About Reckless Brewing Company
In fruita, CO
OUR STORY
Reckless Brewing Company is a vibrant local brewery and restaurant situated in the heart of downtown Fruita, Colorado. Known for its lively atmosphere, the venue doubles as a live music spot, making it a go-to destination for food, craft brews, and entertainment. Located at 127 E Aspen Ave, it offers dine-in and outdoor seating options, providing a cozy yet energetic space to unwind. Though relatively new and not yet widely rated, it promises a welcoming experience for locals and visitors alike.
Russell Klase III
Chef and Owner, Reckless Brewing Company
At just 16, he ran his first kitchen at a BBQ restaurant, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the food industry. A graduate of Johnson and Wales University with degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, Russell quickly rose through the ranks. By age 22, he became an executive chef, and by 25, he was promoted to General Manager. Over the next decade, he earned accolades in Denver’s competitive culinary scene, winning awards, competing in high-profile events, and even receiving a nomination for a James Beard Award. Russell’s extensive experience spans diverse kitchen environments—from multi-million-dollar resorts to food trucks—further shaping his versatile skillset.
Russell’s culinary philosophy has always centered on farm-to-table principles, emphasizing sustainably raised meats and locally sourced ingredients. This commitment led him to launch Reckless Cheffing in 2021, a catering business that quickly gained popularity and laid the foundation for his next dream:
In 2022, Russell took a major step for his company by opening Reckless Roadhouse, his first brick-and-mortar location. The Roadhouse is a true reflection of his personality, passion, and pride in his work. With the majority of his experience rooted in the fine dining sector, Russell was determined to create an elevated experience in a casual neighborhood setting.
Now, Russell has expanded his vision with the opening of Reckless Brewing Company, a brewpub in Fruita, Colorado. This new venture combines his experience in fine dining with the relaxed energy of a brewpub, creating a unique spot for great food, craft beer, and community connection. Reckless Brewing Company continues Russell’s commitment to fresh house-made cuisine and further solidifies his goal of being a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
As the chef and owner of both Reckless Roadhouse and Reckless Brewing Company, Russell remains dedicated to crafting exceptional culinary experiences. His goal for both establishments is to provide a welcoming and elevated atmosphere, grounded in his belief that good food and great hospitality can bring a community together.
The Brewery
Reckless Brewing Company operates on a 15 barrel (465 gallon) brew house. With the ability to brew enough to provide for multiple brew pubs and monthly events, without being too industrialized and losing the spirit of the craft. We have our own grain room where we will our grains fresh to maintain the highest quality of flavor. Our state of the art automation involved in our system helps keep our consistency maintained so our brews come out tasting the same from batch to batch. We focus on offering a well balanced beer drinking experience from light and approachable, to more pallet challenging tastes. Experimentation and new fresh ideas lay at the heart of our brewing philosophy.
Rudy Vanvoorhees
Executive Brewer, Reckless Brewing Company
Starting in 2014 after recently moving to Fruita. He began learning and quickly improving the brewery operations and systems. Then just three years later becoming one of the youngest head brewers in the nation. Since that time he has refined his craft with a focus on drinkability and diverse offerings of many international beer styles. Ten years of brewing experience preceded his addition to the Reckless team. He may occasionally be found jet setting the world; drinking a pint in an English pub, beaching throughout Latin American, or rock climbing in Southeast Asia.
Get Reckless with Us!
Dive into the Reckless world of our restaurant and brewery through snapshots capturing the look, feel and flavors of our brewpub. From the meticulous craft of Executive Brewer Rudy Vanvoorhees to the culinary masterpieces of Chef and Owner Russell Klase III, join us for our passion, precision, and community. Let's celebrate the flavors, faces, and festive moments that make Reckless Brewing a cornerstone of Fruita, Colorado.
