Gladys: Where Seasonal Vegan Cuisine Meets Grandma’s Hospitality

In a state known for its game meats and green chili, Gladys, a vegan eatery inside Edgewater Public Market, is turning heads and changing minds about what vegetable-focused dining can be.

Founded by Dave Grant and Rocky Hunter, two longtime vegans and career chefs, Gladys is more than just another meatless restaurant. It’s a testament to the power of seasonal ingredients, creative cooking and the kind of warmth you’d expect from a beloved grandmother’s kitchen.

A Name With Heart

The restaurant’s moniker isn’t a random choice. “We chose to name the restaurant after my grandmother, Gladys, to invoke a sense of ‘grandma-style hospitality,’” Hunter explained. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the dining experience. “People can get dinner anywhere,” he added, “but to feel welcome, seen and uniquely cared for takes the heart of a grandma. Thus, Gladys.”

What sets Gladys apart is its commitment to seasonality and innovation. The menu is a constantly evolving canvas, showcasing the best produce each season has to offer. “We generally don’t repeat dishes,” Hunter said. Every few months, when different vegetables are at their peak, they become the driving force behind the creative process.

This dedication to seasonal cooking keeps both regulars and chefs on their toes. “It makes for food that is fun to eat and our regulars know that if you land on something you like, you’d better get it while you can,” Hunter shared.

The Reuben That Stays

While most of the menu is in constant flux, there’s one dish that has earned its permanent spot: the root vegetable reuben. “Our most popular item is our root vegetable reuben, made from celeriac in the style of pastrami, which has been a menu staple since day one,” Hunter said. This inventive take on a classic sandwich perfectly encapsulates Gladys’s approach to vegan cuisine — familiar, yet innovative.

Beyond the Vegan Label

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect for Hunter and Grant is seeing their food appeal to a diverse crowd. “For us, it’s the folks who aren’t vegan, aren’t ‘plant-based,’ but are open to trying our food for the first time and really enjoy it,” Hunter said.

“We get to come to work every day and feel proud about what we serve and how we choose to run our business, while meanwhile, a lot of people who simply like great food and service find something in our concept to latch onto and enjoy,” he added. “It’s incredibly humbling and rewarding.”

As Denver’s dining scene continues to evolve, Gladys stands as a shining example of how plant-based cuisine can be both sophisticated and accessible. Whether you’re a committed vegan or a curious omnivore, Gladys offers a dining experience that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.