Gretl circa 1970
In 1966, Bavarian ski racer and Aspen instructor Gretl Uhl transformed a simple warming hut on Aspen Mountain into one of the most iconic mountain restaurants, serving comforting homemade dishes like cabbage rolls, beef roulade, and her famous apple strudel—so popular she once went through 200 cases of apples in a season. Gretl’s quickly became a hub for locals and celebrities alike, from ski bums to Jack Nicholson, with her two-days-on, two-days-off schedule fostering a tight-knit crew of skiers and free spirits. Through her hands-on leadership and love for food, Gretl created more than a restaurant—she built a community that continues to embody the spirit of the mountain today.
Bonnie Rayburn circa 1985
In 1980, Bonnie Rayburn took over Gretl’s and made it her own, renaming it the now beloved Bonnie’s. Bonnie was a home cook with a deep love for the mountains, Bonnie poured that passion into every dish she served. She carried on Gretl’s tradition of freshly baked apple strudel while also introducing her own signature dish that is still on the menu today: the famous white bean chili.
Everything was made from scratch and served with heart. Over time, Bonnie’s became more than just a place to eat. It became a place to warm up, slow down, and share a table with friends old and new
Brigitte Birrfelder circa 2019
In 1998, Aspen native Brigitte Birrfelder took over Bonnie’s, carrying on a legacy she grew up with on Aspen Mountain, where her father ran the Sundeck and she skied to school with her mom. After studying business in California and training at a top New York culinary school, she returned home to add breakfast favorites—bacon, omelets, oatmeal pancakes, and coffee—while preserving the restaurant’s spirit with her own warmth and creativity.
From 10,410ft to your kitchen
Our pancake mix is made in Bonnie’s kitchen in small batches of about 50. In winter, ingredients are skied or snowcatted up the mountain; in summer, they’re driven. Find the mix online, at Bonnie’s all winter, or at The Big Wrap (520 E Durant Ave #101, Aspen, CO).
Annika Nichols circa 2025
Now, a new chapter begins as Brigitte’s daughter, Annika Nichols, brings Bonnie’s beyond Aspen Mountain with her pancake mix. A CU Boulder Leeds School of Business graduate in Marketing and Management, Annika has been working to package Bonnie’s legendary pancakes so they can be enjoyed anywhere. While the restaurant remains a beloved mid-mountain spot, she’s ensuring its most iconic flavors live on beyond the slopes.