Telluride’s Brown Dog Pizza Closes to Mourn the Loss of Beloved Employee Barrett Hubregsen
Brown Dog Pizza, a beloved staple of the Telluride dining scene, announced it will close its doors on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to honor the memory of Barrett Hubregsen, a cherished member of the restaurant’s team who recently passed away.
The closure reflects the deep bond the staff shared with Barrett and the profound loss his passing has left on the tight-knit Telluride community.
A Community Gathers to Say Goodbye
In a heartfelt post shared on the restaurant’s Facebook page, Brown Dog Pizza extended an open invitation to the entire community.
“Barrett’s celebration of life will begin on Thursday at Telluride Town Park at 11:00 am. We invite any and all who wish to join us in remembering our dear friend,” the post read.
The outpouring of responses that followed painted a vivid picture of just how deeply Barrett touched the lives of those around him.
Known affectionately by some as “DJ Burrito,” Barrett was remembered by friends and regulars alike as a warm, generous, and genuinely kind soul.
Community member Carol Petrick Kitchenhoff shared a touching tribute, recalling how Barrett would go out of his way to greet her whenever she visited Telluride, often offering her a ride through town even if she was only walking a few blocks.
She remembered how months could pass between visits, yet Barrett would still seek her out just to say hello.
“He always assured me that he was feeling good and enjoyed every day of his life,” she wrote.
A Life That Left a Lasting Mark
Johannes Beere, who had recently shared a meal and some laughs with Barrett at a local spot, expressed shock at the news.
“We always enjoyed seeing him at BD and sometimes when we’d be at the same show,” he wrote, adding that Barrett had always been kind to him and his wife, Kristen.
His words carried a sentiment echoed throughout the comments, that Barrett’s loss felt sudden and far too soon.
Leslie Bri Holley offered a message of love and encouragement to the grieving staff and community.
“DJ Burrito will always live on forever in the long list of legends that have blessed our lives,” she wrote. “Please be kind and gentle with yourselves during this difficult time of grief.”
Other community voices, from local businesses like Fat Alley Hot Sauce to longtime customers such as Jon Olsen and Matt Hudson, joined in offering condolences, their brief words adding to the collective weight of grief felt across the community.
Barrett Hubregsen appears to have been exactly the kind of person who made Telluride feel like home for so many.
He was not just a coworker at a popular pizza spot but a connector of people, a familiar face who made everyone feel seen and welcomed. Whether at a concert, on a street corner, or behind the counter at Brown Dog, he brought warmth wherever he went.
The celebration of life at Telluride Town Park on Thursday morning promises to be a gathering worthy of the man it honors.
The community of Telluride is invited to come together, share stories, and celebrate a life that, by all accounts, was lived with joy, generosity, and an open heart.
