Farm Eats Direct launched in July 2020 when chef and entrepreneur Donna Merten transformed her University of Colorado Boulder graduate degree in food systems into a mobile operation that captures 'seconds'—produce, meat, and ingredients that would otherwise go to waste—from 10-12 Boulder County farms and creates affordable, nutritious meals that demonstrate how sustainable food systems can support both farmers and community resilience. Operating from a food truck with executive chef Greg Ashbaugh and junior sous chef Juan Medina alongside culinary students from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Farm Eats Direct receives daily deliveries of excess inventory ranging from cosmetically imperfect produce to sprouting potatoes and animal organs, creating daily menus featuring organ burgers, mushroom tacos, pasta from pig cheeks, and fermented condiments while returning all kitchen waste to farms as animal feed. The operation captured nearly 40,000 pounds of food in 2021 and projected 80,000 pounds in 2022, proving that five-star dining experiences can be served on compostable plates at accessible prices while addressing food waste and farmer compensation simultaneously. Beyond commercial operations, Farm Eats Direct partnered with World Central Kitchen to serve over 1,800 meals to Marshall Fire survivors in December 2021, establishing operations next to Moxie Bread Co. in Louisville for several months and demonstrating how food systems focused on waste reduction and farmer support can pivot to serve communities during emergencies. Through its commitment to connecting farmers directly to consumers while reducing waste and bringing local nutrient-dense food to Boulder County, Farm Eats Direct embodies the grain chain philosophy of building resilient regional food economies where skilled culinary professionals transform overlooked ingredients into celebrated meals.

> Co-owners Barbra Huntting and Deirdre Appelhans opened The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe at 129 N Harrison Ave on June 20, 2020, reviving independent bookselling in East Boulder County after Louisville's Book Cellar closed in 2018. Despite construction delays and the coronavirus pandemic pushing their February opening to June, the women-owned business acquired the previous store's inventory and naming rights, creating an inviting community space featuring distinctive red bookcases, a welcoming patio, and a front porch where customers can work or read. What sets The Read Queen apart is their dual focus on community building and quality offerings: new and used books across multiple genres paired with exceptional coffee service (voted write-in winner for best Latte/Mocha/Teahouse). Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and weekends from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, the café serves "some of the finest espresso drinks anywhere along the front range of Colorado" alongside sweet treats. Located across from the WOW! Children's Museum, one block south of Baseline on Harrison Ave, The Read Queen has earned recognition as Best Bookstore, Best Independent Business, and serves as a gathering place for book lovers seeking unique gifts, exclusive board games, local artisan creations, greeting cards, and puzzles in a welcoming, community-focused environment.

> Founded by Jesse Albertini in summer 2020, Sfoglina is a whole-grain pasta company based in Denver that specializes in heritage grain pasta made with traditional techniques. All doughs are made with heritage whole grains that have been freshly ground using a stone mill, utilizing bronze dies and slow drying methods that honor traditional Italian pasta-making. The company sources local heirloom and heritage grains including Boulder-sourced Turkey Red wheat, emphasizing Colorado's agricultural heritage. Sfoglina offers various pasta shapes including Campanelle, Casarecci, and Mafaldini, available both fresh and dried. The business provides fresh, handcrafted pasta in bulk for restaurants across Denver and surrounding areas, supplies pasta for Spade & Spoon meal kit company, and offers a Pasta of the Month Club subscription service. Albertini also teaches handmade pasta classes, sharing traditional techniques with the community. Heritage-grain products are available online for local pickup and shipping, and can be found at farmers markets including Fort Collins Winter Market and City Park Farmers Market, as well as retail locations like Spinelli's Market, Ruby's Market, Tom's Seafood & Gourmet Market, Littleton Meats, and various Moxie Bread locations throughout the Denver metro area.

> Based in Longmont and managed by Doug Farrar, Crooked Roots Farm is a small-scale Boulder County operation specializing in vegetable production alongside pasture-raised eggs, lamb, and heritage pork. The farm maintains strict organic standards, emphasizing that they 'never spray pesticides ever.' Beyond avoiding chemicals, Crooked Roots implements regenerative techniques including cover crops, compost application, and compost tea to enhance soil health, while integrating livestock grazing into their rotation before vegetable planting. Their mission centers on delivering 'high quality meats and vegetables' to Boulder County while prioritizing land stewardship through sustainable agriculture that balances productivity with environmental care.

