Lisa Altenburg is a dynamic entrepreneur and the Owner and CEO of Y.Lo Epicure Catering, a leading corporate and custom catering company. With over 15 years at the helm, Lisa has driven the company’s revenue and workforce growth by 1,200% since opening her doors. Known for her strategic leadership, she oversees all facets of the business, from financial operations to human resources.
Before entering the food service industry, Lisa built a solid foundation in corporate finance, holding management roles at Janus Funds and Clayton Fixed Income Services.

A committed community leader, she has served on multiple non-profit boards, including Girls on the Run and the Wishbone Foundation, leveraging her financial expertise to guide strategic growth and development.

Lisa’s leadership has garnered recognition from the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Denver 7News, highlighting her as one of Denver’s top business leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance from Clemson University.

TARRA is proud to partner with Lisa and her Y.Lo team as one of our preferred catering partners for our event space rentals. With a seamless customer-forward approach, they take care of everything to ensure a memorable experience for occasions of all sizes.

We sat down with Lisa to learn more about how this successful founder has endured the roller coaster of entrepreneurship.

What scares you the most?

I truly didn’t know the answer to this question until 2020. The pandemic was a tragic time for everyone; however, the necessary mandates made it impossible for my business to exist. As a person whose business is built on the simple pleasure of gathering with others and sharing food and drinks, it was devastating. The Y.Lo Epicure employees are like family to me, so having to put the business on pause for that period of time shook me to the core.

Who do you always turn to for advice and why?

I have the most incredible group of fellow women business owners and CEOs that have been my foundation for over five years. These women cross over multiple industries with a wide variety of skills and knowledge, which offer many perspectives. I find the different perspectives so valuable in order to find and follow your true self.

What is your favorite item on the Y.Lo fall menu?

MMMMmmmm Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Warm Pear & Walnut Salsa AND Green Chile Fried Macaroni & Cheese Bites

Describe what you were like in high school in 6 words or less.

Adventurous, Outgoing, Ambitious, Cautious, Athletic, Loyal

What is one thing you got right from the minute you opened your business?

The importance of personalized service.