Our Culinary Journey
Fort Collins’ Favorite for Bold Taco Creations
From Gas Station Beginnings to Gourmet Greatness
In Spring 2012 we opened as a gourmet quick stop out of the Mobile 66 gas station in Basalt, CO. Michael Falco, a Chicago native, met Chef Chris Camp while working together at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado and the two decided to combine their business and culinary skills. Being located directly below the Reudi Reservior Dam in Basalt, and serving as a staple for the fly fishermen, boaters, and water skiers, we operated under our original name Dam G....T...... you know the rest.
Our Mission
Our mission was to serve fresh and creative flavors made affordable, prepared by hand, and wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. After a busy first summer, Chris stayed in Basalt to hold down the shop, and Michael moved to Fort Collins in search for a permanent location. Michael spent the Winter and Spring of 2013 taking the DGT mobile cart out to local breweries like Odell Brewing Company, Pateros Creek Brewery, and Equinox Brewery.
From Street Tacos to Sustainability
While serving tacos on the street in Fort Collins, Michael met Ali Hatcher, a California native, who was getting her Masters in Public Health at CSU. Ali built the vegetarian and vegan side of the menu and developed the sustainable business practices that are still used today. In June 2013, Michael and Ali opened a colorful hole in the wall in Dalzell Alley. Since opening with only 3 tacos on the menu - the team has expanded the menu to include specialty tacos, sautés, sides and beverages.
From Culinary Travels to 'Make Tacos Not War
Michael and Ali use influences from their work as cooks, and their travels around the country and world to develop the unique menu. In 2017 DGT was sued by a National Texas-based Franchise for the use of the term "D*m G**d." In leu of fighting for naming rights, the restaurant began operating under it's original acronym DGT and collaborated with local graphic artist Hawk and Hammer to launch their Make Tacos Not War campaign.
Dam Good Tacos for Every Crowd
Located across from CSU campus, and down the road from the Horsetooth Reservior, DGT restaurant still honors its dam good roots, and is a bustling taco shop for students, business-folk, families, locals and tourists alike. The DGT staff are all trained to be chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, servers, and dishwashers simultaneously.
Sustainably Crafted, Flavorfully Made
DGT maintains an integrity to make everything (expect the Colorado-made tortilla!) from scratch. We use sustainable practices, and in the restaurant's first year, achieved Silver ClimateWise partnership, and in 2015, became a Gold ClimateWise partner. Follow us on instagram and facebook for news on our TACO OF THE MONTH.