Denverites Are Turning On Illegal Pete’s. Here’s What Pete Has To Say.
For almost 30 years, Illegal Pete’s has been a local darling. While Chipotle went global, Pete’s Mission-style burritos came with killer queso and great margs — and they supported local artists and community groups, too. But over the last couple years, something has changed. People are swapping stories of food poisonings, cuts to worker benefits, and less-than-awesome queso. So what happened? Producer Paul Karolyi put that big question to Illegal Pete’s founder and CEO Pete Turner, because he’s got some explaining to do.
Paul mentioned Denver Gazette’s reporting on the letter that Turner and some other downtown restaurant owners sent to Mayor Mike Johnston complaining about how slow downtown’s economic recovery has been. He also recommends this fun queso taste test that Westword’s food editor and friend of the show Molly Martin did a few months ago.
What do you think about Illegal Pete’s? Do you love it more than ever? Have you had bad experiences? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode:
- Denver Health
- Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to All 8 Colorado Congressional Races (Part 2)
We’re back with part two of our conversation covering all the congressional races happening across Colorado — Republican strategist Kelly...

Your Guide to All 8 Colorado Congressional Races (Part 1)
What role will Colorado play if the anticipated “blue wave” overtakes this election? It depends on which congressional district you’re lo...

BRT Coming Soon to Federal Boulevard, Small Businesses and Amendment 87, and Tina Peters Free and on TV
After years of construction, the new bus rapid transit lane is finally open on one stretch of East Colfax, creating dedicated space for t...

Is Amendment 82 Coming for Your Gas Stove? Plus, the Biggest Halloween Fan We Know
Should your right to use natural gas — and for Xcel Energy to sell it — be put into the state’s constitution? Amendment 82 is asking vote...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Denver
How prepared is Denver to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient c...

Your Guide to Denver Ballot Measures! Plus, Rats at the Movies and Blucifer's Second Rodeo
Is your ballot still sitting on the kitchen table, staring at you? Fear not! We’re here to help. Today, Denver Post city government repor...

Your Guide to Colorado’s 2026 Statewide Ballot Issues
This year the state printed its largest ballot information guide ever! That means voters are weighing in on a lot of issues – everything...

Republicans for Weiser, Colorado and the Blue Wave, and the Evans-Rutinel Showdown
President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at record low, and there are close elections happening across the country this November – cou...

Is Colorado About to Hike Taxes on the Rich? Your Guide to 87, 136 and Prop. NN
Colorado’s midterm election ballots are packed with big decisions for voters, including two competing taxation measures. Dr. Paul Teske,...

How the Broncos Are Buying Up Land for a New Stadium
Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston was inaugurated in 2023, he’s made a priority of both keeping the Broncos in Denver, but also working with...


