’m there? The Sauvage Spectrum and Spoke+Blossom collaboration wine, All Day Verde, of course. Cheers!
Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar
555 Colorado Ave.
Grand Junction, CO
Originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.