Troy Guard

TAG Restaurant Group

Born and raised in Hawaii, Chef Troy Guard has lived and worked across the globe, beginning his storied career in San Diego at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa before moving back to Maui at the age of 21 where he met his mentor, Chef Roy Yamaguchi at the Kahana Bar and Grill. He traveled the world and helped open restaurants in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and New York including the prestigious TAO Uptown. While in Asia, Guard worked at two of the finest hotels in the world, The Peninsula in Hong Kong and Raffles in Singapore. Guard put down roots in Denver, CO in 2002, and helped modern-Mexican Chef Richard Sandoval open Zengo before joining the kitchens at Nine75 and Ocean.

Guard opened his first restaurant, TAG, on Denver’s Larimer Square in 2009 which led to his opening of Mister Tuna, Crazy Love Pizza, TAG Burger Bar, Lucky Cat, TAG Raw Bar, Big Wave Taco, Sugar Mill, Tiny Giant Sushi, Rado Burgers, Grange Hall and FNG. TAG Restaurant Group currently has six concepts over twelve locations including the boozy breakfast joint, HashTAG, the quick-casual Bubu, the bold Mexican concept Los Chingones, the chic cocktail bar Done Deal, the neighborhood hangout TAG Burger Bar and the show-stopping, modern steakhouse, Guard and Grace. While the concepts vary wildly, you will find evidence of Troy’s travels, weaving together his love for fresh Hawaiian fish, Southeast Asian techniques, and bold Latin American flavors.

Guard has been voted Best Chef in Denver, named one of the “Great Regional Chefs of America” by the James Beard Foundation, named Bar & Restaurant Expo’s 2023 Chef of the Year and honored by the MICHELIN Guide with Guard and Grace. Guard is active in local and national philanthropic efforts, including participation in cultural and charitable events throughout Denver.