Picture this: You’ve just finished your Master's degree in clinical psychology and are establishing your career when you receive a phone call that will transform your life. That’s exactly what happened to Karen Olson, when her brother Christophe called her for help. He had barely opened the doors to Metropolitan, when he needed Karen to step in make the family's dream of creating a stunning world-class restaurant in Salt Lake City, a reality.
Although Karen had no restaurant experience, a background of rigorous academic study, an appreciation for diverse cultures, combined with intellectual curiosity and a streak of pure Midwestern grit enabled her to make Metropolitan a culinary and financial success. A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Karen was raised in an academic family. After attending Cranbrook / Kingswood Academy, Karen completed a B. A. in Social Ecology from the University of California at Irvine, then a Master’s Degree, with honors, in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. As a Graduate Assistant at Pepperdine's Community Counseling Center, she was instrumental in designing and opening their new clinic. In addition to seeing clients and earning intern hours, she developed The Center's business and accounting systems.
If the ability to inspire loyalty, run a tight ship, set forth high standards, while simultaneously learning on one’s feet is the hallmark of a restaurateur, then Karen Olson landed in the right profession. In the ensuing 11 years, she has turned around a brilliantly conceived yet floundering restaurant into what was recently called “…the most award-draped of the city’s restaurants,” by Travel + Leisure.
Karen is an innovative business leader. She recruits and develops raw talent. She believes in giving people opportunities to learn, grow, and develop their craft. She has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous young chefs throughout the country. In 2006 Karen developed The Metropolitan Culinary Team -- a collaborative kitchen featuring four chefs who share responsibilities and create culinary synergy. She serves on the DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Board of Directors sponsoring scholarships and promoting excellence in dining.
Karen is the founder and co-chair of the Downtown Dine O’ Round. This highly successful two week restaurant promotion brings together 40 restaurants twice a year. For her work in increasing the vitality and economic development of downtown Salt Lake City, Karen and her committee were recipients of the 2004 Downtown Alliance Lifestyle Achievement Award.
In addition to her commitment to innovative dining, Karen enjoys traveling, exploring new jaunts with friends, playing with her Papillon, as well as theatre, film, and athletics. She actively supports community programs, including TheUtah Food Bank, Komen breast cancer research, Utah Symphony & Opera, Utah AIDS Foundation and Share Our Strength.
