On Havana Street
Yoder 640s: A Pellet Grill Built To Last
by Mark Smiley
USA: Yoder Smokers are made in Kansas and built with high-quality materials.
Solid Pellet Grill: The Yoder 640s has 1,070 square inches of cook space, combined with nearly 12 inches of headroom which means there is plenty of room for anything from briskets and pork butts to beer can chickens and turkeys.
BBQ season unofficially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend and Cherry Creek valley residents are already grilling tasty items on their respective grills and smokers. If you are in the market for a pellet grill and have considered spending a little more money to have something that is built to last, we invite you to explore the Yoder YS640s. This article is the first of a three-part series that will explore the features of this smoker.
The Yoder YS640s is widely regarded as one of the highest-quality pellet grills on the market, particularly for serious backyard pitmasters and even some commercial applications. The 335-pound grill is made of heavy-duty steel and also built in the United States. They are built in Kansas, which allows for better quality control compared to many imported competitors.
The Yoder YS640s pellet grill does not come fully assembled. Upon delivery, it arrives boxed and requires assembly by the user. For instance, if you purchase the competition cart version, it will arrive on a pallet, wrapped and secured with bands. You’ll need to cut the bands, remove the packaging, and assemble the grill following the provided instructions.
Given the grill’s substantial weight it’s recommended to have at least two people handle the unpacking and assembly process. The YS640s is built with 10-gauge steel for the cooking chamber and 14-gauge steel for the hopper, which is significantly thicker than most pellet grills. This smoker also has welded seams and powder coating contributing to excellent durability and weather resistance.
The Yoder 640s features high-temp powder coating that resists flaking and corrosion, even under high heat and exposure to the elements. It has a stainless-steel front shelf that easily pops into place that is solid and useful for prep work.
The grill is heavy but also includes large, rugged wheels that make moving it relatively easy for such a heavy grill. Although heavy, once in place, the Yoder 640s is a fine addition to any outdoor kitchen or backyard. It comes complete with an Adaptive Control System (ACS) with Wi-Fi connectivity which allows precise control and monitoring via the FireBoard app.
The FireBoard app is a powerful companion for the dual thermometers that come with the Yoder 640s. The app is designed to enhance your grilling and smoking experience with real-time monitoring, control, and analysis. You can monitor live temperature readings from all connected probes and easily switch between chart and detail views, add notes or photos, and share sessions via a link.
The entire smoker is built with high quality materials and anyone who has used an imported smoker, will notice the difference. For instance, the tight tolerances on the lid and doors prevent heat and smoke loss and it features high-quality welds and consistent finishes throughout. There is little to no rattling or loose parts, even after extensive use.
The Yoder YS640s is often considered a tank of a smoker — built for longevity, performance, and consistent results. This smoker is ideal for serious BBQ enthusiasts who want pro-level equipment that lasts decades with proper care. Next month, we will cover more of the cooks and how other wood pellets perform in the Yoder 640s. Also, we will examine the additional wood fired oven attachment which retails for $489. The Yoder 640s are sold for $2,699. More information can be found at www.yodersmokers.com.
Jealous Devil’s Jax Legendary Blend BBQ Pellets are a premium choice for grill enthusiasts seeking exceptional flavor and performance. Crafted in the USA from 100% natural, virgin, bark-free hardwoods — specifically cherry, maple, and hickory — these pellets are designed to deliver a clean burn with minimal ash, ensuring a consistent grilling experience. Notably, they contain no fillers, binders, or additives, preserving the authentic wood flavor in your food.
The Yoder YS640S is designed to work with a variety of hardwood pellets, and Jealous Devil pellets are no exception. These pellets are known for their high-quality hardwood composition, producing a clean burn with minimal ash. We found that Jealous Devil pellets burn slightly faster than some other brands, but they also produced more smoke and a richer flavor profile.
Jealous Devil wood pellets are a suitable and effective fuel choice for the Yoder YS640s pellet grill. Their high-quality composition complements the grill’s advanced features, providing consistent heat and flavorful smoke for your cooking endeavors. As with any pellet choice, it’s a good idea to try a few different brands to see which flavor profiles you prefer for various meats and recipes.
The legendary blend is made up of cherry, maple, and hickory hardwoods. One distinct feature is that is comes in a box with a pour spout making it easy to pour right into the Yoder 640s pellet hopper. The Yoder can support over 20 pounds of pellets so the 20 pound Jealous Devil box is a perfect addition. The box is weather-resistant and also features a carry handle.
These pellets are available at various retailers, including Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, Buc-ees, and the Jealous Devil Shop. Visit www.jealousdevil.com for more information.
Glendale Legend Passes Away
Dean Peterson, Co-Founder Of The Bull & Bush Brewery Died At Age 87
by Mark Smiley
Founding Fathers: Identical twin brothers Dean (right) and Dale Peterson (who passed away in 2009) often rode their bikes by the local dairy that would one day be the home of The Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery. In 1971, casting aside their stockbroker careers, the brothers built the Bull & Bush to kick-start a list of successful restaurants.
On May 3, 2025, Dean Peterson, co- founder of the Bull & Bush Brewery in Glendale passed away at age 87. Regarded by many as a pioneer in the industry, Peterson, along with his identical twin brother Dale, co-founded the Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery in 1971 in Glendale, Colorado. Back in those days, there was not much other than farmland around and it was difficult to get a loan from the bank. In fact, as you looked West from the Bull & Bush, you could see the old Riviera sign on Kentucky Avenue with nothing obstructing the view. Glendale was a few years away from becoming the spot for nightlife and the Bull & Bush was at the forefront.
