In this episode of Greeley Business Beat, we sit down with Aimee Hutson, owner of Aunt Helen’s Café, to hear how her snarky, no-nonsense great aunt inspired the name and vibe of her downtown Greeley coffee shop. From cross-country road trips with Aunt Helen to a major career pivot from education to entrepreneurship, Aimee shares her journey of building a beloved local staple. We talk about the café’s evolution, the joy (and challenges) of running a small business, and why Greeley’s strong sense of community makes it the perfect place for entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights: 

  • [00:00:00] Meet Aunt Helen: The Woman Behind the Name
    Aimee shares stories of her strong-willed, sarcastic, and fiercely independent great aunt, who lived to be 108 years old and gave her blessing for the café’s name with her signature blunt approval: "I love it. Do it."

  • [00:05:11] From Inspiration to Reality: Launching Aunt Helen’s
    Aimee and her husband Bob walked past a vacant storefront and thought, "This would be a great place for a coffee shop." The dream quickly became a reality, blending family nostalgia with a fresh take on downtown Greeley’s café scene.

  • [00:15:24] The Future of Aunt Helen’s & Downtown Greeley
    With Greeley growing rapidly, Aimee envisions more nightlife, more housing, and a walkable downtown, where she dreams of owning a loft above the café.

  • [00:17:58] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 
    Aimee’s top business lessons? Be flexible, laugh at yourself, and don’t be afraid to pivot.

Rapid Fire Questions: 

  • Wine or Cocktails? Cocktails

  • Caffeinated or Decaf? "Decaf is a lie."

  • Small Plate: With Meat or Just Cheese & Fruit? With meat—"I’m a rancher’s granddaughter!"

  • Morning Bird or Night Owl? Night owl—"I hire people for the morning shift."

  • Winter or Summer? Winter—"I hate being hot."

  • Hot Coffee or Iced? Usually iced, but drinks both.

About Aunt Helen'sCafe & Wine Bar: 

Located in downtown Greeley, Aunt Helen’s is a beloved café by day and a cozy wine bar by night. Named after Aimee Hutson’s legendary great aunt, the café serves house-made pastries, specialty coffees, wines, and cocktails—all with a touch of humor. Aunt Helen’s also offers catering services, bringing their signature flavors to events big and small. 

Learn more: Visit Aunt Helen’s to check out their menu, wine selection, and catering options. As an extra perk, mention this episode when you visit Aunt Helen’s and receive 20% off your order—just our way of saying thanks for supporting local!

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The Greeley Business Beat is brought to you by the City of Greeley in collaboration with 1K Creative. Learn more about what makes Greeley a vibrant and welcoming community at VisitGreeley.com. 

Thank you for tuning in, and stay connected to the heart of Greeley!