Aspen restaurant to host 15-year anniversary party

Aspen and affordable are not usually related words.

But an inexpensive menu was part of Troy Selby’s business plan when he opened the Silverpeak in 2010, then called 520 Grill — an ethic he stands by as the Mexi-Cali restaurant approaches its 15-year anniversary party. 

“What does Aspen actually need?” Selby asked himself when he first opened the restaurant. “It needed, and still does to this day, places for locals to eat, places for blue collar workers to eat, (for) ski instructors, and teachers, and kids.”

The business, which Selby ran with his partner Wheaton Augur for the first four years of its existence, helped keep Aspen affordable, providing quick, quality lunch options. Located at 520 E. Cooper Ave., it now celebrates 15 years, hosting a party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, with $3 chicken, beef, fish, and shrimp tacos, as well as $3 fountain drinks. The restaurant will continue the celebrations with music from DJ Mayfly from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., selling beers for $4 and wines for $8.

Apart from its wide selection of tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, the Silverpeak offers a range of signature dishes including a kale and quinoa salad, a fried fish po’ boy, and a “rolladilla,” Selby’s take on a quesadilla. 

Selby said he’s looking forward to the opportunity at the anniversary party to thank the customers who have supported him in all his years of business.

Fred Peirce, one of Silverpeak’s most loyal customers, said he appreciates that the restaurant prioritizes affordability. 

“It’s nice to not have to worry about breaking the bank,” he said, adding, “The people there are really friendly and it’s kind of like a family.”

But with ever rising Aspen prices and disappearing cheap eateries, Selby asks for community support now more than ever. He has managed to keep his prices in the $15 to $30 range even though he pays six times more for rent than when he first opened. He only rents 30% more space than he did in 2010. Selby added that he accrues $1,000 of business expenses per day, up from $300 per day 15 years ago.

“I don’t really want to change my concept to adapt to the new Aspen,” Selby said.

He plans to continue operating in his current location for at least the next 10 years.

“It’s getting harder every day to run a business,” he said, adding, “I do it because I love it and I want to provide something to the community that’s meaningful.”

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.