Search South Aurora Magazine – Community News, Events & Local Businesses in Aurora, Colorado

MARCH 2026

SEARCH SOUTH

AURORA

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2 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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Better Health

Better Life

Now offering

• weight loss GLP-1’s

• hormone replacement therapy

• Peptides and NAD+

• Vitamin IV’s

We are pleased to be able to serve Parker as both an urgent

care and family medicine clinic. We provide a myriad of

services to get you well and keep you healthy.

Open Monday - Saturday / No Appointment Needed

www.20mileurgentcare.com

720-974-7210

Dr. Steve Morrison

Voted Best in Parker 14 years in a row!

MARCH 2026 3

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CONTENTS

10

Athletes to Watch

A season-long feature highlighting some of the best high

school athletes in the area.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

6 | LOCAL LEADER - John Huffaker

8 | DOING BUSINESS - Robeks

13 | CUISINE - The Guide

ON THE COVER

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AURORA

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Search South Aurora is published

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NO . 218 | MARCH 2026

Search South Aurora ©2025 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights

reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly

prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and

businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.

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some people just know

how to relax

• Spas • Chemicals • Filters • Billiards • Traeger Pellets • BBQ Accessories • Bull Grills

Locally Owned and Operated

| 303-841-7646

| www.spasofparker.com

| spasofparkerco@gmail.com

oPEN DAILY

12235 PINE BLUFFS WAY

UNIT 103

PARKER, COLORADO 80134

smoothies bowls juices bites toasts wellness shots

MARCH 2026 5

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Local Leader

JOHN HUFFAKER

John Huffaker was born and raised in Texas, staying in the Lone Star State to

graduate from Texas Tech University. He became an attorney and practiced

for 38 years in Amarillo, Texas. John became widely known in the state for his

experience and expertise in dealing with many aspects of agriculture and

agricultural finance law. In 2009, he was appointed to the Texas Tech Board of

Regents. Then, in 2012, he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor and General

Counsel for Texas Tech University. After retirement in 2018, he and his wife,

Charlotte, moved to Colorado to be nearer his two daughters; Lacye, who lives

in Aurora, and Shannon, who lives in Albany, California, a suburb of Oakland.

Besides family and profession, John’s lifelong passion has been Rotary. With

over 46,000 clubs, Rotary International is a network of service clubs serving local

communities the world over. Huffaker first became a Rotarian in 1984 and is

now completing his 42nd year.

John says that first and foremost, Rotary Clubs are where community members

put to use their Rotary motto, "Service above self." In Parker, the club has

served the town with projects such as the construction and maintenance of

the gazebo in O’Brien Park, assisting many local organizations such as Affinity

Ranch and the Parker Task Force, and assisting youth service groups.

John Huffaker

John is the current

president of the

Rotary Club of

Parker. The Parker

chapter, consisting

of 62 members, has

served Parker since its

founding in 1993.

When asked about retirement, John says it might not be as sedentary as we

are led to believe. “I find this to be true for a lot of retirees. Looking toward

retirement, they wonder what they will do with their time and are ultimately

surprised by how busy they end up being. That has certainly been true for me. I

stay busy with Rotary and our church, the Parker United Methodist Church and,

for the last 18 years, I have been deeply involved in conducting a continuing

legal education program for agricultural law at the Texas Tech University School

of Law.”

“But also, my wife and I have enjoyed some wonderful trips, traveling in the

United States, Europe and, once, to New Zealand. But the most special trips:

We have been able to travel several summers with both our daughters, their

husbands and our wonderful grandkids, most recently, last summer, to Costa

Rica.”

John also says he happily does most of the cooking at home. “You would

probably know that, growing up in Texas, we ate a lot of chicken fried steak

and gravy, but I have mostly left that behind. These days, I try to keep things

healthy. I use a lot of lighter cooking methods, and I do a lot of seafood, chicken

and pork. And I do vegetarian dishes fairly often. But I must say, I haven’t

abandoned all my ‘Texas raisin’. Every other week or so, I make a batch of my

mother’s cornbread, baked in her old cast iron skillet with the perfect patina.”

Parker Rotarians are a diverse group of professionals, tradespeople, civic

leaders, retirees, stay-at-home parents, neighbors and friends, who:

• Volunteer locally and globally

• Support those in need including youth, seniors and veterans

• Enjoy fellowship through service, socials, and shared values

• Work together to improve lives in Parker and beyond

To learn more about what the rotary does or to become a member visit

parkerrotary.org.

6 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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MARCH 2026 7

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DOING BUSINESS

Top: OWNERS DARCY HENDRICKS AND DARA FLOWERS

right: children elise h, cooper F. carson f, & lillie H

Juiced

with Robeks

In a town that prizes local roots, Robeks of Parker

stands out - not just for its smoothies and acai bowls,

but for the four familiar faces behind the counter. For

owners Dara and Cliff Flowers and Darcy and Brent

Hendricks, this isn't just a franchise. The story of this

partnership actually began long before they took

ownership in April 2025. Dara and Darcy aren't just

business partners; they are sisters. In fact, this quartet

seemed destined for this venture dating back to their

double wedding in 2000.

