At a rowdy little sandwich shop in Denver, Cara and her husband flipped the script on a round-the-clock industry where alcohol consumption often runs rampant. Their lunch menu is playfully curated, backed by a recovery-friendly workplace where employee wellness and community care are key ingredients. They’re serving up sobriety, safety, and seriously delicious sandwiches.
The place is called Odie B's. It’s Cara’s meaningful work, after quitting drinking six and half years ago and finding her calling in community care. Today, she and her husband are leaning into the wellness-focused workspaces they’ve built where the majority of the employees are in recovery, and they’re now opening yet another comfort-food spot next door.
“I've been in this industry forever, and I just was struggling kind of to find what my calling was. And in these restaurants we’re building, I've found the human aspect, and that’s what I really love. It’s about connecting with all my employees and creating a supportive workplace in general. Our employees call me the Odie B’s Mom.”
Making it about Mental Health
“We really wanted to just make it mental health and wellness-based, and really take care of our employees so that they can take care of the guests around us, and we also wanted to offer a workplace that was a safe space for people who are in recovery or who do have struggles with addiction. We were one of the first recovery friendly certified workplaces in Colorado, and that means a lot to me.”
“Balance is something I've struggled with my entire life. One of the big ways that helps me with work-life balance is working out in the morning.
I find that if I'm selfish in that regard and give myself 45 minutes of cardio, I feel strong and confident. I’m giving myself the opportunity to self-reflect. I ask myself how I’m doing. Then I'm able to go out into the world and give back to others.”
For young women early in their careers
“Stay curious and grateful. Take the time to truly get to know yourself and love yourself. Do things that make yourself feel proud and strong. Celebrate the small wins as well as the big wins.”
“My community and my team, 100%. I’m surrounded by such good people, and they keep me motivated every day. I didn’t always have a lot of confidence in my 20's, so I really want others to know it’s never too late to make a change or build a life you’re proud of.”
