About
OUR HISTORY
Brighton’s Favorite Sports Bar & Grill Since 2010
Our brick-and-mortar building was originally built as a laundromat for fur traders on the railroads in the 1930s. Over the years, locals have seen it serve many purposes, from batting cages to a tire shop.
In 2007, three entrepreneurs remodeled the building, transforming it into a bar and grill restaurant. After a few years, they decided to close the doors and put up the restaurant up for sale. The recession and struggling economy were driving small businesses out.
WHO ARE WE?
J and Eric Williamson are Colorado natives from Loveland. They grew up watching local sports, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, white-water rafting, and mountain biking.
After high school, Eric attended CSU, earning a degree in Restaurant and Resort Management. After college, he moved to San Diego for a job opportunity. Meanwhile, J went to MMI in Phoenix, AZ, and received a degree in Motorcycle Mechanics. J returned to Colorado to start his career, where he met the love of his life, Lindi Jenkins.
J worked near what is now Copper Rail and noticed the building was for sale. He saw potential and called Eric in San Diego to check it out. One look, and Eric knew it was the perfect fit. The two had always dreamed of owning a bar and restaurant where they could combine their love of dirt biking, football, baseball, basketball, and hockey with awesome pizza, cold beer, and delicious grub.
In 2010, Eric and J decided to go into business together. They spent months painting, hiring, renovating, cleaning, writing menus, and preparing for the grand opening. However, they struggled to settle on a name. After much thought, they combined one of their favorite snowboarding spots with the railroad behind the restaurant—thus, Copper Rail was born! On September 3, 2010, they opened their doors to the Brighton community.
After five years of hard work, J decided to pursue a new business with his wife, Lindi. Eric bought J’s share of Copper Rail, and J & Lindi moved east to start a farm and dog kennel, Bed N Biscuit Inn. Tragically, J passed away in a car accident in June 2018.
Eric met Jennifer Wagner in 2012. A Colorado native from Keenesburg, Jennifer married Eric in 2017 in Kauai, HI. Since 2015, the couple has been the owner/operators of Copper Rail, which has proudly served the Brighton community for over 14 years.
COPPER RAIL
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
Whether you’re here to catch the big game on one of our 20+ HD TVs and 155” projection screen, enjoy our brick-fired pizzas, or kick back with an ice-cold craft beer or signature cocktail, we’ve got something for everyone.
- Sports Lovers – Never miss a game with our premium sports coverage.
- Families & Friends – A warm, inviting space perfect for gatherings, big or small.
- Food Enthusiasts – From sizzling burgers to fresh salads and hearty entrées, we serve bold flavors in every bite.
OUR MISSION
At Copper Rail, we bring people together over great food, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you are stopping by for happy hour, weekend brunch, watching the game or a casual dinner, we’re here to serve up the best experience in Brighton! We are known for being the community’s hub for large parties, family get togethers, fundraisers and more. We take pride in our guests having a fun, family-friendly, casual place to visit. In the restaurant business it is important that ALL of our guests leave happy with their experience, and it is our mission that you leave satisfied. If we fell short and you are not satisfied please reach out to us! We love feedback that will help us better serve you! info@copperrail.com