From Fans to Owners

After 18 years of raising their families in Parker and

sending their kids to Legend and Lutheran High

Schools, the couples transitioned from loyal customers

to owners in April 2025.

"We were here all the time as customers," Cliff says.

"When the opportunity came to buy it, we jumped.

We already loved the product; To be able to do

something like this with my wife and her sister at this

point in our lives is pretty exciting. We were customers

here long before we were owners."

More Than Just a Smoothie

While Robeks has a reputation for world-class

smoothies, the families are eager to let the community

in on a little secret: the food. From their new line of

"Harmonious Bites" (premium toast and wraps) to their

signature acai bowls, the shop is evolving into a fullservice

healthy stop for busy Parker families. Because

they were fans of the product before they bought the

store, the couples maintain a high standard for every

order that goes out the door.

A True Community Partner

Perhaps the most impactful part of the Robeks story

is their commitment to local youth. Darcy, a former

teacher and coach, manages the staff with a focus

on mentorship. For many high school students, Robeks

is their very first job.

"We take the responsibility of a kid’s first job seriously,"

explains Cliff. "This is their introduction to the real world.

We want to teach them character and skills they’ll

take into college and beyond."

Whether they are sponsoring a local "Wish Week,"

supporting athletics programs, or hiring the kids they

used to see on the sidelines of youth sports, the mission

is clear: Community first.

"We want Robeks to be a part of what’s going on in

Parker. We aren't just a shop in the community; we are

a family in the community." Dara emphasises.

8 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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THE PRIDEMORE

LEGACY CONTINUES

The Pridemore Family Legacy Continues.

A trusted local family is back—now serving

Parker & Castle Rock at Legacy Auto Clinic.

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Any Service or Repair Of $300 or More

$35 Off

Any Service or Repair Of $500 or More

$57 Off

*One discount per repair order. Cannot

combine special offers. No cash value. Sales

taxes & shop supplies extra. Must show coupon

to be redeemed. CODE SPM **

MARCH 2026 9

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ATHLETES

to

WATCH

Douglas County has some of the best athletes in the country.

Many enter their senior seasons with multiple D1 offers to some of the best

universities. During this school year, we will highlight some of those athletes,

their accomplishments, and their promising futures.

Baylor Schultz

Class of 2026

Amaan Cambrelen

Class of 2026

Emerson Sprinkle

Class of 2026

10 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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Emerson Sprinkle

CHAPARRAL WOLVERINES

SOCCER

The Chap Captain for the past two seasons was named Team MVP

in 2025 as well as Co-Offensive MVP in 2023 and 2024. Emerson

was a member of the 2025 ECNL National Championship team,

earned All-Texas Conference ECNL 2nd Team (2025) honors, and

has been a member of the Chaparral State playoff teams in 2023,

2024, and 2025. She has committed to Boise State University.

Amaan Cambrelen

LEGEND TITANS

LACROSSE

Amaan has been a two-sport varsity athlete for all four years. He

has received several national recognitions and competed in the

Men's World Championships U20. He has been a captain for the

Titans the past two seasons and currently has his eyes set on the

2028 Olympic team. Amaan received interest from 45 Division 1

universities; he has signed with Ohio State University.

Baylor Schultz

PONDEROSA MUSTANGS

BASEBALL

Baylor is a three-year starter and leader on the powerhouse program

at Ponderosa. Coming off of a recent injury, he looks to continue

dazzling as a two-way prospect (left handed pitcher and right

fielder). Baylor also excels off the field as a member of the school

athletic council while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Baylor is in the process

of deciding where to play after high school but has yet to commit to

any university.

FEBRUARY 2026 11

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12 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

In the interest of providing

the 50 best dining options

in Douglas County, we

must be able to personally

recommend each listing.

The guide is subject to

change. If you have a

suggestion for inclusion

on the list, email us at

contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner

for one person, excluding

drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15

$$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

JUNZ

More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the

premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a

great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein

and take-out restaurant

that serves authentic

homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr.,

Suite 10, Parker

303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality

home-style cuisine. This

Parker fixture is known for a

fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker

720-851-8559 $$

ITO SUSHI ASIAN BISTRO

Asian fusion restaurant

known for quality ingredients

and fresh fish daily.

2240 Mercantile St #100,

Castle Rock

720-749-6777 $$ (N)

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes

that are nothing less than

the culinary equivalent of an

exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr,

Lone Tree

303-768-9088 $$

JUNZ

A favorite sushi place in

town with a unique blend of

Japanese and French at its

very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd.,

Parker

720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs

LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to

grab made-to-order crepes.

