i. Biography
The Path
Paul C. Reilly trained at French Culinary Institute. Paul went on to work as dishwasher and busser at Jennifer's German Restaurant in Yorktown Heights, NY, short-order cook at foolish Craig’s cafe in Boulder, CO, cook at Restaurants in Telluride, CO, worked for leaders of seasonal cuisine in New York City, NY, chef at Danal, helped open restaurant at Mirepoix in Denver, CO (from 2004), Executive Chef and owner at Encore on Colfax in Denver, CO (until 2012), apprentice at Browne Trading Company in Portland, ME (from 2012), and consulting chef at New Belgium Brewery sports pub in Denver International Airport, Denver, CO (2019). Today, Paul is co-owner and Executive Chef of beast + bottle (since 2013), Executive Chef and proprietor of Coperta (since 2016), and Executive Chef and proprietor of Pizzeria Coperta (since 2019).
The Work Today
Since 2013, Reilly has been co-owner and Executive Chef at beast + bottle in Denver. He has described a guiding question for that restaurant this way: "We thought to ourselves, if we were to open Beast + Bottle in NYC for one night, what would we serve? What would we want them to know about us? And that's what guided us." In 2019, he also held the chef de cuisine title there.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Paul
What is Paul C. Reilly's current role?
As of 2026, Paul C. Reilly is Executive Chef and Owner.
Where did Paul C. Reilly train or study?
Paul C. Reilly trained at French Culinary Institute.
What recognition has Paul C. Reilly received?
James Beard Foundation Scholarship Winner.
