Business Spotlight: Award-winning service starts with the staff at Pitkin Hotel

At the heart of the historic Pitkin Hotel and Bon-Ton Bistro is a team whose dedication and hospitality have helped transform the business into a destination for visitors and locals alike.

Owner Pam Taylor said the staff’s hard work and passion are the driving force behind the hotel and restaurant’s success. In its first year open, the business earned several community honors from Gunnison County voters, including Best Hotel, Best Restaurant and Best Restaurant Service.

“Our hotel and restaurant wouldn’t be what it is without our incredibly talented team,” Taylor said. “Their dedication, hard work and passion show in everything they do.”

Leading the operation is head chef and manager Kyle Bryant, who oversees day-to-day operations. Bryant brought decades of restaurant experience with him when he relocated to Pitkin after spending more than 13 years with the company’s restaurant group in the Southeast.

Sous chef Zach Holloway, who joined last spring, and Billy Johann, involved since the 2022 restoration, serve as Bryant’s primary kitchen leads and are vital to the culinary team.

They are joined by Ian Busby, the hotel’s youngest year-round staffer, who is preparing for an expanded role this summer after extensive training.

In the front of the house, staff members including Josh Stover, Kyle Partin, Jonathan “Jelly” Kelly and Dustin Cordova help create a welcoming atmosphere for guests dining at Bon-Ton Bistro and Venue 1904, the hotel’s outdoor restaurant and bar.

Mackenzie “Kenzie” Reigel recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and returned to Pitkin full time to continue working with the hotel, while Jacqueline Sibley oversees housekeeping and hosting with a focus on making every guest feel at home.

Together, Taylor said the staff has helped preserve the spirit and history of Pitkin while creating memorable experiences for visitors year-round.

Pitkin Hotel is part of the Gunnison Country Times sponsored content program called Spotlight.