Meet Douglas McAvity | Owner/Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Douglas McAvity and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Douglas, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Sunrise has been our community here in Minturn. The locals who we serve everyday, that feel like family after four years, are our bread and butter. In a Valley where seasonal tourism is a real factor for business it is important to be able to rely on our year round residents for support. We are very greatful for the support we get from our community and could not have been as successful without it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have worked in the restaurant industry my entire professional life. I moved to The Vail Valley in early 2006 and quickly fell in love. I worked my way up the kitchen hierarchy eventually becoming the Executive chef at Up the Creek in the heart of Vail village. One lesson i have learned is that sometimes other people know best and it is ok to not have all the answers. That you can learn lesson from anyone, anywhere at anytime. To be open to change and be willing and able to adapt.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Minturn is one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado. Located two miles south of I-70 towards historic Leadville, Minturn has a rich history and an incredible community. It would depend on the season of the visit but it would surely include skiing/hiking/biking, a visit or two to the historic Minturn Saloon, a night at the Minturn Country Club eating steak and enjoying a little table side magic from T.J. Just a short driver south takes you to the abandoned mining town of Gilman followed by the Historic training barracks of the 1oth mnt division at Camp Hale. The list goes on, but to sum up they may need to spend more than two weeks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family is at the top of the list. Their support has always helped me take risks in life and for that I am very greatful. The community of Minturn, because without it we are not who we are. Our regular customers have had a significant influence over changes that we have made at Sunrise over the past four years. Watching Sunrise grow and evolve in ways that I had not envisioned has been one of the most exciting aspects of owning a restaurant.

Website: sunriseminturn.com

Instagram: @sunriseminturn