People's Choice 2025 by alanwartesmedia

THE BEST Gunnison Gunnison

OF

(Photo by Bella Biondini)

ALAN WARTES MEDIA

Publisher: Alan Wartes

Editor: Alan Wartes

Production: Alan Wartes

Issa Forrest

Advertising: Bobbie Duft

Annie Mears

Editorial: Enid Holden

Josie Tuthill

Dave Pinkerton

Alan Wartes

About the cover:

(970) 641-1414

218 N WISCONSIN ST. GUNNISON, CO

EDITOR’S NOTE

Grateful for business

Alan Wartes Times Publisher

Let’s face it: Business is what we do. It’s where we spend most of our time. It’s where we invest most of our creativity. Entrepreneurs create economic opportunities for themselves out of raw grit — and lift the prospects of others in the community willing to sign on as partners or employees. More than that, local businesses grace our streets with light and color and provide the things we want and need — and a chance to visit with each other in the process.

This annual publication is when we all shout a collective “Thank you!” We

acknowledge those whom community members thought were deserving of extra praise — the best at what they do. This year we feature a handful of those winners, letting you get to know them a little better in their own words. But it’s also a chance to zoom out and offer some gratitude for the Gunnison business community as a whole. That’s when we’re likely to notice those people we depend upon for which there is no “Best” category: the people who collect the shopping carts out of the parking lot at the grocery stores; those who stand in the “dish pit” at local restaurants so we can enjoy a dinner out; the delivery drivers who haul what we need in all kinds of weather. Use your imagination to think of the dozens of other examples I don’t have the space to list. When we start noticing — everyone from the “Best” to those we are least likely to see — then gratitude is sure to follow. That by itself will make this a better place to live.

(Alan Wartes can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or publisher@gunnisontimes.com.)

Colt Maule and his wife Jessee in the newly-opened Terrible Mountain Gallery in Pitkin. (Photo by Bella Biondini)

A year in photos ...

BEST SERVER: NATHAN CATCHINGS, GARLIC

MIKE’S

BY ENID HOLDEN

For the second year in a row, Nathan Catchings of Garlic Mike’s Italian Cuisine has been voted by locals and visitors as the Gunnison People’s Choice Best Server. He is not only an award-winning lead server but is studying for his second level sommelier certification and pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Western Colorado University. His focus there is on aerospace technology and physics.

Catchings has been working at Garlic Mike’s for seven years. He is known to guests as a dedicated and attentive server who is personable and enthusiastic. He is also a sommelier who enjoys making the dining experience seamless and fun, with recommendations for great food and wines and attention to each person’s needs. He moved to the valley in 2018 from Northern Virginia. His goal is to make each customer have a wonderful experience while dining out.

What brought you to the area?

It was a shot in the dark, a dart on the map. My best friend told me about Western and, at the time, I was studying neuroscience. My friend was interested in the outdoor recreation program. We literally packed up and came here on a whim after checking the Western website for our potential majors. We had never been in this area before. We drove in, fell in love with the beautiful landscape, the people, the pace and the way of life. It’s where you want to be. My friend has graduated now, but he remained here. I changed my major to aerospace in 2020, right before the pandemic as a result of encouragement from an inspiring Western teacher.

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

I spent a lot of time in Alaska as a kid. The landscape here made me feel at home; it seemed familiar. I was struck by the beauty, the access to untouched lands and nature. The water, the trees, the mountains, the brush — all of it.

What keeps you happy at Garlic Mike’s?

Mainly three things: First, it’s what I do. Mike and Tracy have let me serve my way. I enjoy the fun, interactive expressive aspect. I get to help create a memorable experience for guests. There are not a lot of things that you can actually offer someone, but here we combine great food and great wine with a good experience, and it makes it all worth it. The long hours, fussy nights, can be tiring but knowing that you are imprinting a lasting impression on someone. That makes it rewarding.

Second, it’s all about the ripples. One small interaction or experience here at dinner can create a lasting memory for years to come. It’s a sliver of positivity in a seemingly negative world. Mike and Tracy make me feel like family with them and coworkers. We do the ups and the downs together. Third, the people of Gunnison and the regulars who are excited to see you and tell you about their day make for a happy workplace. That’s why we do it.

