Meet Lindsey Valdez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Valdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Corvallis, Oregon—home of the Oregon State Beavers, which inspired the beavers you’ll spot in the Two Brothers Deli logo. I’ve always considered myself a high-altitude girl at heart, having lived in the mountains of Oregon, New Mexico, and now Colorado.

Growing up in a small-ish town in the Pacific Northwest gave me a deep appreciation for community and a lasting connection to the outdoors. My upbringing has shaped the places I’ve gravitated toward ever since—tight-knit mountain towns where people still wave to each other. It has also influenced how I approach both my day job and small business.

Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats—from working in local and state government in New Mexico to leading regional economic development efforts here in Colorado. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can support people, strengthen communities, and help build momentum for something meaningful.

Owning Two Brothers Deli has kept me grounded in the day-to-day life of a small town. It’s a labor of love—and a way to stay connected to the people and place I care about. Every part of my background—from my studies in public affairs to my work in economic development and the film industry—has shaped how I show up as a business owner, community member, and mom to three incredible kiddos.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Two Brothers Deli is a neighborhood staple in historic downtown Idaho Springs. We serve elevated comfort food with a focus on quality ingredients and a laid-back, welcoming vibe—and did we mention we sell books, too? From our sandwiches, breakfast wraps, and homemade soups to our gluten-free options and signature green chile, everything is made with intention and meant to fuel locals, travelers, and everyone in between.

What sets us apart is the thought and heart behind it all. We’re not a trendy concept or a franchise experiment—we’re a local business run by people who live here and are invested in this community. We take pride in offering consistent, quality service because our customers deserve a great meal in a place that feels like home. We want our guests to know they’re supporting something genuine. I’m proud that we’ve stayed true to that spirit while continuing to evolve our menu and space to reflect who we are today.

I bought the deli with zero restaurant experience—aside from waiting tables and bartending through college—and a full-time job in economic development. On paper, it probably looked a little wild. But I believed in the space and its legacy. Two Brothers Deli was already a beloved part of the community, and I saw an opportunity to bring a fresh chapter to something special.

It wasn’t easy. The learning curve was steep—and then COVID hit. Like many small businesses, we had to stay flexible and lean on our community to get through it. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilience is built in the everyday—not just during big, obvious challenges. Owning a business means constantly adjusting, making decisions without perfect information, and learning to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. It’s taught me to be more patient, more resourceful, and more trusting of the team around me. You can’t do this work alone, and you shouldn’t try to.

At the end of the day, Two Brothers Deli is a reflection of this town, the people who keep it running, and the stories we’re all a part of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d go full mountain-town mode. There’s so much to explore in and around Idaho Springs—it’s the perfect mix of rugged adventure, quirky history, and great food. Here’s how I’d show them the best of the area:

Day 1: We’d start with breakfast at Two Brothers Deli, obviously—can’t visit Idaho Springs without one of our famous breakfast wraps smothered in green chile. Then we’d take a walk through downtown, pop into local shops like The Wild Grape and The Soap Shop, and end with a drink at The Vintage Moose.

Day 2: We’d tour the Argo Mill & Tunnel to get the real story of Idaho Springs’ mining roots, then soak it all in at Indian Hot Springs. In the evening, we’d head to The Bread Bar in Silver Plume for cocktails and live music—it’s a one-of-a-kind spot tucked into a historic building with so much charm!

Day 3: We’d hike St. Mary’s Glacier or take a scenic drive up Mt. Blue Sky, stopping to catch our breath at over 14,000 feet. If it’s super hot, we might swap hiking for a rafting trip down Clear Creek—the second-most rafted river in Colorado. For dinner, we’d keep it casual–Smokin’ Yards BBQ is a must.

Day 4: We’d hop over to Georgetown for the day, ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad, explore the art galleries and antique shops, and grab lunch at Cooper’s on the Creek. For dinner, pizza from Sasha’s at The Alpine hits the spot—comforting, delicious, and perfect after a day of exploring.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many deserve credit, but I’ll start with my best friend of over 15 years, Troy Denison. He moved from New Mexico to help with daily operations; with my full-time day job, I needed someone I could trust completely. Troy brings grit, humor, and unwavering reliability to everything he does. He’s become an essential part of what makes the deli feel like home.

I also want to recognize my two sons, Koen and Emmett. Two Brothers Deli was originally founded in 1999 and was named after Two Brothers Road in Idaho Springs. When I purchased the business in 2019, the name took on a more personal meaning. As a mom of two boys, it just felt right. They’re a constant source of motivation and perspective.

And I would be remiss not to honor the late Alta Carmack, who was the face of Two Brothers Deli from its inception. Alta’s warmth, positivity, and sharp wit drew people in from all over the world. She had a way of making everyone feel instantly welcome. Her passing in 2020 was a profound loss—for the deli and for the entire community.

Website: https://www.2brosdelicolorado.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twobrosdeli/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-valdez-a46535122/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100025626411162#

Image Credits
Two Brothers Deli