Colorado-Style Pizza: Visiting Beau Jo’s

Nestled in the heart of Fort Collins, Beau Jo’s Colorado-Style Pizza offers a tantalizing pizza experience that is as unique as it is delicious. With dough sweetened with a touch of local honey, their pizzas boast a flavor that is both familiar and comforting. The braided crust, resembling a cross between a deep-dish pizza and the Rocky Mountains, adds a delightful twist to each slice.

And for those seeking a lighter option with less dough, the Prairie Pie, a thin crust like Pizza Hut’s thin crust pizza, is a good alternative.

With the two styles of pizza, appetizers, salads, pasta, sandwiches, wings, and amply stocked bar, it’s no wonder that Beau Jo’s has garnered a devoted following since Chip Bair purchased the original Idaho Springs, Colo., business in 1973 and changed just about everything except the name. Beau and Jo Ann Faulk opened a small pizza shop in 1971 before selling it to Bair.

Beau Jo’s landed on our radar when my wife, Wendi, was planning a trip to Loveland, Colo., to attend a series of business functions with her employer, Keystone Financial Services (she works remotely). She told her coworkers which pizza would be good for me to try. Melissa said Beau Jo’s. I reached out to the company and Codi Bair, director of marketing, made the tour possible. Chris, a manager, served as a wonderful host.

Due to logistics, a trip to the original location in Idaho Springs was out of the question. However, I enjoyed getting to know more about the company and the uniqueness of the Fort Collins location from Chris. Beau Jo’s has six locations across the state: Idaho Springs, Fort Collins, Arvada, Evergreen, Lone Tree, and Steamboat Springs.

So, here’s my Beau Jo’s journey:

The Braided Crust: Foundation for Beau Jo’s Colorado Mountain Pie

When my wife, Wendi, her coworker, Marcy, and I walked in, we were greeted by Chris, a manager at the Fort Collins restaurant. 

The restaurant was busy, so Wendi and Marcy waited for a table while Chris and I stepped away so I could interview him and take a tour of the restaurant, especially the kitchen. I worked in a pizza restaurant when I was in high school (Lovece’s Pizza Palace in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Fla.) and at a number of restaurants, Valle’s Steak House, the Brown Derby, Casa Gallardo, and Pelican Bay Country Club.

Because of my cooking background, I always want to get in the kitchen and see how dishes are prepared, cooked, plated, and served.

As soon as we entered the kitchen, a pizza maker was sheeting the dough for the pies. A clump of dough was fed into the sheeter until it reached the proper thickness. Next, the perforated and sloped pizza pans were placed under the dough, and then the pizza maker cut a circle in the dough wider than the pan. This allowed for the braiding of the crust. 

I had never seen dough prepped this way, and I never saw a hand-rolled edge on a pizza. I should add, the sheet of dough had been thoroughly docked.

The braided crust at the pizza restaurant is the distinguishing feature of Colorado-style pies. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a practical purpose. It helps to contain the generous amount of pizza toppings and gooey cheese, preventing them from spilling over the edges.

At Beau Jo’s, you order pizza by the pound: 1, 2, 3, or 5 pounds!

It is just one of the many reasons why locals and tourists alike flock to this establishment to experience the delicious and distinctive flavors of their Colorado-style pizza.

The Origin and Popularity of the Mountain Pie

Introduced by Chip Bair in 1973, the Mountain Pie quickly gained popularity among skiers and snowboarders looking for an affordable and convenient pizza option between the mountains. This unique creation provided a satisfying meal for those seeking a quick bite at a fair price while enjoying their outdoor activities.

Over the years, the Mountain Pie developed a cult following, with customers returning repeatedly to indulge in its tasty goodness. Its origin and popularity have made it a staple at Beau Jo’s, where it continues to be enjoyed by pizza enthusiasts seeking a delectable and convenient meal option.

Colorado Style Pizza Features a Honey-Infused Dough

Beau Jo’s Colorado-style pizza stands out for its honey-infused dough, giving it a unique and distinct flavor. The addition of honey to the dough creates a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall taste experience. This special ingredient sets Beau Jo’s apart from other pizza establishments and has become one of the defining characteristics of this pizza style.

Dough Preparation at Beau Jo’s

The dough is made fresh throughout the day, ensuring that customers are always treated to a freshly baked and flavorful crust.

Unlike New York and New Haven pizzerias that rely on bulk fermentation at room temperature before being proofed overnight in a cooler, Beau Jo’s makes its dough as needed, guaranteeing its quality and freshness. On busy days, 4 to 6 batches of dough are prepared, while on slower days, 3 to 4 batches are used. 

Beau Jo’s Offers a Prairie Crust for Lovers of a Thin-Crust Pizza

Customers have the option to choose between the Prairie Pie crust and the popular braided crust of the Mountain Pie when ordering from Beau Jo’s Colorado-style pizza.

The Prairie Pies are made from the same dough as the Mountain Pies. While the Mountain Pie sort of looks like a Chicago deep dish pizza, the Prairie Pie is a thin, crispy crust. 

Which should you choose? It depends on what your favorite type of pizza is. Chris says people who have been to Beau Jo’s and ordered the hearty, braided thick-crust pizza a lot will often choose the thinner crust. Those who do not want to eat a lot of dough will order the thinner and more traditional style of pizza. It appeals to those who prefer a lighter and crispier crust.

Ratio of Mountain Pie to Prairie Pie Sales

The sales ratio between Mountain Pie and Prairie Pie at Beau Jo’s depends on the preferences and demand of their customers.

Chris said the sales ratio between the two pies fluctuates based on customer preferences and the current demand. Beau Jo’s strives to provide a range of options to cater to the diverse tastes of their customers.

No matter what kind you get, you can enjoy a cheese pizza, like I do, or savor the generous amounts of premium toppings on these delicious pizzas.

The Mountain Pie Comes with a Built-in Dessert

At your table, Beau Jo’s places the typical items like salt, pepper, grated cheese, and red pepper flakes. However, it also has containers of honey. Customers often drizzle honey onto the braided, hand-rolled edge of the pizza, turning the crust into a built-in dessert.

My wife Wendi loved to have the option of adding honey to the crust. She will often dip pizza crust into some ranch dressing or marinara sauce. “I never thought of adding honey. I love honey,” she said.

Unique Aspects of Beau Jo’s Fort Collins Location

Located in the heart of Fort Collins, Beau Jo’s Colorado-style Pizza stands out not only for its delicious pies but also for its unique setting. Housed in a former Ford assembly factory, the restaurant exudes an industrial charm that sets it apart from other pizza joints.

Step inside and you’ll find functional garage doors. These doors not only add a touch of authenticity but also provide a unique dining experience when opened on warm days, as they were the night we visited.

Adding to the historical significance, the model TT truck that sits in the restaurant was assembled in the facility. Beau Jo’s Fort Collins location boasts one of only two functional lifts of its kind in the world, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to preserving local history.

Beau Jo’s Colorado-Style Pizza was a Fun Time

Where else can you order pounds of pizza? If you find yourself in Colorado, find yourself a Beau Jo’s and grab the Mountain Pie. 

PWP might earn a commission when you make purchases through links in this post. Learn more about how PWP generates income.