Tell me what some of the downs are in this industry?

The restaurant business is hard. Our goal is always to make people happy and, on occasion, that isn’t achievable. But we put in long hours and make every effort. Overcoming some normal challenges of the business, like delayed orders, food prep, staffing shortages, but ultimately the effort contributes to the rewarding side.

What are your plans for the future?

I should be graduating with a double major in the spring of 2027. Mechanical engineering and physics are my focus. Hopefully that will take me somewhere where I can work on nuclear propulsion technology and spacecraft. So, I don’t know where, but I’d like to work on building something for the future. Not a different planet, but maybe I can help lay the groundwork for that to be more of a possibility for future generations.

When will you complete your sommelier certification? And what are some of your favorite wines on the menu here?

I have to take a level two test, Court of Masters, in the next year and also complete in that time a WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) in-person test. That should be complete next year.

My favorite wines are big bold Italian reds, such as Brunello and Amarone. They are imported from Italy, and the staff here do the tastings together and work on the wine list.

How does food fit into Aerospace design?

Food and wine is my favorite hobby, I love to cook and have been working with Italian food for over a decade. It’s my work and my play. I haven’t been to Italy yet. I fear if I go I’m never coming back but it’s a plan. I love to travel with my girlfriend and expose myself to different cultures. Spice Isle off in the Caribbean was the last stop. Italy may well be the next one.

How will you perpetuate your passion for wine and food?

Even though I’ll be in the tech field, I’ll stay as involved with food and wine as I can. My goal is to eventually retire into wine, maybe acquire a vineyard, travel and experience the wines of the world and immerse myself in it.

(Enid Holden is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

(Photo by Enid Holden)

BEST MUSICIAN: EVELYN ROPER, OPAL MOON

BY JOSIE TUTHILL

Evelyn Roper has been in Gunnison for the past thirty years. From Benson, Arizona she says she went from “hot to cold” and loves her Colorado community. She has performed throughout the country as a solo artist and with her band Opal Moon. She is a songwriter, guitar player and ukulele player.

What got you into music?

I was always musical. I started taking guitar lessons at nine. My stepdad had the greatest record collection, everything from Jimi Hendrix to Johnny Cash. My dad was more into R&B and seventies/eighties rock and roll. We listened to all kinds of music. I was fortunate to grow up in a town with a lot of live music. There also was a commune in my neighborhood where I would hangout and play guitar. I didn’t know I would actually ever be doing it. It was always a secret dream.

How did you break into the Gunnison music scene?

I met Chico Dominguez while I was working at Gunnison Bank and Trust and he was playing their Oktoberfest. I was a teller and all of my colleagues were like, “You need to hear this guy!” I met him and played the Powderhorn community dance with him and it kinda went from there.

Who is your favorite artist right now?

I go into YouTube rabbit holes. So, it’s been rockabilly. I’m not a strict Rockabilly person. But I love it. So I’m going down old rockabilly surf rabbit holes.

You quoted Waylon Jennings saying “The reason for genre labels is so the people at Wal-Mart know where to put the CDs.” But do you have a genre?

I play country, rock, blues ,surf, honky-tonk, rockabilly, western, swing — but I’ll shorten it to “cowhulabilly blues.”

Is your family musical?

Our two sons play, Colton and Zach. I’m proud of both my kids, they’re amazing men. We jam together and write together. I’m very lucky.”

Your band is called Opal Moon — where did that come from?

Based on a song that I wrote. My contemporary cowboy love song about a rancher couple who have been married forever. The line in there is “cows don’t care what day it is,” so it’s their anniversary and he’s coming in late and thinks he’s in trouble. But she meets him at the door and takes him outside and turns the radio on and dances with him. And he’s like, “I’m sorry I can’t give you, you know, great things.” And she’s like, “There’s a jaded sagebrush and emerald hay fields and all these jewel tones” of their lives.

Who is in your band?

