Sizzling wings and the hum of activity have found a new lease on life at Fuel & Iron Food Hall, thanks to the intervention of Jenn and Bryan Fahrer, owners of the popular Wings on Wheels (WOW) food truck. What began as a small mobile kitchen has transformed into a substantial commitment to Pueblo’s community, culture and cuisine.
The Fahrers began their food truck journey with a modest 12-foot trailer in March 2022, venturing into the industry with no culinary experience. Leaving their corporate automotive careers behind, they embarked on an adventure that quickly gained traction.
“We weren’t sure what to expect, but once we saw the response, we knew we were onto something,” Jenn Fahrer says.
With their increasing success, WOW replaced the original trailer with a 26-foot model. The expansion allowed them to travel nationwide, participating in major events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota and other festivals in Colorado, Arizona, Texas and Indiana. The Fahrers, along with Jenn’s brother, his wife and their niece, manage the family-run business.
WOW’s journey took a significant turn when they opened a restaurant kiosk inside Fuel & Iron Food Hall at 400 S. Union Ave. Initially hesitant, the Fahrers reconsidered in November 2024 and decided to become part of what they believed could be a thriving culinary collective.
Located in the historic 1915 Holmes Hardware building, Fuel & Iron was opened in April 2023 by Denver-based developers Nathan Stern and Zach Cytryn. Though the hall brought life back to a long-vacant building, unexpected costs and management challenges led Stern and Cytryn to announce it would close Feb. 8, 2025.
The Fahrers received word of the hall’s imminent shutdown. Faced with the possibility of 30 people losing their jobs and Pueblo losing a key gathering space, they made a decisive move to buy Fuel & Iron and keep it running.
“It wasn’t something we had planned for, but we knew we couldn’t let it go under,” Bryan Fahrer says. “The people of Pueblo deserve this place.”
The Fahrers have officially taken ownership of the food hall, setting in motion plans for rebranding this summer.
As the new owners, the Fahrers have ambitious plans, which include lowering prices, introducing table service and improving the overall dining experience.
“Pricing reflected Denver-based ownership, and that didn’t work for Pueblo,” Jenn says. “We’re focusing on what makes sense for this community.”
Their commitment to supporting the local economy extends to sourcing ingredients from local vendors and small businesses. Seasonal produce and meats from nearby farms will become staples on the Fuel & Iron menus.
Additionally, the Fahrers plan to open a day café that will serve breakfast sandwiches, coffee and mimosas. Double D’s BBQ also will join the food hall. The Cutting Board will remain at the food hall temporarily before moving to its own brick-and-mortar location, a result of the hall’s incubator model.
“We want this to be a place where vendors can start, test the market and grow into their own spaces,” Bryan explains.
Recognizing the importance of community gathering spaces, the Fahrers are curating a lineup of events to draw locals back to Fuel & Iron. Wednesday night trivia, beer bingo and the possibility of gaming tournaments and live music are all in the works.
“We’re creating a space that people want to come back to, not just for the food but for the experience,” Jenn says.
The Fahrers acknowledge there’s a learning curve, but their approach is measured: incremental improvements rather than drastic changes.
“We’re learning as we go, and we know it takes time,” Bryan says. “But every day, we’re making it a little better.”
The message from the Fahrers is clear: Fuel & Iron Food Hall is here to stay. With strong family involvement, community support and a renewed local focus, they are determined to make the hall a beloved gathering spot once again.
“We’re not just investing in a business, we’re investing in Pueblo,” Jenn says. “We want people to give Fuel & Iron another chance.”
Wings on Wheels had a successful 2024, with Pueblo residents voting it the best food truck in April and their chicken wings taking the title of favorite purveyor in November in the Pueblo Chieftain’s reader poll. With Fuel & Iron under their ownership, the Fahrers’ culinary footprint grows ever larger.
“This is about more than just food,” Bryan says. “It’s about creating something lasting for this community.”
