At the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, a new tradition is bringing people together over a shared meal. Sunday Salmon, founded by Mary Grothe, is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community-driven nonprofit that offers a nourishing, organic meal at no cost to those who need it most. With a mission to extend the table to all, Sunday Salmon is creating meaningful connections one plate at a time.
A Tradition Turned Mission
For over a decade, Mary Grothe and her family gathered around their table every Sunday to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked salmon meal. What started as a family tradition soon evolved into a vision: to bring this experience to the broader community.
“I’ve always loved cooking for others—it’s how I show love,” Grothe shares. “But I started thinking about how many people don’t get to experience a meal like this. That’s when I knew we had to extend the table.”
With 3,000 Castle Rock residents facing food insecurity and many others in transient housing situations, the need was clear. After months of searching for the right space and overcoming hurdles in commercial real estate, Grothe secured a location in an old banquet room of a soon-to-be-demolished restaurant building. And so, Sunday Salmon was born.
More Than a Meal
Sunday Salmon is built on the idea that a shared meal can spark transformation. The restaurant features long, communal tables where people from all walks of life sit side by side.
“The meal is just the marketing,” Grothe explains. “The real impact happens when an affluent neighbor sits next to someone going through a tough season. Conversations start, relationships form, and new opportunities arise. That’s where the magic is.”
Beyond serving meals, Sunday Salmon is also supported by Scaling Faith Ministries, which manages a Community Impact Fund. This initiative helps fill the gaps in existing local resources by providing assistance with transportation, housing, car repairs, gas, rent, and other immediate needs. “We’re here to love our neighbors to the greatest extent possible,” Grothe says.
As a small business owner, it’s great to have your bank just a text message away to help with anything and everything. I feel extremely supported, and I feel like Redstone actually cares about our mission and our success in the community.
What’s Next for Sunday Salmon?
Currently, Sunday Salmon serves its signature meal once a week—fresh salmon, chicken, five roasted vegetables, rice, and gluten-free bread. But the vision doesn’t stop there. Soon, they’ll introduce Thankful Thursdays, offering a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings.
“Our neighbors need meals more than just on Sundays,” says Grothe. “Bringing the tradition of a Thanksgiving meal every week will be something truly special for this community.”
To sustain its mission, Sunday Salmon also rents out its space on non-service days, with 100% of the rental fees supporting their cause. Additionally, they offer catering services with the help of a professional chef who donates his time.
A Banking Partner That Cares
From the start, Sunday Salmon found support in Redstone Bank. Grothe’s long-standing relationship with her banker, who transitioned to Redstone, was a deciding factor in choosing the bank. To see an employer like Redstone care about their employees and focus on giving back to the communities made an impact. “I didn’t want to open an account with one of the big banks everyone knows, and that doesn’t care about you.”
“When you run a business, your banking relationship matters,” Grothe continues. “At Redstone, I wasn’t just another account number. They immediately connected me to resources, helped me explore funding options like a line of credit, and even invited me to speak at an Advisory Board meeting to spread awareness about Sunday Salmon.”
At the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Redstone Bank solidified its commitment by making a donation to help launch the initiative. “They believed in us before we even opened our doors,” Grothe says. “That kind of support is invaluable.”
And now, Grothe rests easy knowing her bank is there for her. “As a small business owner, it’s great to have your bank just a text message away to help with anything and everything. I feel extremely supported, and I feel like Redstone actually cares about our mission and our success in the community.”
How to Get Involved
Sunday Salmon’s mission is powered by community support. Donations cover weekly food costs, and volunteers play a crucial role in operations. To contribute, visit Sunday Salmon’s website, where you can donate, sign up to volunteer, or book the space for an event.
“Our goal was to extend the table,” Grothe reflects. “And now, we get to witness the incredible power of a shared meal—one Sunday at a time.”