Johnny Kongo, a stand up bassist who winters in Vietnam. He grew up out Ohio Creek, all winter he’s

(Courtesy Evelyn Roper)

eating good food and doing rockabilly in Vietnam. He has own band too. Then there’s Sean Turner from Crested Butte. He’s a lead player too, lead guitar and lap steel. I call them my music brothers. I’m lucky to play with many other great people in the Valley, but those are my main guys. Whoever books the show gets to decide what the name is. If someone calls me, we might go Opal Moon, or we might go Kongo Evelyn Turner. Or Sean might come up with a name, or we might be the Johnny Kongo Trio. They’re incredible.

Seems like a great group, what do you love about playing with them?

It’s so much fun because we just know each other. We don’t do set lists. We throw out songs. There might be a song I haven’t thought of in years and I can throw it out on stage and they’ll play, and vice versa. They respect me as a musician and we’re really tight knit.

What are you most proud of with your music?

I give guitar lessons and ukulele lessons down at Dobrato Guitars in Gunnison. I’ve been doing that for about over fifteen years. I started at Castle Creek. It’s mostly little kids, which I love. I love it, love it, love it. I don’t just teach little kids, but I love it because it’s my way of giving back. I love playing music.

(Josie Tuthill is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

BEST HANDYMAN: GO TWO HANDYMEN, STEVE SHELAFO, TODD HOHLENKAMP

BY DAVE PINKERTON

You have a small house project that really needs to get done. Contractors are expensive and difficult to schedule. Besides, you don’t have time to watch seven Youtube videos, take five trips to ACE and burn up two weekends doing the job. Who do you call?

(Courtesy Go Two Handymen)

A handyman, right? But which one? Fortunately, Times readers have voted for this year’s best handymen — the guys who own Go Two Handymen, Steve Shelafo and Todd Hohlenkamp. So, what sets them apart?

Shelfalo described their business model, which emphasizes quality over quantity.

“We don’t just put a Band-Aid on the problem,” Steve said. “We leave it better than we found it.”

That business model includes a focus on efficiency and value. For example, on most jobs, both men are on site so that one can keep working while the other goes to ACE. Both agree that having two proven problem solvers saves time and money for clients in the long run. In addition, they do not mark up materials, which keeps costs low. They charge time and materials. That’s it.

Dan Lynch, a long-time second homeowner in the valley had Steve and Todd replace three toilets.

“We were very pleased with Go Two. They were on time, courteous and certainly reasonably priced. Although the planned work was more complex than anticipated, they adapted and completed the job in a very professional manner,” Lynch said.

Steve and Todd keep their business focused on what handymen tend to do, not what contractors do. Go Two doesn’t take on projects that require permits. That means they don’t pour and finish concrete, put up full-house framing, design and install electrical wiring, install boilers or do large-scale tile work and flooring.

But they love helping people with the pesky “little” jobs that include repairs, maintenance or fabrication of parts that are no longer available. In fact, Todd has the requisite skills and experience to operate 3D printing with plastic, wood or metal. That means they can restore one panel of an old chest of draws or fabricate an out-of-production window frame.

Steve and Todd agreed that they specialize in “punch lists” and “honey-dos.” The work they do could be anything from replacing a light bulb in a

vaulted ceiling to maintenance on your hot water heater to installing an entirely new front door along with the hardware. They can even design and build new stairs, small storage structures or loafing sheds.

Go Two Handymen have been helping local homeowners, businesses and government organizations for two years. They already have a loyal client list, but still enjoy taking on new projects and helping other neighbors in the valley get those “little jobs” done on time and at a good price. No doubt, that’s the easy-toexplain reason they were voted “best handymen” for 2025.

(Dave Pinkerton is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

BEST OPTOMETRIST: AMY SCHWARTZ, FAMILY VISION CENTER

BY JOSIE TUTHILL

Dr. Amy Schwartz, voted Gunnison People’s Choice Best Optometrist, is a fantastic example of thoughtful work and following your passion to create a community serving business in a small rural town. Her practice is the Family Vision Center on W. Tomichi Avenue. Driven by a strong education and a desire to improve eye health she treats patients as family and believes we live in such a beautiful place that we should see it.

(Courtesy Family Vision Center)

How did you end up in Gunnison?

