The Taste of Agency

By Scott Dawson

The simple things in life bring me joy.

One of them is The Deluxor from Bonfire Burritos in my hometown of Arvada, Colorado.

Their burrito strikes that perfect balance—flavor, spice, and (on occasion) paired with a cold brew at the counter, it’s hard to beat. But what makes the experience even more meaningful is the story behind it.

Growing up in Golden, a few buddies used to make daily trips to a little yellow trailer off South Golden Road for lunch. Eventually, they bought the place. From those humble beginnings Bonfire Burritos has grown into two locations - with a third opening early this summer -  and expanded into local and national outlets.

And yet—the growth hasn’t changed who they are.

It’s still a friendly, funky, laid-back place, powered by a great crew.

Recently, I stopped in for my burrito fix and ran into Sky Schnautz, Co-Owner and Operator.

As I was telling him how much I enjoy the place, he said:

“You need to try the burrito butter.”

He set a small cup next to my order.

Why would I tamper with excellence at this stage?

But I tried it… and was delighted.

Curious, I asked Sky where burrito butter came from.

He told me:

“Burrito Butter was created by a bartender, who is now the GM of our Arvada location. He came up with the recipe and shared it with our leadership team. We loved it—and now it’s become a staple.”

This is agency at its best.

Sky and his partners have created a culture that doesn’t just allow creativity—it invites it in. Their website puts it this way: they “look forward to finding new ways to improve the menu with the help of our unique and amazing staff.”

Not a slogan.
Not a gimmick.

Leadership, actually.

Someone behind the bar had an idea.
They shared it.
Leadership took it seriously.

Now it’s part of the experience.

Think about it:

How many places serve burritos in your neighborhood?
And how many draw a line out the door?

Bonfire Burritos has become something different.

People come for more than the food. They come for the experience—an experience shaped by people who are encouraged to contribute, to try something, to add something of their own.

That small cup of burrito butter is a reminder of something we’ve seen again and again:

The best ideas show up when people feel invited to contribute.

When leaders create those conditions, creativity shows up everywhere.

Sometimes in strategy meetings.
Sometimes behind a bar in Golden, Colorado.
And sometimes, right on top of a burrito.