“I feel really good about the dining scene in Denver,” says Executive Chef Mary Nguyen, owner of Olive & Finch. For over 20 years, Chef Mary has been a prominent figure in the city’s culinary world, blending her passion for food with her entrepreneurial spirit to create a dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Founded in 2013, Olive & Finch first opened its doors on 17th Avenue, quickly becoming a beloved staple in Denver’s dining scene. In 2017, Mary expanded with a second location in Cherry Creek, further solidifying Olive & Finch as a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu focuses on chef-driven, scratch-made food at affordable prices.

“It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a community gathering space,” Mary explains. “Whether you’re stopping in for pastries, coffee, or juice, it’s all about how you want to enjoy the experience as a guest.”

In 2018, Mary launched On the Fly, a wholesale line offering grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, pastries, ready-to-eat meals and fresh juices. Continuing her vision for accessible, high-quality dining, she debuted a sister concept in 2023—Little Finch, an all-day café located on the 16th Street Mall.

Looking ahead, the Olive & Finch family is growing, with new locations coming soon to Denver’s Union Station, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Golden Triangle, and Denver International Airport.

With multiple locations and concepts across Denver, Olive & Finch is known for its inviting atmosphere and dedication to quality. Mary’s passion for creating delicious, approachable food has been the foundation of the restaurant’s success and her lasting influence on the city’s culinary landscape.

Mary and her husband, Raphael, moved to Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood seven years ago, trading the urban hustle of RiNo for a family-friendly environment. “We loved the energy and activities in RiNo, but it wasn’t conducive to raising our twin daughters, Isa and Coco,” Mary shares. Hilltop proved to be the perfect fit with its blend of walkability, charm, and proximity to Cherry Creek’s restaurants and coffee shops. 

“It’s an amazing community,” raves Mary. 

Mary’s love for food extends far beyond her professional life. As a Vietnamese-American chef, she enjoys incorporating global flavors into her cooking and sharing those experiences with her family. The Nguyen family’s summers in Europe—Raphael’s home country of Switzerland being a frequent destination—inspire many of their meals.

“We’re always learning and trying new things,” Mary says. “This summer, we took cooking classes in Spain, Vietnam, and Italy. At home, we’ve been making paella, gnocchi, pasta, and traditional Vietnamese dishes. It’s important to open our kids to different cuisines and cultures.”

Their backyard even features a wood-fired pizza oven, where Mary, with the help of her friend Marco from Coal Fired Pizza, crafts Neapolitan-style pizzas. “It’s all about making memories with food,” she adds.

Weekends for the family are filled with activities, from cycling and playing tennis to hosting brunches or dinners with friends. Isa and Coco are talented and active children, participating in hip-hop dance, piano lessons, and the Colorado Children’s Chorale.

Mary finds joy in balancing her demanding career with family life. “I work a lot and sometimes miss school activities, but it’s about showing my daughters that when you set your mind to something, you can achieve great things.”

As a female entrepreneur and restaurateur, Mary is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders, with a special focus on BIPOC individuals and fostering equity and inclusion. “It’s so important, especially as a mother of twin girls, to show them that women can be leaders and contributors to their communities,” she says.

Her dedication to growth extends to her business as well. Olive & Finch is poised for significant expansion, with plans to open five new locations in the next 24 months. 

“I would love to hear more from our neighbors,” says Mary. “Ask me about cooking questions, hospitality questions, or lifestyle questions. I would love to get to know everyone more.” 

Be sure to visit Olive & Finch to experience her food firsthand. Taste the difference for yourself!