Stay Awhile: Chef Fat Dan and Redefining Inclusive Dining at Locust Cider

We sat down with Chef Fat Dan to hear how he turned Locust Cider into Norther Colorados first Celiac Safe Restaurant.

Chef Fat Dan gives a great interview—but it's what he says off-camera that truly inspires. He moves through the world with a unique blend of humility and confidence. From the moment he introduces himself—“Hi, I’m Chef Fat Dan”—you get a glimpse of someone who doesn’t take life too seriously, but is also damn good at what he does.

As the executive chef of Locust Cider in the heart of downtown Fort Collins, Dan has created the first completely celiac-safe menu in Northern Colorado. This is no small feat. The celiac community is often relegated to a tiny corner of the menu or left feeling anxious about dining out due to the risk of cross-contamination. In some cases, they even bring their own meals to restaurants. Dan’s dedication to creating a celiac-safe environment invites everyone to experience the joy and connection that happens around the table.

Crafting a Celiac-Safe Menu from the Ground Up

Creating a celiac-safe menu was a no-brainer for Chef Dan when he took the helm at Locust. Since cider is naturally gluten-free, extending that foundation into the entire food menu was a seamless decision.

But what does “celiac-safe” truly mean? It's more than gluten-free. It requires that the entire restaurant be free from the six most common sources of gluten: wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast, and oats, with all ingredients containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Transforming Locust Cider from a traditional tap house into a fully safe space for celiac diners required more than a new menu—it demanded a full kitchen overhaul, new equipment, and a deep clean of every surface. Today, that same meticulous cleanliness is maintained to keep the space truly safe.

Innovation Over Limitation

Removing gluten and major allergens hasn’t limited Chef Dan’s creativity. When asked if these restrictions hinder his ability to craft an exciting menu, he simply said that with the proper research, nearly any dish can be adapted using gluten-free alternatives.

His popular dishes like chicken tenders and green chili are perfect examples—both are 100% celiac-safe and packed with flavor. Both are available at Locust Cider.

He’s modest about his achievements, too. Only after some gentle prodding from customers did he mention that he’s won multiple awards. From helping at his mom’s bakery as a child to winning Best of Denver by Westword three times in two years—often while navigating personal struggles—Chef Dan’s story is one of resilience and passion.

From crafting sushi in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to feeding hundreds of sorority sisters, there's truly no kitchen where he can’t work his magic. Something that is earning him well deserved recognition both in Northern Colorado and Nationally.

Chef 'Fat' Dan is currently in 1st place in his category for the Favorite Chef competition supporting the James Beard Foundation. He has already made it to the second round, narrowing the field from 100,000 to around 30,000 chefs. Voting remains open until mid-May, and the winners will be announced this summer. Don't forget to cast your votes!

Building Community at Locust Cider

Taking over the kitchen at Locust Cider was more than a career move—it was another opportunity for Chef Dan to innovate. From handpicking his team to frequently updating the menu with bold new flavors, Chef Dan is redefining what a cider taproom can be.

Locust Cider has become a local gem, known not just for its celiac-safe offerings and delicious cider, but also for its strong sense of community. Inside, video games encourage you to “stay awhile,” and a packed events calendar keeps guests coming back.

Here’s what’s happening weekly:

• Tuesdays alternate between trivia and dance nights

• First Mondays feature monthly Medieval Night

• Thursdays are Burger Night, with rotating burger and pint pairings

• Special events like the Spring Fling 5-course cider pairing dinner (held April 25th) bring even more magic to the space.

Come for the Cider, Stay for the Green Chili.

Locust Cider feels like your neighborhood taproom—if your neighborhood served some of the best food in town. Pictured below are the  BBQ nachos, cauliflower bites, and Chef Dan’s famous green chili.

So grab a cider and a bowl of green chili. Bring your friends—gluten lovers and loathers alike. Ask Chef 'Fat' Dan about the meaning behind his Whiskey Pickle tattoo, and stay awhile at Locust Cider.