Vesta and Steuben’s Sober Week

This week, if your server at Vesta Dipping Grill or Steuben’s seems more bright-eyed than usual, you can thank Josh Wolkon. Six years ago, in response to the restaurant business’ pervasive bar culture, the owner of Vesta (and now Steuben’s) challenged his staff to forgo alcohol for a week. As Wolkon says, “Sober Week is an opportunity for you to focus on your health, your rest, and ultimately yourself.”

But it’s more than just refraining from the bar after a shift: Wolkon arranges for free classes at various yoga studios and athletic clubs around town, picks up the tab for bike rentals during organized rides, and ensures that staff meals are healthier than usual.

Vesta Dipping Grill, 1822 Blake St., 303-296-1970;

Steuben’s, 523 E. 17th Ave., 303-830-1001.