Founder Don Monette’s lifelong passion for food started at a young age. Don was a cook for the Army and discovered his love for Colorado when he was stationed there during the 1950’s. Upon returning home and marrying his high school sweetheart, Carole, they deemed it necessary to move to the Rocky Mountains and start a family.

In 1963 Don and Carole moved to Boulder and never looked back. Don got his start as manager of the Village Inn Pancake House, then later founded the Viking Restaurant and Golden Buff Coffee Shop. Once the Flagstaff House became available for purchase in 1971 Don envisioned transforming it into a one-of-a-kind fine dining establishment, and thus began his long history on Flagstaff Mountain. A truly self-made man, Don taught himself everything he needed to know and never received any financial assistance.

He and Carole completely remodeled the Flagstaff House over the years and expanded it greatly. Don feels that he has never worked a day while owning the Flagstaff House as it has been his true passion. Their five children and 13 grandchildren have all worked various positions at the restaurant, making it a true family-run establishment. To this day Don has many family members that manage and work in his establishment. Without his vision, we would not be who we are today.