About Us
About Us
PLANTS, PERFECTED
Discover Watercourse Foods, a fully plant-based scratch kitchen crafting delicious and innovative comfort food that supports our community. Our diverse menu accommodates diverse dietary preferences, featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and desserts – all free from artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and hydrogenated fats to nourish both community and visitors alike.
We envision a future where food systems nourish our community and environment. So, as our commitment to this sustainability, we source organic ingredients from local farms when possible; stay interconnected to local food sustainability organizations; use no artificial colors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils; keep our building energy efficient; carefully choose our packaging to be biodegradable and recyclable; and we limit our food waste by reusing many of our cooking excess in other recipes.
At Watercourse Foods, community is our cornerstone. We actively engage with the local plant-based community and source our vegetables locally, ensuring freshness while supporting regional farmers. Our commitment to community extends to the arts, as we showcase local talent through rotating art displays. Join us in celebrating the interconnectedness of flavors, people, and art—a dining experience that nourishes both body and community spirit.
At our restaurant, pride is not just a word; it's a commitment to creating a dining experience that beckons you back for more. Discover the essence of true hospitality as we take you on a culinary journey where every detail is designed with your joy and satisfaction in mind.
Plant based food is for everyone! We bring satisfying taste and comfort food to plant-based and non plant-based eaters alike with our fresh ingredients and innovative recipes.
GUEST FAVORITES
CUBAN SANDWICH
LAVENDER AVIATION
RAW PAD THAI
17TH AVE QUESADILLA
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM MILKSHAKE
THE MINDS BEHIND PLANT PERFECTION
Tatiana Vliegen
General Manager
Tati (she/her) is our general manager here at Watercourse. Being head chef for years at Watercourse previously, many of the dishes you know and love have been crafted by Tati.
Jess Bays
Executive General Manager
Meet Jess (she/they), our Executive General Manager at Watercourse who has been with our Watercourse family since December 2017. With an impressive 14 years in the restaurant industry and 7 years in management, Jess brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the team.
Beyond their role at Watercourse, Jess serves on the Board of Directors for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, reflecting her deep commitment to our Denver community.
For Jess, the spirit of Watercourse and City, O' City is more than just a workplace; it's a life-changing experience. Having jumpstarted their career within these walls, Jess sees Watercourse as a safe haven—a place that goes beyond the definition of a job but rather resonates as "home" with its supportive and welcoming community.
Maeve
Sous Chef
Introducing Maeve (they/them), our talented Sous Chef at Watercourse since June 2019. With a dedication to culinary excellence, Maeve has become an integral part of the kitchen team.
Maeve's favorite dish on the menu is the Smoked Turkey & Brie—an absolute classic made with our house made smoked turkey.
In their role as Sous Chef, Maeve brings a passion for inclusivity to our staff and for our guests.
Andrea Rhea
Beverage Manager
Meet Andrea (she/her), Watercourse Foods' Beverage Manager since June 2023. Though she most recently taught AP English Lit, Andrea transitioned back into the hospitality industry, bringing her expertise of ten years as a lead bartender and server to our team!
At Watercourse, Andrea loves the freedom to be her authentic self, expressing creativity and aligning with personal ethics as a vegan and queer trans person. The current favorite? The mouthwatering mushroom cheesesteak.
Known for quick customer rapport and mixology skills, Andrea excels at making guests feel welcome and crafting delightful cocktails. As a key part of the Watercourse family, Andrea ensures a memorable experience where values and hospitality intersect.
MEET THE OWNERS
Jennifer Byers is CEO and co-owner of Watercourse Foods, Colorado Sun Tofu, and City, O’ City. She comes from four generations of small business owners in rural Wisconsin. Her previous experience was with Kroll, Kroll Consulting Services, and Kroll Factual Data as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Jennifer directed and led IT managers, managing directors and partners at Kroll operating companies in 20 locations globally. She planned and managed branch location budgets and staffing levels of 13 locations. Jennifer also served in the United States Marine Corps and was Honorably Discharged after four years of service. Jennifer is certified in Project Management, IT Service Management Certification, ITIL Foundations Certifications, ITSM Development and Strategy Management Certification.
Lauren Roberts is CEO and co-owner of Watercourse Foods, Colorado Sun Tofu, and City, O’ City. Lauren has a MRes in Cultural History from Goldsmiths University in London, England and BA in Humanities from Concordia University in Portland, OR. Lauren has worked in restaurants in every position for over twenty years, and has focused on bringing her university work to the many intersections of community and our food systems. She has served on the board of directors for the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, and a registered administrator for the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship program for line cook and manager.
Hannah Kuehl is CEO and co-owner of Watercourse Foods, Colorado Sun Tofu, and City, O’ City. Hannah comes from Girl Scouts of Colorado as the Chief Program Officer and has predominantly led our Human Resources and training programs. She has served on the board of the Colorado Restaurant Association, and is a registered administrator for the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship program. She is a troop leader for the Girl Scouts, a Volunteer for Lutheran Family Services helping to recruit foster families and mentors for teens with placement, and a PTA member for Hygiene Elementary.
WHAT ELSE ARE WE UP TO?
Colorado Sun Tofu
As long time fans of Colorado Sun Tofu products at our two restaurants, we understand firsthand the importance of fresh tofu and soy milk made with simple ingredients. We use organic non-GMO soybeans grown in Iowa, and our products are made fresh daily in small batches. We are focused on work force development and community.
City, O’ City
Meet our sibling restaurant, City, O’ City, located just a few blocks away on Sherman and 13th Avenue. Here, veggies meet comfort food in a match made in culinary heaven. City is a fun atmosphere with an all day coffee and cocktail bar, afternoon and late night happy hours, and one of the best brunches in Denver. Come by to meet our incredible staff, see our current rotating art installations from local artists, and maybe even stay for an open mic night!