Meet Maryanne & Harley Sefton | Proprietors, PARC Aspen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maryanne & Harley Sefton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maryanne & Harley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Aspen has always held a unique charm, a special something that sets it apart from every other ski town. But over the years, we’ve watched that essence begin to fade as larger, out-of-state hospitality groups flooded the scene, focusing on creating the ‘hottest’ spots rather than nurturing the local spirit.

The turning point for us came in 2021 when three of Aspen’s longtime favorite local haunts closed their doors. It was heartbreaking, and it felt like a crucial piece of our community was being lost. We saw this not as a setback, but as an opportunity, a call to action. We knew we had to step in. That’s when we decided to secure the perfect location, the former L’Hostaria, a space with over 38 years of history as a locally owned and operated restaurant. We felt it was our duty to preserve that legacy.

Having owned a home in Aspen for over 25 years and becoming full-time residents in 2018, we felt deeply connected to this town. We knew we could bring a fresh perspective while honoring the traditions that made Aspen so special. Our mission became clear: ‘Bringing Local Back to Aspen, One Curated Dish at a Time.’

The name PARC Aspen is a nod to our initial restaurant concept, which was to be located right off Wagner Park. Even though that location didn’t pan out, the name resonated with us, especially for a farm-to-table inspired restaurant. It felt right.

We envision PARC Aspen as more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination, an experience. We set out to create a space that draws visitors from around the world and inspires them to become locals, to truly embrace the Aspen way of life. We crafted distinctly different dining experiences: our bar area dedicated to the local community with an approachably priced bar menu and our fine dining room, a space for Chef Mark to really explore his culinary genius with ingredients from Colorado and the surrounding areas.

This restaurant, PARC Aspen, is truly a labor of love for us, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of both our dedicated team and the wonderful Aspen community in making it a reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My path, from CPA to entrepreneur and community advocate, has been fueled by a desire for independence and a deep-seated passion for contribution. I transitioned from a fulfilling accounting career to the nonprofit sector, and ultimately, to co-founding PARC Aspen—a venture rooted in the vision of revitalizing our local dining scene. As dedicated entrepreneurs, Harley and I have built our careers on resilience, consistently transforming challenges into triumphs. We embrace both our failures and successes, recognizing that each step, no matter how difficult, has shaped our journey and made our achievements all the more rewarding. Our family and friends have been the pillars on which we keep going, providing unwavering support.

My internal drive stems from a personal commitment to exceeding my own expectations, coupled with the invaluable lessons instilled by my father: that anything is possible with determination. Mental health is paramount, requiring moments of solitude and connection with nature, alongside the joy of family. I’ve learned to never settle, to surround myself with inspiring mentors, and to view hardships as opportunities for growth.

We’ve also learned the invaluable lessons of humility and patience; recognizing that we don’t always have all the answers and that success rarely follows a rigid timeline. Above all, we understand that true achievement is a collective effort, a testament to the incredible team that brings great ideas to life. My advice to my younger self would be to embrace risks, learn from mistakes, and practice patience. Ultimately, I believe in empowering others and recognizing that true strength lies in continuous growth and collaboration.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Get ready for an unforgettable Aspen adventure! Our perfect weekend kicks off with a scenic gondola ride up Aspen Mountain. As the doors glide open, we’re greeted by breathtaking 11,200-foot elevation views. With summer in full swing, we’ll settle into the Sundeck, sip on refreshing cocktails, and soak in the panoramic beauty. After descending, it’s time for lunch at Element 47 inside The Little Nell, where their legendary Little Nell Cobb Salad awaits. A leisurely stroll through town is the perfect way to burn off those calories, culminating in a sweet treat from Paradise Bakery. Then, it’s back home to prepare for an evening at our very own PARC Aspen! We’ll start the weekend strong, savoring the patio dining experience and catching up with cherished friends.

Day two begins with a burst of energy, grabbing a quick smoothie or a savory breakfast quesadilla from JUS. Fueled and ready, we’ll conquer the Smuggler Trail, taking in the stunning vistas of downtown Aspen and immersing ourselves in the rich history of the mining community. A delightful picnic lunch at Wagner Park, featuring delicious wraps from The Big Wrap, is next on the agenda. We’ll keep the momentum going by renting e-bikes for a scenic ride along the Rio Grande Trail. As the sun begins to set, we’ll choose between the exquisite Italian flavors of Duemani or the contemporary chic of Betula, opting for outdoor seating to fully embrace the crisp 7,908-foot altitude air. A nightcap at Hooch or Bad Harriets will perfectly round off the evening.

Our final day in Aspen is dedicated to indulgence and unique experiences. Brunch at French Alpine Bistro sets the stage for a truly memorable afternoon: crafting a custom hat at Kemo Sabe. A quick stop at the Crepe Shack “on the mall” for a sweet treat is a must! For our farewell dinner, we’ll choose between the exotic Indonesian flavors of Wayan or the innovative cuisine of Bosq, ensuring an out-of-this-world dining experience to conclude our perfect Aspen weekend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’re overwhelmed with gratitude as we reflect on the journey to bring PARC Aspen to life. This endeavor wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication and exceptional talent of our incredible team. Each member poured their heart and soul into this project, transforming our vision into a tangible, vibrant reality.

We want to extend a special acknowledgment to Jessica Lischka and Jimmy Yeager. Their expertise and guidance were truly invaluable, providing us with the wisdom and direction needed to navigate the complexities of launching a new restaurant. Jessica’s strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in shaping our operational foundation, while Jimmy’s deep understanding of the Aspen culinary landscape and his unwavering commitment to excellence helped us refine our menu and elevate our dining experience. Their mentorship has been a cornerstone of our success.

To the entire Aspen community, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind PARC Aspen. We especially want to express our appreciation to those who participated in our ‘Test Kitchens’ during the development phase. Your honest feedback and enthusiastic participation were crucial in shaping our menu and ensuring that PARC Aspen truly reflects the tastes and preferences of our community. Your willingness to join us on this culinary exploration helped us fine-tune every aspect of our offerings, ensuring that we deliver an exceptional dining experience. We are so proud to be a part of this community and look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Website: https://www.parcaspen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parcaspen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PARCaspen/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/parc-aspen-aspen

Image Credits
Dale Mitchell, Summit Photo and Film