Lower Downtown District, Inc.

What you see is what you get…

May 12, 2000

There's something about Lee Goodfriend that reminds you of Dixons, one of the
Restaurants she co-owns and operates. She is as casual as the bar, as straightforward as the menu and as energetic as the servers who scurry around at lunch time.
And, perhaps that's not surprising considering she was a server (and a bartender and a manager?…) for the last 30 years. Lee now co-owns Dixons Downtown Grill, Racine's Restaurant and Goodfriends Family Restaurant with Dixon Staples and David Racine and says, "The restaurant business is something that is either in your blood or not-it's definitely in mine."
Lee, a native of Chicago, "couldn't believe the weather and easy style of living here" and moved to Denver permanently in 1971. Today, she says, there's even more to do in the area and "that's a good thing. I love the architecture and history of LoDo, but my first 20 years here, the area had no energy?…today it practically bounces off the streets."
One of the reasons for this renewal in energy, Lee says, is due to LDDI. "There seems to be a lack of interest in LDDI now. I get irritated when people forget that all of Lower Downtown could have been leveled into a Highlands Ranch if it wasn't for the people who fought to preserve and protect it."
If fact, it's this level of commitment to LDDI that led Lee to become one of LDDI's newest Board Members. "At a recent meeting, someone said, 'What can LDDI do for me?' I said, 'Ask what you can do for LDDI?' We all have to give back to our community."
What's the best part of running a restaurant?
I like being around young people-I'm almost 50-and I think it keeps me young in some way.
What do you do when you're not at work?
I'm easily entertained. I read, walk my dog, go to the movies, shop, have coffee. That kind of thing.
What was the best movie you saw recently?
"American Beauty"?…I wanted to see it again as soon as it was over. "Cider House Rules was also wonderful.
What's your favorite menu item at Dixons?
The French Dip?…without a doubt.
What's your philosophy of life?
Treat people well. Try to do the right thing-good things will come back to you.