Wherever Misty Swenson goes, she wants to bring joy, and it’s that philosophy she strives to have on display as the new manager of the Elkhorn Bistro, which she simply calls the Elkhorn.
Swenson started at the Elkhorn on Sept. 9, shortly after previous manager Jennifer Chapman left the area. By Sept. 21, owner Rusty Giulio promoted Swenson to manager, a role she’s grateful for and excited to embrace. She believes in the Elkhorn, she said, and believes in her ideas, which have included repainting, deep cleaning and sprucing the place up with art.
“Betty Charlton brought some quilts for us to hang up, and Geno Pasini brought in some elk prints, as well as some other wildlife prints,” Swenson said. “The art has received a good response from the community, especially the wildlife art. It’s called the Elkhorn for a reason, and, with that being the case, I want there to be more of a focus on elk.”
Pasini’s art really accomplishes this goal, as he has several sketches of elk that Swenson said really enhances the Elkhorn’s ambiance.
“The first time I saw one of his sketches I knew we needed them,” she said. “That kind of partnership is what I’m all about. If there are more artists or artisans who have art-related pieces they’d like to contribute, I’m happy to place them in the restaurant on consignment.”
Born and raised on a ranch on the Hi-Line, Swenson worked as a manager at a variety of cafes, a role that came naturally to her as her late father, Jerry, managed restaurants. Working side by side with her father on numerous occasions, Swenson learned no job in the cafe should be above the manager. It’s important to do it all. This is Swenson’s philosophy as manager of the Elkhorn, a position that in many ways pays tribute to Jerry. He led by example, and it’s her desire to do the same.
One of Swenson’s main goals as manager is to “bring good ol’ home-cooking food back to Boulder,” which she is doing with daily specials, desserts and a variety of other changes. Specials have included spaghetti with garlic bread and meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
Food and atmosphere aren’t the only changes at the Elkhorn, as there’s also been much turnover with personnel. Swenson said all but two employees are new since she started in September, and there’s still room for more help.
“I’m looking to hire cooks and waitresses,” she said. “Let me know if you are interested. We may be able to offer you housing at an affordable cost.”
Swenson said she looks forward to serving the community. It’s a privilege, she said, and one she won’t take for granted.
“The people here aren’t just my customers,” she said. “They’re my family, and I look forward to seeing that continue to develop. My husband, Trinity, and I look forward to putting our roots here for a long time. We don’t want to go anywhere.”
The Elkhorn is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week. Eventually Swenson said she’d like to be open evenings, but there isn’t the staff for it at this time.
For more information, call (406) 225-3213.
