For the first time in the history of one famous, four-decade old Mexican restaurant in metro Denver, there’s only one sole owner.

La Loma’s recipes, including its famous green chile, lives on.

That’s even through a rights transfer. Now, the La Loma name is reduced to only three of its original five locations – after the husband and wife owners divorced and transitioned ownership.

The over 40-year-old restaurant has made its mark throughout generations in the Denver area. 

In 1981, the Brinkeroff family opened La Loma. The first installment was a set of three red brick houses atop a hill in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood. 

Both owners appear to not be changing some of their recipes. That’s particularly including its recipe of a Colorado staple: green chile.

Some hail La Loma’s green chile for some of the best in the Centennial State.

Renée Brinkerhoff, along with her son William Brinkerhoff Jr., now solely own and operate the existing La Loma restaurants in McGregor Square, Parker, the Denver Tech Center and all future locations.

Mark Brinkerhoff now owns the former La Loma’s at 1801 Broadway in Denver and the Castle Rock location – under the new name Savinas.

Mark Brinkerhoff said everything will also remain the same, just under the new name and logo, with further Front Range opportunities in Loveland and more in Castle Rock, according to a BizDen article.

As for Renée, she said La Loma’s legacy remains the same.

“While it feels like a new era, in many ways, it’s just a continuation of the La Loma our guests know and love,” she said in an email.

Meanwhile, Mark is honoring what predated La Loma: Savina Mendoza. Known as grandma, Mendoza, in 1973, within one brick home on the hilltop.

It was said Mendoza “laid the foundation for a dining experience rooted in authenticity, hospitality and heart,” according to the new website of Savina’s, Mark’s reimagination of the two former La Loma’s.

For over three decades, William Brinkerhoff grew the restaurant, then Mark, his son, became involved by expanding the business to downtown Denver in 2016, according to Savina’s.

Mendoza’s creation has long lived in the memories of Denverites. Again, with her famous green chile recipe that anyone can still enjoy today.

La Loma and Renée, it’s also about keeping the Mexican cuisine passion alive.

“It was important for me to preserve the integrity of the brand and to be able to continue to give guests what they know and love about La Loma,” she said. “I’m grateful to be a part of the Colorado restaurant community and pleased to be able to take the brand forward.”