Since 1971, Flagstaff House has evolved throughout three generations of Monette family ownership and embraced a tight-knit culture rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. We welcome you to learn more about our unique history, culture, and dedication to excellence over the last 54 years.
First Generation: Don Monette
While working at one of his three restaurants in downtown Boulder, Colorado, in 1971, the former Flagstaff House owners spoke to Don Monette about wanting to sell the property. The ambitious restaurateur had a vision for the summer cabin, originally built in 1929, and sold his three restaurants to purchase the Flagstaff House and surrounding five acres in pursuit of owning a truly fine dining establishment.
The Monette family expanded the building with several outdoor terraces, and weatherized the structure to provide guests with year-round experiences. Don, his wife Carole, and their five children and 13 grandchildren, built the foundation for what would become a globally renowned establishment.
“I grew up within these walls. My siblings grew up within these walls. My cousins, even my father, grew up within these walls,” explained Don’s grandson and current Flagstaff House Co-Owner and General Manager Adam Monette. “There was a point in time where there were 16 Monettes working throughout the restaurant, from valet, host, bartender, server, dishwasher, line cook, you name it.”
As the founder of Flagstaff House, Don Monette’s legacy remains immortalized through the countless memories created and lives touched within the restaurant’s walls.
“I remember my first day when I transitioned from being a dishwasher into a busboy, and he took me upstairs and showed me how to tie a tie for the first time,” Adam reminisced about working alongside his grandfather. “We took photos together, and he just told me about how proud he was.”
In honor of his grandfather’s legacy, Adam often sports one of Don’s ties, ensuring that a part of him remains present at Flagstaff House.
Second Generation: Mark and Scott Monette
Following in the visionary footsteps of their father, brothers Mark and Scott Monette continued to evolve Flagstaff House as a next-level dining experience through culinary excellence and personalized hospitality.
In 1985, Mark Monette took over as Executive Chef, implementing his years of knowledge, travel, and experience working in several high-tier restaurants around the world.
“Working with Mark was the first time I had that kind of mentorship,” recounted Executive Chef and Co-Owner Chris Royster about Mark, his cherished mentor and trusted friend. “He is the type of person that will take his time to teach you something if you are willing to take the time to learn it.”
Following his brother’s return, Scott Monette became General Manager and partner of Flagstaff House in 1993, bringing his sharp eye for detail, high level of professionalism, and innate ability to make every guest feel special.
A natural mentor and manager, Scott ensured Flagstaff House would have a long and successful future by investing in his nephew, Adam Monette, and Executive Chef Chris Royster, before retiring from the restaurant in 2022.
“He really took me under his wing and showed me everything he could about the Flagstaff House and what it takes to keep this restaurant moving full steam ahead and growing and improving,” reflected Adam about his uncle’s influential support and council.
The Monette brothers provided the perfect complement of culinary expertise and fine dining hospitality, further elevating the restaurant’s reputation as a globally renowned establishment before passing the torch onto the next generation of Flagstaff House’s legacy.
Third Generation: Adam Monette and Chris Royster
Throughout Flagstaff House’s three generations of family ownership, the restaurant’s expansive wine cellar, personalized service, and seasonal cuisine have remained at the forefront of all advancements, along with a commitment to building strong bonds between staff, guests, and the Boulder, Colorado community.
In 2022, Adam Monette purchased the restaurant alongside Executive Chef Chris Royster. Co-owning the property, the pair work together to continue the legacy laid out before them.
“He and I, together, have formed the best friendship and a partnership here at Flagstaff House,” spoke Adam about his relationship with his partner and confidant after working in tandem for nearly 15 years.
“The Monette family has driven this family aspect for everybody that works here,” reflected Chef Royster on the kindred culture created at Flagstaff House and how family expands beyond bloodlines. “Being invited into the family like that felt like a huge achievement.”
Though the history of the Monettes runs deep, this family transcends typical succession, including the restaurant staff and their families, local partners, purveyors, and guests all welcomed into their “home”.
Multiple employees with decades of experience at Flagstaff House serve as proof of the supportive team environment, mentorship, and priority to lean into the strengths and passions of team members to provide abundant opportunities for growth.
“Elena got hired the year that Adam and I were born,” reflected Chef Royster on their seasoned team of restaurant veterans. “She is an amazing person to have in the kitchen. Just a rock of reliability. And then Alexa came maybe ten years after that. She has been here forever, too.”
The culture at Flagstaff House remains close-knit and caring. Adam and Chef Royster’s love for the restaurant and its history is inevitably infectious for those who venture the 6,000 feet up Flagstaff Mountain for an unforgettable dining experience.
“I just want the guest leaving with a little bit of’ ‘wow’,’’ exclaimed Chef Royster. “I want them to have a memory to share.”
“We want to continue to evolve,” explained Adam. “And every single day find a different way forward to improve and be better than we were the day before.”