I was working at a clinic in Cortez, Colorado after my residency on the Crownpoint Reservation, and Gunnison was always on my list. One day, I went to have coffee and a cinnamon roll with Dr. Kellan Davis at Cattlemen’s Days. We talked about me having my own practice and I was intrigued but super scared. It didn’t work out that year, but the next year after my husband Matt graduated, he said, “You know what? Let’s go to Gunnison, let’s go check out that practice.” That was in May 2001 and we made it happen. I look back and I’m just so thankful we ended up here and raised our girls here.

Tell me about working on the Navajo Reservation, what was that like?

It was such an amazing experience. I was right out of school and I did a one year rotation through the Indian Health Service. You don’t have to do a residency when you’re right out of school, but I wanted more patients before I was out in the world. I was really fortunate and was able to live in Crownpoint. The Navajo people are just a really amazing, gentle tribe. My staff doctor drove 70 miles every day to get to work and we had a teeny little optical area and maybe fifteen pairs of glasses. We had a man that helped translate for us if we needed but I learned some of the language. We actually did house visits when we had diabetic patients and didn’t hear from them and would go into some one room hogans with multiple generations living inside and it was really eye opening.

Your husband Matt sounds like a great support. What is his involvement in Family Vision?

That’s my man, he’s a jack of all trades. He and a friend actually remodeled this space. It was originally the old Gunnison creamery. He does the bookkeeping and behind the scenes stuff. He does woodworking, is a member of the Gunnison city council, used to coach hockey when our girls were younger, helped get the

indoor hockey rink, rec center and the financial initiative for the part of the trails. He does a lot.

What got you interested in optometry?

I always wanted to work in the medical field. When I was getting ready to enter my senior year of college, I was home for the summer and had an eye appointment with my former doctor and he had hired a new person. I saw her and kind of quizzed her, and she inspired me to consider optometry. So, I moved in that direction and have been practicing here since 2001.

What should we know about improving our eye health?

Nutrition is incredibly important. Living a healthy life. I think we are fortunate here in the valley. My patients often ask what they can do as far as their diet is concerned. I say, a heart-healthy diet is an eyehealthy diet. Inflammation is a big problem. A lot of people have inflammation. Blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol.

What is the most important vegetable for us to eat for our eyes?

Spinach and kale are the most important nutrients for our eyes. I grow good kale too! Kale, spinach and carrots all in my backyard — and green beans and beets. One day I’m going to become a master gardener.

When should someone schedule an exam?

Annual eye exams are essential. I cannot tell you how many patients that I see in their fifties that have never had an eye exam and I find stuff that is not good. It’s very important. When something goes wrong, sometimes it’s too late. You can’t go back in time; you can only go forward.

(Josie Tuthill is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

BEST RESTAURANT: THE PITKIN HOTEL

BY ENID HOLDEN

The Pitkin Hotel is the winner of the 2025 Gunnison People’s Choice Best Restaurant award. The Times contacted owner Pam Taylor to learn more about the establishment.

What attracted you to the area?

We were married in Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado and have always appreciated everything this beautiful state has to offer. In 2019 we made the decision to find our perfect mountain town and home. We both fell in love with Pitkin and purchased our properties in Quartz Creek Properties just outside of Pitkin.

(Courtesy The Pitkin Hotel)

What is the potential you saw in the historic building?

Having a love for the history of our beautiful valley we jumped at the opportunity of purchasing the Pitkin Hotel in the fall of 2022 with the intention of bringing it back to life. Originally built in 1904, the hotel has been a special gathering place for many, and we want the rich history to live on for many generations to come. We wanted to create an environment highlighting the original turn of the century charm, but with the addition of modern amenities. We wanted the property to blend with the local architecture and add quality amenities that would increase the marketability for the town of Pitkin.

How long did it take you to renovate and update the hotel and restaurant?

We immediately began the project in September 2022 and were able to complete the full restoration in just shy of two years. Our grand opening was Aug. 12, 2024.

What influences are reflected in your menu?

Southern cuisine with emphasis on quality seafood and steaks. All of our sauces and dressings are house made, we use all fresh vegetables, our steaks are hand cut, and nothing other than fries and onion rings are pre-breaded.

What are your most popular dishes?