Inspired by a fact-finding trip to England, they modeled their establishment after the original Bull & Bush Pub in Hampstead Heath, London, which dates back to 1645. They imported authentic artifacts, including a now-iconic warped copper top bar, to recreate the traditional English pub atmosphere.
The Peterson brothers were born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1937. Dale Peterson passed away in 2009 while Dean outlived his brother by nearly 16 years. After a three-year battle with cancer, Dean Peterson passed away. A celebration of life brought a standing room only crowd to the Bull & Bush Brewery on May 20, 2025. Dean’s nephews, David and Erik Peterson, entertained the crowd and kept the mood upbeat while others shared stories.
Peterson was born in Nebraska but moved to Denver as an infant. He and his twin brother and older sister, Charlene, lived at
Dean and His Daughter: Dean Peterson and his only daughter Tami Beardsley pose for a photo a few years ago. Beardsley was the inspiration for the iconic Bull & Bush logo.
6th and Albion for years and Dean graduated from East High School in 1955. Fast forward to 1971, when they founded the Bull & Bush Brewery, Dean was seen as the back of the house “number cruncher” while Dale was the front of the house “glad hander.” It is in that back of the house, where Dean thought it would be a good idea to put their now famous green chili on top of mashed potatoes. He came up with this concept in the late 1970s and it is still on the menu today.
Just because he was seen as the back of the house owner, doesn’t mean Dean did not enjoy sitting at the bar talking to guests and swapping stories. “People would sit at the bar and get advice they didn’t need or want,” said David Peterson, co-owner of the Bull & Bush Brewery. “But everyone loved Dean.”
“My fondest memories of my uncle had nothing to do with the restaurant,” said Peterson. “Our family trips were a lot of fun and as we got older, we started to go to places like Las Vegas. We always had a great time with family and Dean was a big part of that.”
Initially, the Bull & Bush served as a lively gathering spot, featuring live music and one of Denver’s first dart rooms. In 1997, the Petersons expanded the establishment by adding a brewery, which has since gained acclaim for its innovative beers. Notably, their “MAN BEER” received a Gold award at the World Beer Cup.
Today, the Bull & Bush remains a family-run business, operated by David and Erik Peterson. They have continued the legacy by maintaining the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality. The establishment offers a diverse menu, a wide selection of whiskeys, and continues to brew award-winning beers, solidifying its status as a cherished Glendale institution, an institution that started with the late Dale and Dean Peterson. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifices my dad and uncle made 54 years ago,” said Peterson. “May Dean rest in peace and look down on how we continue to put smiles on people’s faces that walk through our doors.”
Los Dos Potrillos Now Open In Denver
The Family-Owned Restaurant Opens First Location In Denver
by Mark Smiley
Now Open: Los Dos Potrillos opened at 11 a.m. April 15, 2025, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Los Dos takes over the space formerly occupied by Hacienda on South Colorado Boulevard. It is the first restaurant for the family in the city of Denver after decades in the suburbs.
Los Dos Potrillos, the family-owned Mexican restaurant known for its Mexican comfort food opened its first Denver location near Colorado Boulevard and I-25 at 4100 E. Mexico Avenue on April 15, 2025. The space was formerly occupied by Hacienda. The new Los Dos Potrillos has space for 253 patrons inside and 70 more on its patio.
They have been eyeing locations in Denver over the last several years but could not find the right area. “Whenever we look at any type of location, we always want to make sure it fits our way of going into any type of property,” said Danny Ramirez, CEO of Ramirez Hospitality Group, who owns Los Dos Potrillos. “We look forward to becoming a welcoming haven for our growing community, offering the same quality, consistency, service, and commitment that defines the Los Dos family,” Ramirez.
“Expanding to Denver is an important step for us, allowing us to connect and serve a new group of diners. Our Los Dos family is excited about this growth and cannot wait to bring our delicious food and overall dining experience to a new community in such a centralized location,” added Luis Ramirez, COO and President.
Fresh Remodel: Los Dos Potrillos spent six months renovating what is now their sixth location in Colorado.
This milestone brings their family recipes and welcoming atmosphere to the heart of the Mile High City, marking a new chapter and the seventh Los Dos Potrillos full service restaurant opening in the Ramirez family’s journey.
Founded by Jose Ramirez in 2002, Los Dos Potrillos has grown from a single restaurant in Centennial to a popular local brand with multiple locations across the Denver metro area. This Denver location represents the sixth addition to their growing family, joining the ranks of their other establishments.
The Colorado Boulevard location is the second largest footprint for the restaurant family next to the Castle Rock location which b
oasts 8,000 square feet of space.
The Denver Los Dos Potrillos will uphold the traditions and quality that have made Ramirez Hospitality Group a beloved household name across the region. Customers can expect the same welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and Mexican comfort food that have earned the restaurant group a loyal following.
Taking over an existing Mexican restaurant made it a bit easier to move forward. “There wasn’t much to do since it was a Mexican restaurant,” said Daniel Ramirez. “All we had to do is come in and put our touch to it. We changed the outside and changed the interior. The kitchen is in immaculate condition. We just added our spice to it, literally,” Ramirez said with a smile.
For more information, visit www.los2potrillos.com.
Comrade Brewing
