Meet Heather Krout of Venue at 319

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Krout.

Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Heather grew up on a small farm outside Fort Collins, Colorado, where her family loved hosting gatherings for friends and relatives. Those events—big and small—sparked her lifelong dream of owning and operating a venue. Her passion is rooted in bringing people together to celebrate life and create lasting memories. As Heather says, life is short; we should enjoy our time here.

Sam proposed to Heather in January 2021 in Loveland during the city’s Valentine’s Day Heart program, and they married that September. From that moment on, Sam was pulled into Heather’s dream (for better or worse!). Over the years, they hosted countless gatherings at home, so he knew exactly what he was signing up for.

Fast forward to fall 2023: after welcoming their daughter, Ellie, they decided to make Heather’s dream a reality and open Venue at 319. Heather handled much of the behind-the-scenes work to prepare for launch, and in August 2025, she gave Sam the final push off the high dive! Sam poured his heart—and plenty of blood, sweat, and tears—into the building (from 2018) personally completing many of the finishing touches and metalwork. He never brags about his craftsmanship, so Heather does every chance she gets.

With the support of family and friends—both old and new—they officially opened their doors in August 2025. They credit their success to the incredible people in their lives, including the family they had before meeting and the family they’ve gained since.

Today, Heather and Sam are the sole operators of Venue at 319. When you book with them, you work directly with the owners, giving you a personalized experience tailored to your vision. They welcome any idea—Heather says, the wilder, the better, though she admits she likes to push the limits more than Sam.

After five months of operation, they are deeply grateful to everyone who has trusted them with their events—including their very first, a 220+ guest celebration just three days after opening! Every event hosted at Venue at 319 holds a special place in their hearts—and always will.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening Venue at 319 has been anything but a smooth road—and honestly, that’s what makes our story worth sharing. Every bump, twist, and unexpected turn has shaped who we are today and the experience we offer our clients.
One of the biggest hurdles? Securing the certificate of occupancy. It wasn’t anyone’s fault—just the nature of renovating a space and bringing a vision to life. What seemed like a simple step turned into a lesson in patience and persistence.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. Along the way, life threw us curveballs we never saw coming:

Heather convincing Sam to take the leap into this dream (and off the proverbial high dive!)
Sam losing his industry job due to downsizing, which changed everything for our family
Navigating the logistics of operations and the reality of financial support—because business loans are tough to secure without prior history
And perhaps the hardest of all: determining pricing for the space. It sounds simple, but finding that balance was one of the most difficult decisions we faced.

Through it all, we weren’t alone. Our advisory board became a lifeline, guiding us through the unknowns and helping us make decisions that mattered. Their support—and the encouragement of family and friends—kept us moving forward when the road felt steep.
Every event we host teaches us something new. There are always hurdles, but each one makes us stronger as a team and more committed to our mission: creating a space where people can come together, celebrate, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Venue at 319 isn’t just a building—it’s a story of resilience, passion, and community. And when you choose us for your event, you’re not just booking a venue. You’re joining that story.

We’ve been impressed with Venue at 319, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What We Do:
Venue at 319 is a beautifully restored, historic event space nestled in the heart of Downtown Loveland, Colorado. With a capacity of up to 374 guests, we specialize in hosting a variety of events—from weddings and corporate conferences to community gatherings, fundraisers, small concerts, photography shoots, and more

What Sets Us Apart:
1. Historic Charm + Modern Flexibility
The venue seamlessly blends original architectural features—exposed brick, wood-beamed ceilings, and patina finishes—with contemporary touches and an open layout designed for full customization.

2.Full-Service Amenities with Freedom of Choice
We offer a fully equipped commercial kitchen, included tables and chairs, an on-site venue manager, and a preferred vendor list. Yet you’re welcome to bring your own caterers, décor, and planners to curate your event exactly as you envision.

3. Owner-Operated, Personalized Experience
Husband-and-wife team behind the venue— Heather & Sam are deeply involved in every aspect. Heather manages the logistics and coordination, while Sam handles the building’s aesthetic details, day of operations, and ensures a smooth flow. You work with the owners directly, which helps tailor every event to your needs.

What We’re Known For:
1. Adaptability & Versatility.
From intimate gatherings to large-scale events up to 374 guests, and even creative productions like workshops or mini concerts, our space is engineered to adapt to the vision of every client.
2. Community-Focused Celebrations
Whether you’re planning a wedding, business event, or family milestone, our venue is designed to foster connection and celebration. We’re a gathering place where meaningful moments come to life.
3. Genuine and Authentic:
Sam and Heather are putting their entire being into the venue and you feel that when you book an event with us. You become our family ~ we don’t just say that, we truly live by that.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
1. Rooted in Craftsmanship & Passion
Sam’s hands-on involvement with metalwork and finishing touches—and Heather’s hospitality-driven planning—reflect a venue built from love, sweat, and artistry.
2. A True Family Legacy
Our story began on a small Fort Collins farm, through hosting gatherings and events that inspired this dream. Opening this venue became a family-centric labor of love and community spirit.

What We Want You to Know:
1. Personalized Partnership
You’re not just renting a space—you’re partnering with passionate owners who care deeply about your event’s success.
2. We Will Elevate Your Vision
With flexible services and open-minded support (“the wilder the idea, the better!”), we’re here to make your event uniquely yours.
3. Every Event Strengthens Us
After overcoming renovation challenges, logistical puzzles, and business startup hurdles, we’ve grown resilient—and we bring that strength and resourcefulness to every event.

When you choose Venue at 319, you’re choosing more than a location—you’re choosing a crafted experience built on history, craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality lasting a lifetime.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
We are two person operation at this point. It is just us, Sam and Heather doing it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://venue319.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venueat319?igsh=MXd4eWZxaW1vanpvNg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AXzZpmdpB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Craig Vollmer Photography