Chef, Owner Ian Scott & Cocktail Fairy, Owner Ayla Scott, Queen Penny dog who liked to frequent the patio, She crossed over the rainbow bridge in Fall 2022. She was so loved and cookie-fed. They have recently added two little Frenchies to their family, Jerry & Miss Pearl! If you’re lucky, you might get to catch them later in the evening with mom or dad.
Miss Pearl “Lil’Bit” Scott
Mr. Jerry “Turtle” Scott
Just how did we get here?
Ian and Ayla Scott (yep! They’re married and continue to love one another) are proud to a part of your new, old, regular or sporadic, just stumbled upon or you are there every Thursday (yay!) Slogar memories. Ian and Ayla acquired this historical restaurant in 2018. They have both lived in Crested Butte for decades. Ian, owner and head chef, brings The Slogar his rich experience as a classically trained French Chef from the New England Culinary Institute - in the glory days. He has fulfilled the position of Sous Chef at both The Sunflower and Soupcon. Recently, Ian was able to experience working in the kitchen of Luke in New Orleans.
Ayla, owner and cocktail fairy…mixologist if you must; brings cocktail expertise from years as a bartendress and bar manager across West Virginia, Vermont, Oregon, and Colorado. Ayla’s true love for the cocktail shake was stirred up with her time spent at the Dogwood in Crested Butte as well as Bend, Oregon. She is experienced in the world of wine, as both an admire-er and consumer. Who doesn’t love a nice red wine lip stain! She, also recently, has enjoyed the opportunity to work at Arnaud’s in New Orleans. Ayla spent many moons as a wedding planner assistant, day of coordinator, and all around event planner. She still hasn’t seen it all.
These two renegades met right here in Crested Butte as young ski bums! A few years after meeting, they moved away (most of us do at least once!) and after 2 years returned (alot of us do this too…), they started a catering company - Grease & Glitter, yes we still offer this catering! - and after countless fun filled adventures, were finally able to own their very own restaurant. Since then, menu items are made from scratch - except the cottage cheese! - more options have been added to the menu, as well as a brunch service. For visitors and locals (especially!) alike, they also implemented a Parlour (bar) menu. The wine list has been expanded to include Old World and New World wines and, of course, a great selection of bubbles. Ayla has developed one of the most unique cocktail programs in the Valley. All the while, they have been able to keep the “feel” and nostalgia of The Slogar in tact.
Be sure to say “Hi” when you see them bustling through the restaurant!
summertime at The Slogar
If only these walls could talk: The Slogar
The Slogar building was built in 1882 by Thomas W. Lipcomb. The Slogar building is the second oldest building still in operation in Crested Butte! Kochevar’s wins. The building started as a home. When entering The Slogar, you are standing within the original structure. To the left continues to be the home to the Slogar family. The family slowly built and added on rooms for a more comfortable home for their family. Many Eastern European - along with many other European people - miners were migrating and settling into “Crested Butte” for work. At this time, the Slogar family opened their home as a boarding house for such miners and immigrants. After the Kochevar family opened the bar that now sits on what is known as Elk Ave; the Slogar family caught on quick! As Whiterock Avenue was the only way to walk down from the mines, the Slogar’s knew there was an opportunity. The bar was frequented by miners on their way home from a day’s work at the Big Mine on the Bench. Saloon girls would ply miners with libations after long hours in the coal mine. The Slogar claims a spot on the “Haunted Tour” of Crested Butte as these same saloon girls can be seen sweeping through the building in their large hoop skirts. Yes, there are still “ghost” happenings and stories to this day. The owners and staff like to think the spirits really like them, though…only small pranks, nothing “scary”! In 1976, after a long vacancy, The Slogar building was restored and converted into a restaurant.
The Slogar has been offering family style, skillet-fried chicken dinners in Crested Butte since its inception in 1983. This historical restaurant is now on its third owners : Ian and Ayla Scott. Here is to hoping The Slogar tradition lives on for another 40 years.