> Purple Fence Farm began in Spring 2020 just north of metro Denver, Colorado, founded by Julie Godard (formulator) and Ty Ingmire (business/marketing), combining over 20 years of natural body care experience with sustainable lavender cultivation. The farm hand-harvests lavender for small-batch formulations and culinary products, emphasizing natural methods and local sourcing including Colorado honey, beeswax, and oils from regional suppliers that avoid synthetic chemicals and harmful extraction processes. Their product line includes soothing bath salts, invigorating body scrubs, soaps, facial serums, balms, and salves—all crafted with intentionality and minimal packaging. Godard and Ingmire's philosophy centers on ingredient integrity: 'What you put in and on your body truly matters.' They emphasize their hands-on approach: 'Every ingredient we use is lovingly harvested,' reflecting careful attention throughout production. The farm operates around three core tenets: small batch production (avoiding mass manufacturing), intention (embedding Colorado's spirit into each product's story), and sustainability (environmental consciousness over profit margins). As they state: 'Our commitment to all-natural ingredients and ethical practices is not just a business choice; it's a reflection of our values.' Purple Fence Farm appears at Colorado farmers markets including South Pearl Street and Larimer locations.

> Park Pass Coffee is a Denver-based specialty coffee company dedicated to 'Donating 10% Back to our National Parks and Forests.' Their mission emphasizes 'inspiring adventure, curiosity and impact through specialty coffee,' directly connecting coffee consumption to environmental stewardship. The company offers park-themed specialty coffees named after U.S. national parks: Rocky Mountain (Peru & Ethiopia Blend), Bryce Canyon (Sidamo: Ethiopia Washed), Badlands (Churupampa Women's Lot: Organic Peru), and Yellowstone (Iwariti: Ethiopia Yirgacheffe). Park Pass Coffee operates as an online retailer offering single coffee varieties and blends, subscription service through Subscribe & Save, wholesale options, and free shipping on orders over $50. Their conservation-focused business model creates a direct link between enjoying specialty coffee and supporting the preservation of America's public lands. Through their 10% donation commitment, every bag of Park Pass Coffee purchased contributes to protecting and maintaining the national parks and forests that inspire their product line.

> SouperStar creates fresh, homemade soups made with wholesome ingredients, bringing comfort food to Colorado communities through farmers markets and delivery services. The company emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional soup-making techniques, crafting batches that prioritize flavor and nutrition. SouperStar offers convenient ordering through their website at souperstarsoups.com, making their fresh soups accessible to customers seeking ready-to-eat meals made from scratch. As a farmers market vendor in the Boulder County area, SouperStar provides an alternative to mass-produced soups, focusing on small-batch production that ensures freshness and allows for seasonal variations. Their presence at local markets connects customers directly with homemade soup options that can be enjoyed immediately or taken home for later meals, supporting the local food movement while offering the convenience of prepared foods made with care and attention to ingredient quality.

> Best One Yet (@bestoneyetvegan) offers vegan and gluten-free ice cream that's '100% PLANT-BASED GOODNESS' with both a mobile food truck and retail locations throughout Boulder County. They describe their mission as providing 'Ice cream for everyone' that is 'Vegan & gluten-free, forever ever,' making plant-based frozen treats accessible to everyone regardless of dietary restrictions.

> Founded by Ashley Overstreet and Paul Bonneville in Lafayette, Colorado, Daily Grains is a cottage bakery offering naturally leavened breads made from locally and regionally sourced grains. Their mission emphasizes simplicity: 'Flour, water, salt. It really is that simple.' Beyond baking, Daily Grains developed a Grain Exchange Platform web application to manage the Colorado Grain Chain website, helping facilitate the expansion of local grain markets by connecting farmers with grain buyers online. The bakery also sells freshly milled stone-ground flour using heritage, ancient, and landrace grains, while actively participating in community initiatives including the Lafayette Farmers Market and local business mapping.

> Kalita Grill Greek Cafe opened at 801 S Public Rd in Lafayette (in the building most recently home to Jack's Pet Place pet supplies shop), bringing its beloved Greek cuisine to a new location related to the original Kalita Grill in Boulder. Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, the restaurant positions itself as 'a Greek go-to restaurant where everyone can come to savor a bit of Greece,' offering traditional Mediterranean favorites including gyros, shawarma wraps, Greek plates, salads, and vegetarian options. The cafe's accessible menu and neighborhood-friendly atmosphere have made it a local favorite for authentic Greek dining, with delivery available through DoorDash and convenient online ordering. From classic gyro plates to chicken souvlaki and traditional Greek dishes prepared with Mediterranean flair, Kalita Grill brings the flavors and hospitality of Greece to Lafayette's growing restaurant scene, providing both quick lunch options and sit-down dining for those seeking authentic Greek cuisine in a welcoming, casual setting.