Meet Nick Rowe

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

Hi Nick, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I started in the industry at just 16, working at a local restaurant, and over the years, I worked my way up, connecting with chefs who inspired my passion for food. In college, I kept building my experience, spending six years at a local seafood restaurant and fish market owned by Chef Arthur Gonzalez before I was asked to join Chef in Colorado to build a catering business. One random day Chef and I drove around town and found the location for Tribe. The plan was to open an upscale but casual restaurant, and the minute we drove by the location we knew it was perfect and we could see the vision clearly. A week later we met the owner, signed a lease, and opened in 2020 during COVID. We started as a take-out-only operation without qualifying for any relief, and we kept pushing forward; even after Chef Arthur, my mentor and partner, sadly passed away in 2022. After his death we made it our mission to honor his legacy through our menu. Each dish we serve is a tribute to his vision and passion, ensuring his influence remains a part of everything we do. One thing that many people outside the restaurant industry may not realize is how incredibly hard we work for very slim profit margins. People often assume that a beautiful restaurant means financial success, but the reality is different. In this industry, we’re driven by passion, creativity, and the joy of serving others—not by the promise of getting rich. We love what we do, and that’s why we pour our hearts into it, despite all the challenges.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am most proud to say that we continue to move forward regardless of the obstacles we have experiences. We opened Tribe in the middle of the pandemic and were only allowed to sell food togo. We navigated through that while also not qualifying for any of the COVID relief that the government offered most businesses. After that we had to pivot our approach after losing our Chef/Mentor and take over the kitchen. I am proud to say we’re still open despite all of these obstacles and look forward to the next 10 years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start by taking them on a hike up Devil’s Head, a truly special place with breathtaking views. At the summit, there’s a historic fire lookout tower where a ranger watches over the forest during dry season—it’s an incredible experience. Afterward, we’d head into Denver for a meal at either Safta or La Diablo to enjoy some amazing local flavors. We’d end the day with an unforgettable concert at Red Rocks, soaking in the music surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That’s an easy one. We would like to give out shoutout to Chef Arthur Gonzalez. He was our partner and mentor and the one that brought us all together to start Tribe at Riverwalk. He sadly passed away in May of 2022 from a heart attack. I learned so much from him working alongside him for 10 years and we continue his legacy at Tribe while we continue to push the restaurant forward.

Website: https://tribehospitalitygroup.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TribeRiverwalk/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tribe-at-riverwalk-castle-rock

Image Credits
Jaime Barba Photography