Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said today he has sold his 40 percent share in seven restaurants.

"The employees bought it," Hickenlooper said. "In some way it is every entrepreneur's dream, to someday sell what you created to your employees."

The financial details were not released. The deal closed last Friday.

Lee Driscoll, who is the second-largest shareholder with 35 percent of the privately held restaurants, said there are initially six owners.

But there will be about 20 owners when shares are granted to managers of the restaurants, head chefs, and other senior and longtime employees, he said.

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