As Post Independent | Citizen Telegram reported, Aspen Skiing Company is scheduled to take over operations at Bonnie's following the conclusion of the 2026-27 ski season. The upcoming transition marks a major turning point for the location, coming as current owner Brigitte Birrfelder prepares for her retirement after six decades of independent operation at the landmark establishment.
Detailing the timeline of the upcoming leadership change, Aspen Skiing Company shared insights regarding the retirement plans of the long-time owner. As Aspen Skiing Company told Post Independent | Citizen Telegram, "Earlier this year, Brigitte Birrfelder, owner and operator of Bonnie’s, shared with us that she would retire at the end of the 2026/27 winter season."
The history of the restaurant spans multiple generations and prior operators who helped shape its long-standing local tradition. The establishment was originally founded in the year 1966 by Gretl Uhl and Sepp Uhl. Following the foundational era established by Gretl Uhl and Sepp Uhl, management of the restaurant shifted to new hands when Bonnie Rayburn took over daily operations. Records show that Bonnie Rayburn ran the restaurant for nearly twenty years starting in 1980.
Following the extensive tenure managed by Bonnie Rayburn, ownership transitioned again before the turn of the century. Brigitte Birrfelder has owned the restaurant since 1998, steering its independent operations through the decades that followed up to the present day. Discussing the extensive evaluation behind the upcoming operational shift and the departure of Brigitte Birrfelder, Aspen Skiing Company explained the discussions that took place prior to reaching the final agreement. As Aspen Skiing Company told Post Independent | Citizen Telegram, "We worked with her to see whether Bridgette’s family or friends wanted to carry the tradition forward and ultimately decided that Aspen Skiing Company would take over operations at the end of the season."
Despite the impending corporate transition from independent ownership under Brigitte Birrfelder to direct management by Aspen Skiing Company, regular patrons and visitors can anticipate a high degree of continuity in the daily experience. Addressing questions about the future identity of the establishment, Aspen Skiing Company announced that they currently have no plans to significantly change the menu, the established concept, or the historic name of the restaurant.