Interview with Kristopher Lincoln, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I began working as a busgirl when I was 13 to earn money for a car. I loved the atmosphere and sought out more restaurant work over the next 12 years. I have been a server, a cook, cocktail waitress, bartender, as well as a manager. I met my husband and business partner, Curtis, in 1996 while we were both working at Chinook Tavern in Cherry Creek. Curtis (a chef) went to the Culinary Institute of America and spent 12 years working in some of the most highly regarded restaurants in Manhattan as well as a few notable spots here in Colorado. We have spent the last 18 years working together all over the country and in Italy. It was a great deal of fun, but when the possibility of opening our own restaurant in 2009 was brought up, we knew we were ready and Evergreen was our ideal spot.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Aside from our location and the beautiful decor, our food truly makes us stand out. Most of our customers are blown away the first time they eat here. It’s why people continue to come back week after week, month after month. I have a couple that drives up from Colorado Springs twice a month without fail because they love and trust us. And she likes that we have free parking! Aside from our delicious food, we have a one-of-a-kind location. We are just 30 minutes from Denver and yet it feels like a world away. Spring and summer are beyond beautiful — wildlife everywhere and blue skies. Our patio makes you feel like you are dining in the middle of a magical forest.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love that I get to sample some of the most prized ingredients that the Earth has to offer. I love that I get to taste wines that I would never be able to justify otherwise. I love people, so, other than the eats and delicious drinks, I love that I get to spend most of my time learning about interesting people.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Employee turnover due to the cost of living in Evergreen is one of our biggest challenges. Finding affordable housing for employees has proven to be difficult up here in Evergreen. The key to any business’ success is finding quality staff and to provide them with opportunity. Over these last few years, we have leased a staff house for our employees and that has helped a great deal.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We do our best to support sustainable fish species and fly our fish in direct from fishermen whenever possible. We also love to support Colorado farms and ranches whenever the goods they produce are available.
Profile
Business: Willow Creek Restaurant at Evergreen Lake
Address: 29029 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. daily
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-674-9463
Employees: 48
