Historic Minturn Saloon Stays Local With New Owners
Husband and wife culinary duo and longtime Eagle County locals, Anthony and Connie Mazza, are the new primary owners of the Minturn Saloon. They acquired the restaurant in December of 2021 with a small group of investors from New York and Denver that have close and longstanding ties to the area and the Saloon. This group of investors bought the real estate with the intention of preserving the iconic restaurant and letting Connie and Anthony operate the day-to-day at the restaurant.
The Mazzas started Village Bagel in 2016 out of their home and grew it into the busy bagel bakery it is today in Edwards.
“Like so many locals and visitors, our group can’t imagine this community without the Saloon,” shares Connie Mazza. “It’s such a nostalgic place for so many people, and when given the opportunity to keep it running, it struck an emotional chord. We love restaurants that celebrate the way things used to be and that aren’t afraid to remain old fashioned in a world that’s always changing.”
The building was built in 1901 and has been owned by only four different families in the last 120 years. The new group is committed to keeping the Saloon rooted in tradition and the spirit of the Eagle County community.
Photo by Townsend Bessent.
“We have the best memories at the Saloon sitting around the wood-burning fire with friends and family members, some who are no longer with us,” Mazza shares. “And let’s not forget all the knee-deep powder turns that took us right to a pitcher of Saloon margaritas after the Minturn Mile. Inside the walls of the Saloon lives a history book of happy memories, funny moments and questionable activities.”
As 35-year-owners Andy Kaufman and Steve Campbell said when they bought the place from Bob Cherry in 1986, the new owners will “not only preserve it but make it better.”
“That’s the whole purpose,” shares Kaufman on the Minturn Saloon’s ownership transition. “It’s time to pass the baton to someone with the energy it takes to keep things vital and fresh.”
The Mazzas have been operating the Minturn Saloon “as is” through the winter, and then closing for a while once the ski season ends for enhancements to the kitchen, bar and bathrooms.
“There are so many elements to the restaurant that are iconic and steeped in craftsmanship, so it will be a delicate balance refurbishing the historic bar and restaurant while making it durable so it continues to thrive,” says Mazza.
The new owners want to celebrate the history of the Saloon, but get creative with food and drinks inspired by western saloon fare when they reopen after improvements. Chef Anthony’s preliminary menu ideas are ever-changing at the moment, but he’s committed to quality ingredients and deliciousness in every bite.
Originally published in the Spring 2022 of Spoke+Blossom.