Denver restaurant group CEO steps down; lawsuit over ‘service charges’ continues

The co-founder of an influential restaurant group with more than a dozen concepts in metro Denver is stepping down as chief executive officer, a spokesperson for the group said Wednesday.

Juan Padro helped build the company, Culinary Creative Group, into a chef-driven powerhouse featuring concepts like Tap & Burger, Magna Kainan, Kumoya, Señor Bear, Mister Oso, A5 Steakhouse and Bar Dough.

“We’re excited to grow our team as we continue to grow our company,” Padro said in a statement acknowledging his successor, Richard Flaherty, who last job was as CEO of Punch Bowl Social. The change is “designed to position the Culinary Creative Group for thoughtful national ex...