ABOUT US
It all begins with a bit of Magic.
Our Story
Every great story starts with a bit of magic.
Ours began one ordinary day in a catering kitchen in Fort Collins—while Juli and Juan were prepping for an event, a friendly stranger named Raffi happened to walk by. Drawn by the smells and the laughter, he stepped inside. Within minutes, the three of us were talking food, drinks, and life.
One thing led to another—we started making small products for Raffi to sell at Persimmon, and a friendship was born. Even though we were all busy running our own worlds—Raffi with his new café and lounge, and Juli & Juan deep in their wedding and events catering—we kept joking that someday, life might give us the chance to bring our crafts together: his drinks, our food, one vision.
Fast forward three years. Juli & Juan were preparing to close their catering chapter and set off on a new adventure abroad. On a birthday night, we stopped at Persimmon to celebrate. We sat, talked, laughed, ate, and drank for six hours straight—one of those nights where time just disappears. Somewhere between the laughter and the last toast, we knew:
the only way to stay was to finally make that dream real.
And so, a few weeks later, we did.
Persimmon Now
Today, Persimmon is no longer just a coffee lounge—it’s a tapas bar and bistro where our worlds meet.
A place small enough to feel like home, and bold enough to surprise you.
Where every drink, every dish, and every laugh carries a piece of who we are.
We don’t know exactly what Persimmon will become—and that’s the beauty of it. What we do know is that we’ll keep pouring our hearts into it. To make a place for kindness, creativity, and connection.
A place where you can taste the spirit of Fort Collins: craft, community, and a little bit of wild fun.
Raffi Jergerian
Born and raised with a rich Armenian heritage, Raffi’s journey started behind the bar and evolved into building community spaces through hospitality. After moving to Fort Collins in 1998 and gaining deep experience in the beverage and hospitality world, he finally took a leap and opened Persimmon as his first solo venture.
Raffi has always believed in the power of craft—whether it’s a cocktail, a freshly brewed coffee, or the feeling of being welcomed. At Persimmon, he brings that passion for drink, flavor, and atmosphere together, making the everyday feel like something to celebrate.
TODAY…
Beverage wizard, storyteller, and the original heart behind Persimmon. His vision has always been about community—bringing people together around a glass, a smile, food and a story.
Juli y Juan
Juliana Trujillo Escobar and Juan Andres Rodriguez came to Northern Colorado with the belief that food isn’t just fuel—it’s story, tradition, healing and connection. Together they co-founded Juli y Juan’s Kitchen, a catering and culinary arts venture built on love, art, nature and community.
Juliana, born in Medellín, Colombia, moved through Mexico and embraced the rich tapestry of Latin American cuisines, culture, and life.
Juan born in San Diego, grew up in Foodie Baja California and learned from his family, from nature and from the questions of life—eventually combining marketing, creative vision, hospitality, food and a natural curiosity.
Together they landed in Fort Collins in 2015, enchanted by the land, the seasons, and the community. In every dish they create, you’ll taste that journey and that intention.
TODAY…
The duo behind Juli y Juan’s Kitchen, known across Northern Colorado for over a decade of weddings, events, and culinary art. After 10 years of creating joy through food, they bring their soul, flavor, and Latin roots to the Persimmon table.
Our Promise
We’re here to serve more than food and drinks—we’re here to serve moments. To build a place that belongs to the community. To remind us all that great things happen when passion, friendship, and a little curiosity collide.
Welcome to Persimmon—where craft meets community, and every flavor tells a story.
Persimmon is our shared dream —
a place for kindness, creativity,
and community.
A space to slow down, to taste,
to talk, to connect.
Here, the lights are warm,
the plates are playful,
and the drinks are poured with love.
We invite you to sit with us
— to eat, to laugh, to celebrate
the little things —
and to become part of this story that somehow began with
chance, friendship, and a lot of heart.