Our New Zealand lamb lollipops, hand breaded country fried steak, homemade fresh pasta dishes and our hand cut steaks. We have wonderful side dishes including sweet potato creme brulee, house made scalloped potatoes and freshly cooked vegetables. Our home made blackberry cobbler and cinnamon roll bread pudding are house favorites.

What responses have you had from Gunnison Valley locals?

The overwhelming support we have received from Pitkin, Gunnison, Crested Butte, Ohio City, Parlin, and surrounding areas has been amazing! We have many regulars who dine with us and book hotel rooms for their special occasions. We often hear from our customers how happy they are that we are open every day of the year for breakfast, lunch and dinner and that we offer year round hotel accommodations. We couldn’t do it without the love and support of our surrounding communities and for that we are so grateful.

Do you have other plans for expansion or alterations?

This summer we expanded our footprint to include our outdoor venue which includes a full service bar and wood fired pizza concept along with a stage for live music and other activities. We are always evolving and have plans for more offerings next year.

How did you find the right servers and bartenders?

Several of our staff were brought in from our restaurant company, and others joined our team from all over Gunnison County. Our head chef and manager, Kyle Bryant, relocated in the spring of 2024 and has stepped up to provide our customers quality food and service. We have an incredible team that we consider family and we always look for folks with great personalities, strong work ethics, and those who are highly motivated.

(Enid Holden is a Gunnison-based freelance writer.)

Mario’s

THE BEST G unnison OF

Best Restaurant

Best Food Truck

Best Coffee Shop

Best Cocktails

Best Happy Hour

Best Breakfast

Best Pizza

Best Mexican Food

Best Burger

Best BBQ

Best Vegetarian/ Vegan Food

Best Steak

Best Wings

Best Dessert

Best Sandwich

Best Salad

Best Takeout/ Delivery

Best Chef

Best Bartender

Best Server

Best Barista

Best Restaurant Service

Best Outdoor Dining

Best Family Dining

Best Place to Watch Sports

Best Clothing Store

Best Home Furnishing Decor

Best Retail Store

Best Retail Sales Person

Best Salon

Best Barber

Best Hardware Store

Best Bank

Best Bike Shop

Best Outdoor Retailer

Best Art Gallery

Best Gift Shop

Best Liquor Store

Best Dispensary

Best Automotive Repair Shop

Best Automotive Mechanic

Best Dentist

Best Doctor

Best Optometrist

Best Orthopedic Clinic

Best Non-Traditional Medicine Practitioner

Best Massage Therapist

Best Yoga Instructor

Best Veterinary Clinic

Best Church

Best Realtor

Best Lawyer

Best Outfitter

Best Fishing Guide

Best Hotel/ Lodging

Best Cleaning Service

Best Handyman Service

Best Builder/ Contractor

Best Insurance Agency

Best Financial Advisor

Bets Accountant

Best Graphic Design/Marketing

Best Pet Boarding

Best Local Photographer

Best Artist

Best Locally Made Product

Best Local Band/ Musician

Best Local Event

Best Teacher

Best Childcare Provider

Best Non-Profit

The Pitkin Hotel

CC’s Burgers

Mocha’s

1880 Tapas & Spirits

The Dive

W Café

Mario’s Pizza and Pasta

Anejo’s Bistro and Bar

CC’s Burgers

5 B’s

Vegan AF

Ol’ Miner

Powerstop

Cake Me Away

Vegan AF

Mario’s Pizza and Pasta

Danny Lefebvre

Olivia Guerrieri - The Dive

Nathan Catchings - Garlic Mike’s

Jesse Patrick - Double Shot

The Pitkin Hotel

Garlic Mike’s

Ol’ Miner

The Dive

Treads n’ Threads

Six Points

Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods

Stephanie Dawes

Tric Salon

Eddie’s Barber Shop

Fullmer’s Ace Hardware

Gunnison Bank & Trust

Double Shot Cyclery

Gene Taylor’s Sporting Good

Terrible Mountain Gallery

Sugar B’s

Wet Grocer

Rocky Mountain Cannabis

Gunnison Auto & Performance

Juan Garcia - JC Services

Josh Osborne

Kenneth Anderson

Amy Schwartz

Gunnison Valley Orthopedics

Roanne Houck

Ingrid Butts

Ashley Jackson

Mountain Legacy Veterinary Center

Bethany Church

Kelsey Loftis

Tom Riser

GSO

Andy Cochran - GSO

The Pitkin Hotel

Quick Draw Cleaning

Go Two Handyman

Pike Builders

Shondeck Financial Services and Insurance

Lacy Henry

Nikki Hewitt

RoShamBo

Critter Sitters

Colt Maule

Gunnison Jerky Co.

