The Gafner Hospitality Group, which runs The Roost, Jefes Tacos and Tequila, Swaylo’s Tiki and 99 Bar Saloon in Longmont, is set to open a new restaurant, Ember, in Estes Park on May 25.
The new restaurant is located within the Estes Park Resort, 1700 Colorado Peaks Dr. in Estes Park. It will serve modern American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. In addition to a more upscale dining experience, said Sean Gafner, owner and certified executive chef, the new restaurant will include catering and an event venue for weddings and corporate events.
"Our vision for Ember extends beyond being just a restaurant," Gafner said. "We aim to cultivate a welcoming space where guests can commemorate life's milestones and our dedicated team members can flourish and feel appreciated for their exceptional work.”
Gafner was approached a year ago by the Estes Park Resort group to open a new restaurant as part of the resort's $5 million renovation project.
“After careful consideration of various hospitality groups, we chose Gafner Hospitality Group due to their exceptional skill set, experience, and shared values,” shares Patrick Sullivan of Estes Park Resort. “We are thrilled to collaborate with them. Their meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, Executive Chef Sean Gafner's skill and creativity, and dedication to ensuring every guest enjoys an exceptional experience make them an ideal partner. We believe Ember will be a fantastic addition to our resort and the Estes Park community."
The opportunity felt like a chance to diversify business ventures, Gafner said. The restaurant business is one of the first hit when the economy is unstable. People tend to cut back on eating out which makes running a restaurant more difficult, he said. However, people still get married and throw parties, which was an opportunity the Gafners were ready to explore.
The new restaurant also means a promotion for staff who work in one of the Gafners’ restaurants. According to Gafner, the group has never hired a manager for one of their restaurants. Each position has been filled by promotion from within the company. Ember makes way for four team members to advance in their careers, he said.
“We love the way we have been able to grow and every time we open something new, it just allows more opportunity for growth for more people,” Gafner said.
