Our Story
Built by Two Friends Who
Grew Up in the Business
Over 30 years of combined experience. Two CSU business degrees. One shared vision for Canon City hospitality.
Our Founders
Trace Hildebrand
Co-Owner · CEO
Trace grew up working at Whitewater Bar & Grill, spending over 15 years learning every aspect of the restaurant business from the ground up. After earning his business degree from CSU, he returned to Canon City with a vision to build something new while honoring the legacy that shaped him.
Tanner Seufer
Co-Owner · COO
Tanner grew up around Whitewater Bar & Grill, spending over 15 years at the restaurant his family built. After earning his business degree from CSU, he brought a fresh perspective to operations while keeping the soul of WWBG intact. Together with Trace, he officially stepped into ownership in 2025.
“After more than 15 years each of working at White Water Bar & Grill, we have officially stepped into ownership. With over 30 years of combined experience in this industry — much of it right here at White Water — we couldn't be prouder to take this next step.”
— Trace & Tanner, 2025 Ownership Announcement
Timeline
From River Guides to Restaurant Owners
Royal Gorge Rafting Founded
Ty Seufer and Jimmy Whiteside founded Royal Gorge Rafting at the base of Eight Mile Hill on Highway 50.
Whitewater Bar & Grill Opens
Ty and Anna Seufer opened Whitewater Bar & Grill right next door to the rafting company. The idea was simple: after a day on the river, people need cold drinks, great food, and a place to tell stories.
Trace & Tanner Start Working
As teenagers, Trace and Tanner began working at WWBG, learning the business from the inside out. Little did they know, this would become their lifelong calling.
10 Years of WWBG
A decade in, Whitewater Bar & Grill had become Canon City's most iconic gathering place. The brisket recipe was perfected. The margaritas became legendary.
Tanner Graduates CSU
Tanner earned his business degree from Colorado State University, bringing formal business education to complement years of hands-on restaurant experience.
Trace Graduates CSU
Trace earned his business degree from Colorado State University. Both founders now had the academic foundation to match their operational expertise.
The Semi-Truck Accident
A semi-truck accident destroyed the Royal Gorge Rafting office at Fourth Street and U.S. 50. Rather than rebuild the office, Trace and Tanner saw an opportunity to create something entirely new.
Construction Begins
Construction started on a brand-new 4,000 square-foot, two-story building in downtown Canon City. Ground-level bar and kitchen. 2,000 sq ft open-air rooftop patio up top.
Rooftop Social Opens
Whitewater Rooftop Social opened its doors, becoming Canon City's first and only rooftop restaurant. Craft cocktails, elevated eats, and mountain views.
Ownership of WWBG
After more than 15 years each working at White Water, Trace and Tanner officially stepped into ownership. 30+ years of combined experience. Same food, same energy, same spirit.
WW Food & Beverage
The formation of WW Food & Beverage Group, unifying both restaurants under one parent brand. Two restaurants. One vision. And the future is wide open.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Community First
We donate 1% of every dollar to FAR trails. We host fundraisers. We sponsor local teams. Canon City raised us, and we give back.
Quality Without Compromise
100% Colorado-raised beef. Original recipes since 2005. Craft cocktails made right. We don't cut corners.
Adventure & Hospitality
Born from river guides and raised on the edge of the Royal Gorge. We believe food tastes better after a day of adventure.
Innovation & Tradition
We honor what works — the brisket recipe hasn't changed since day one. But we push forward with new concepts, technology, and experiences.
2
Restaurants
30+
Years Combined
50+
Team Members
5,000+
Reviews
1% for Trails
Both restaurants donate 1% of every dollar to Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR). Together, we contribute ~$27,000 annually and have donated $198,000+ since the program began.
Learn More About FARWhat's Next
The Future
Two restaurants. One vision. And the future is wide open. From potential food truck expansions to new concepts, WW Food & Beverage is just getting started. Canon City raised us, and we're here to give back — one meal, one trail, one community event at a time.