Evelyn Roper

Cattlemen’s Days

Tracy Archuleta

Tenderfoot Child and Development Center

Six Points

BEST NON-TRAD MEDICINE:

ROANNE ROUSE HOUCK,

MAIN STREET CLINIC

BY ALAN WARTES

Dr. Roanne Rouse Houck practices naturopathic medicine, though she stresses her passion for “integrative medicine” — working closely with the Western, allopathic medical community to help make mainstream treatments “work better.” In addition, she holds degrees in biology, environmental studies and urban planning. She owns the Main Street Clinic in Gunnison, which is home to nearly a dozen other providers of non-traditional health and wellness therapies.she is the winner of the 2025 Gunnison People’s Choice Best non-traditional medicine practitioner award.

Do you have roots in the Gunnison Valley?

My dad went to Western and I was born at Gunnison hospital. I spent my childhood in Crested Butte. My dad had the Crested Butte airport and operated the Crested Butte air service. And my parents did a lot of things — daycare, a backhoe service, a taxi service, the airport, the airline, Then the recession hit when I was in middle school and we needed to move. But then I came back for my senior year and actually went to Western for my senior year and lived with a friend in Crested Butte. It was awesome. After graduating from what was then called the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, I returned to Colorado and did a one-year residency in Grand Junction. When that was complete I moved back to the valley and started working with Jan Carroll and Jay Wolkov. That’s when my practice really began, working in integrative medicine, being a liaison between medical providers and what we might call complimentary providers — acupuncture, massage therapy and others.

What first attracted you to a career in medicine?

I think I just really liked interacting with people and being helpful. I didn't really know in my 20s, after college, what I wanted to do. I planned on taking four years off or so to kind of figure out what if any grad school I'd want to do. Then I worked for a year as a ski patrol in Steamboat Springs and I got my EMT certification. That’s when I discovered that I really loved medicine. From there I spent a summer at family property near Gothic and took a few classes at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory while I studied to take medical exams, thinking I’d go to traditional medical school. But I met a woman there who saw how much I loved plant ecology. When she heard my goals, she’s the one who suggested that I look into naturopathic medicine.

What’s your favorite thing about being a naturopathic doctor?

A lot of the medicine I do is teaching. Teaching people how to have a healthy sleep routine, how to have a healthy diet, how to overcome addictions or change bad habits or how to navigate into their health goals, or their goals for their family. One of the unforeseen joys of my job is that it has become multi-generational. Now I see my teachers as patients from when I was a kid in Crested Butte. I have had my students as patients, and now I have their kids as patients. I'm also one of the few naturopathic doctors that is incredibly allied with people's primary care providers. That is a huge goal of mine. Whatever we do, I always ask, “May I tell your medical provider, or will you?” A lot of people say, “I didn't know we could all work together.” We prefer to all work together! I think patients actually sort of sigh in relief when they find out we can all be on the same page. It's not like they're going behind the back of their primary provider to do some naturopathic medicine.

Alternative medicine is becoming more and more accepted. In your opinion, what accounts for that?

I think the internet has a huge amount to do with it, and then just consumer demand. People are realizing with 15 minute medical visits that they have to take a lot more charge of their health. And there's so many more websites where you can just tap right into the Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson. A lot of my patients come in very educated. Twenty years ago, when I was speaking to legislators at the Capitol on behalf of naturopathic medicine, I would say 90-100% of the representatives had never even heard of a naturopathic doctor. I would say now 90% of them have been to a naturopathic doctor, or someone in their family has been to a naturopathic doctor, or they have a relative in naturopathic school! That is a really big shift in two decades.

(Alan Wartes is publisher of the Gunnison Country Times.)

(Photo by Alan Wartes)