In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Juli Norris, a Spokane-based restaurateur, consultant, and chef. Juli shares her journey from growing up on a ranch in North Spokane to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the food industry.
Juli’s passion for food was sparked by a trip to Nashville, where she discovered the world of gourmet dining. From there, she dove into culinary education while balancing life as a busy mom. In 2006, she launched Simply Gourmet, a catering company, and later expanded with Casa Restaurant and Tap House and the upscale Loren.
Juli’s story is all about persistence, creativity, and building something special. Her love for food and community shines through in everything she does, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.
