Leven Deli Co.

Anthony Lygizos, founder of Leven Deli Co., has built a restaurant group that reinvigorates the classic deli with a bright, Mediterranean-inspired twist while prioritizing people, community and growth.

Lygizos opened Leven in Denver’s Golden Triangle with a focus on scratch baking, quality sourcing and a chef-driven menu. The restaurant quickly developed a reputation for its naturally leavened sourdough bread and its signature house-made pastrami, crafted through a 12-day process that begins with responsibly sourced brisket and is finished with Leven’s own mustard. The deli’s menu has since expanded to include updated deli classics, vegetarian-friendly options such as the Beet Reuben and Mediterranean-inspired dishes like chicken shawarma flatbread.

In recent years, Lygizos has overseen significant growth. Leven expanded from one location to two, adding Leven Supply in Wash Park, which offers sourdough pizza, grab-and-go meals, a grocery, wine and gift shop, and an expanded catering operation. The company also added a prep and bakery facility to support its growth, increasing revenue by 20 percent year-over-year and expanding its team by 25 members.

Lygizos’ approach to leadership stems from his vision to fix broken aspects of the restaurant industry. He emphasized higher-than-industry pay, natural hours and career development pathways for staff. These pillars, combined with a 10 percent service charge to support fair wages, define Leven’s model of championing employee well-being alongside culinary excellence.

Beyond business, Lygizos has been deeply engaged in Denver’s restaurant and nonprofit communities. He is a member of the Colorado Restaurant Association and Eat Denver, where he mentors other restaurateurs. He volunteered as a kitchen assistant at Project Angel Heart from 2014 to 2018 and participated in Big Buddy’s mentoring program. Leven also supports local initiatives such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Rocky Mountain chapter through fundraising events.

Looking ahead, Leven is preparing to open its largest and first full-service restaurant at Block 162 in downtown Denver by 2026. Designed to bring the energy of the deli to a broader audience, the expansion will allow the company to serve convention center visitors and further establish Leven as a culinary leader.

Finalists:

• Los Dos Potrillos
• Olive & Finch