CHANGE COURSE
Id Est is a visionary hospitality group with a commitment to excellent guest experience and environmental impact. Our restaurant kitchens and bars focus on supporting regenerative agricultural ingredients, specifically by developing a closed loop system for local, heirloom grain. Zero waste principles guide our operations, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint and a dedication to preserving ingredients through our garden and fermentation programs. We prioritize social sustainability, fostering a culture that nurtures and empowers our team, with a goal of creating a balance between excellence and the well-being of all involved.
THE PEOPLE
At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering belief in the power of knowledge-sharing. We embrace the art of teaching and the beauty of learning, recognizing that true innovation flourishes when diverse minds unite. Whether it's through the experience of staging or the commitment of a full-time management role, we cherish every opportunity to connect with new minds and souls.
KELLY
WHITAKER
Kelly Whitaker is a renowned chef and restaurateur known for his exceptional culinary skills and commitment to sustainability. As the owner and executive chef of Id Est he has earned recognition for his innovative approach to zero waste cooking and menu development. His restaurants have been acclaimed by various publications and he has been acknowledged three times by the James Beard Foundation.
CAROLINE
CLARK
Caroline Clark has been a driving force within Id Est since joining BASTA in 2014. She has held a variety of leadership roles across the company's hospitality and beverage programs, culminating in her appointment as Director of Beverage in 2020. In this role, she helps shape a beverage culture rooted in impact and conscientiousness and championing the role of restaurants as catalysts for positive change. Caroline has helped earn national recognition for Id Est's programs, including the Michelin Guide's Outstanding Cocktails Award for The Wolf's Tailor, three Star Wine List Red Stars, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award semifinalist nods for Hey Kiddo and Ok Yeah, and service as a sommelier judge across national competitions. Caroline works in close dialogue with chefs to translate culinary ideas into the glass, crafting thoughtful, story-driven beverage experiences. She also serves on the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board through the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Mara
king
Originally from Hong Kong, where she developed a love for food culture, Mara now has over 20 years of experience in Boulder's beloved restaurants and building her own pickle company. She is an acclaimed fermentation expert, who brings her expertise to the forefront as the Director of Fermentation and Sustainability at Id Est.
ERIKA
WHITAKER
Erika Whitaker is the co-founder of Id Est, where she has spent more than a decade shaping the group’s design, identity, and commitment to sustainability. Id Est’s portfolio of highly recognized concepts include Basta in Boulder; Denver’s Hey Kiddo, OK Yeah, Michelin-starred Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor; and Oklahoma City’s Nonesuch. A passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, Erika helped establish Id Est’s grain mill, Dry Storage, and closed-loop, zero-waste systems to champion heirloom grains and environmental responsibility. With a background spanning hospitality, brand building, and impact, Erika leads Id Est’s mission to create extraordinary dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on both guests and the planet. Prior to Id Est, Erika managed operations at ECO IMPACT and led Environmental Programs at American Apparel, fostering a passion for sustainable practices. In 2024, she and her husband Kelly Whitaker received the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur Award, making Erika only the fifth woman in U.S. history to earn the honor. Committed to bridging cultures and building a better food system, Erika continues to champion initiatives that inspire change while celebrating the artistry and lineage of cuisine.
NATALIE
Frazier
Natalie Frazier joined Id Est in 2019 as a dedicated member of the front-of-house team at The Wolf's Tailor. Her exceptional adaptability and contributions during the challenging times of the pandemic quickly earned her a place in the home office team. Currently, as the Director of Administration for Id Est, Natalie plays a vital role in overseeing and optimizing the organization's operational processes.
Suzanne
roberts
Suzanne Roberts is Director of Operations for Id Est, bringing more than 25 years of hospitality experience across restaurant operations, service, wine, and team leadership. Her career includes leadership roles with Mina Group, Atelier Crenn, International Smoke, Tartine Manufactory, and The Wild. During her time with Mina Group, she supported restaurant openings and rebrands across the country and worked alongside Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry to open International Smoke. Since joining Id Est, Roberts has served as General Manager of both BRUTØ and The Wolf’s Tailor, working closely with the teams behind two of the group’s Michelin recognized restaurants. Today, she oversees operations across the Id Est portfolio, supporting its teams and individual concepts as the group continues to grow.
JIMENA
ZAMORA
With over 10 years of experience across architecture, design, marketing, and business strategy, Jimena brings a multidisciplinary and design-thinking approach to brand building rooted in storytelling and authenticity. Through a wide range of design experiences, from facade design and marketing strategy to hospitality content creation, she has developed a strong ability to craft genuine stories that connect with people. Holding an MBA and as the Brand Manager for Id Est, she leads brand creation, visibility, storytelling, and marketing across all concepts, translating creative vision into meaningful brand experiences and long-term growth.
KATRINA
LOIKKANEN
Katrina Loikkanen joined the Id Est Team in January 2026 as the Brand and Events Coordinator. Graduating from the University of Washington in 2020, she began her journey in the Hospitality Industry as a server, quickly moving into Sales and Marketing for restaurants within luxury hotels. Now, Katrina handles social media marketing, content creation, and events for the 8 restaurant concepts of Id Est.
JOIN US
We invite aspiring visionaries to explore the possibilities within our open positions. For in the realm of collective brilliance, the possibilities are infinite, and the impact immeasurable.
Back
Of house
Elevate your culinary journey and make a lasting impact with our sustainable and forward-thinking company. Join us in creating exceptional dishes while championing eco-conscious practices, and be part of a team committed to making a difference in the culinary world.
FRONT
Of house
Step into a rewarding role and be a part of our sustainable and visionary company. Embrace the art of exceptional service while leading the charge towards a greener future, and join a team that is making a positive impact on the hospitality industry.
OUR PARTNERS