Sweet or savory, you can’t go

wrong. Proudly serving farm

to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet,

Parker

720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that

brings expertly crafted

baked goods through a

warm and welcoming

bakery cafe’ experience that

delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr.,

Parker

720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking

Parker by storm. Order early,

they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker

303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE

BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being

a food truck; if you like

southern BBQ, this is your

place. Corner of Parker Rd

and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the

wood-smoked ribs, brisket,

pork, or garlic potatoes.

8433 Park Meadows Center

Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree

303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known

for their baby back ribs, but

don’t miss the pulled pork

and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker

303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly

pricing. Don’t miss

out on their breakfast

burritos. 107 Wolfensberger

Rd., Castle Rock

303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB

20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers

and wings. Make sure to

catch Trivia Tuesdays.

12543 N Hwy 83, Parker

303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY

& ROADHOUSE

Destination locale with an

informal ambiance offering

hearty comfort classics

215 Wilcox St Suite G,

Castle Rock

303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Douglas County’s longest

running brew pub. Steaks,

burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock

303-814-9273 $$

MARCH 2026 13

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TAILGATE TAVERN

& GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern

for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Sports bar with live music

not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker

303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO.

BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food &

amazing drinks in a relaxed

and warm atmosphere. Clear

and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St.,

Suite 101, Castle Rock

720-389-5986 $$

ITalian

CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a

rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented

format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr.,

Lone Tree

303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S

SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery

offering elevated Italian fare

with an emphasis on great

customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd.

Suite 100, Castle Rock

303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery

featuring pizza, pasta,

calzones and heros. The local

“go-to” for fresh Italian.

10920 S Parker Rd, Parker

303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant

focused on family recipes

and premium ingredients.

210 Third St., Castle Rock

303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join

modern Italian fare at this

casual eatery featuring a full

bar & patio. 10005 Commons

St, Lone Tree

303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN

ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for

authentic cuisine in a relaxed

ambiance. Great for parties.

7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown

303-663-7800 $$

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint

serving up straight-forward

Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker

720-842-5105 $$

LA LOMA

Upscale-rustic atmosphere

known for traditional Mexican

meals.

6361 Promenade Pkw,

Castle Rock

303-632-9900 $$ (N)

LAS POTRANCES

Casual Mexican restaurant

full of real Mexican culture,

Mexican Food, Fresh Drinks,

and Friendly Hospitality.

19600 Solar Cir, Parker

303-840-0325 $$ (N)

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

Elegant family-owned eatery.

There’s a combo dish to

please everyone.

6370 Promenade Pkwy.,

Castle Rock

720-769-5474 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And

bring your appetite for the

large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker

303-841-0160 $$

new american

CASTLE CAFE

Set in a former 1890s hotel.

Plating hearty American

fare like pan-fried chicken &

burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock

303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE’S BREWHOUSE

Uniquely fun sports bar with

a creative menu of brats and

dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock

303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger

joint. Imaginative menu with

amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave,

Castle Rock

303-814-2829 $$

DOUG’S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe

where everything is made

from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet,

Parker

720-476-7162 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination

with a menu that reflects

Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd.,

Castle Rock

720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located

right downtown offers a

locally-sourced menu. Great

service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker

720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast

or lunch. American, Greek or

Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock

303-688-6746 $$

RORY’S

Comfort food and baked

goods at their finest.

Don’t see it on the menu?

Ask for it!

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr.,

Parker

720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

High-end, wood-fired

kitchen with a warm

ambiance, preparing

select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr.,

Lone Tree

303-662-8800 $$

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Upscale, yet casual dining

experience with a one-of-akind

menu. Don’t miss the

brunch.

115 Wilcox Street,

Castle Rock

303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue

that boasts thoughtful and

honest cuisine. A haven for

the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker

720-826-3689 $$

PIZZA

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style

Italian pizza restaurant with

a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker

720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style

pizza that makes each dish

an individual work of art! And

don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker

303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch

pizza. So fresh

they don’t even have a

freezer! 17860 Cottonwood

Dr., Parker

303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red

sauce staples in a low-key

setting. Can’t miss the garlic

knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd,

Parker

303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, &

casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly

quarters.

5650 Allen Way,

Castle Rock

303-814-8686 $$

14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

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Make

Your

Marketing

Dollars

Stretch!

STEAKHOUSE

DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring

beef & seafood dishes, plus

a sports tavern with an Irish

vibe.

363 Village Square Lane,

Castle Pines

303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse

with all-you-can-eat meat

carved tableside. Guaraná is

a must, and try the Creme de

Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows

Center Dr., Lone Tree

303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, &

cocktails served in an upscale

setting with a lounge & live

jazz. 8433 Park Meadows

Center Dr., Lone Tree

303-792-2571 $$$

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse

with a great menu and

wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd,

Parker

303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S

CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local

favorite featuring their

signature Volcanic Hot Rock

sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr.,

Parker

303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE

VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made

fresh from local fare. Every

dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock

303-814-2487 $$

PRINTING • PUBLISHING

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MARCH 2026 15

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