Reader: A Great Family Created a Great Family Joint at Crown Burgers

Founder George Brokalakis passed away last month, but his son carries on.

July 13, 2025

Crown Burgers is an institution on South Colorado Boulevard. Gil Asakawa

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

George Brokalakis, the founder of Crown Burgers, passed away last month. But after a day devoted to remembering the legendary restaurateur, his staff was right back at work: flipping some of the best burgers in Denver, putting hand-coated quarter-pound corn dogs on sticks, manually slicing and breading onion rings and prepping everything on the expansive breakfast menu (served from 9 to 11 a.m.).

That's what George would have wanted, and expected. "When I was younger, it was either summer school or work," recalls Dmitri, his 33-year-old-son who now runs the joint at 2192 South Colorado Boulevard. "I went to summer school when I was six years old, and I said, 'I'm never going to do it again.' From seven years old, I would come in any school break or summer break, and I would help a little here and there."

Now he's carrying on his father's legacy, and in their comments on the Westword Facebook page, Crown Burgers regulars share their appreciation of George and the family restaurant. Says Jay:

Love that spot! RIP.

Adds Sherry:

Great family created a great family joint with Crown Burgers.

Notes Donald:

Condolences. The burgers are fantastic!

Offers Stony:

My condolences to the family I had many conversations with George seeing him sit there at the table doing his paperwork. Hopefully the family maintains the restaurant.

Comments Yurika:

I love Crown Burgers! Everything on the menu is delicious, the service is always spot on and the food is delivered to your hands with a smile.

Concludes Kathleen:

I have Crown Burgers on speed dial... every time I had to take my car to my mechanics by 7:30 a.m., I'd call in an order for breakfast sandwiches for us on the way. Also for my work buddies occasionally. Love their burgers, as did my kids!! Rest well, George. I'm so sorry to his family for their great loss.

Have you been to Crown Burgers? What are you waiting for? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].

A message from Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today