Q: What type of business do you operate — what do you sell, or what service do you provide?

A: We are an independent restaurant serving amazing hearty breakfasts from biscuits and gravy to cinnamon bun French toast, bistro style lunches including hot sandwiches, Panini's, and fresh salads, and European mountain food for dinner like imported Swiss cheese fondues, meat and seafood fondues, raclette, pastas, risottos, and the largest selection of Belgian beer in the area. Over 90 percent of our menu is house made from scratch including all pasta sauces, salad dressings, gravies, Swiss chocolate fondues, and Imported Swiss cheese fondues.

Q: Where are you from, and why did you decide to open your business in Summit County?

A: Alfonso is from Belgium, but has lived in Summit County off and on for over 20 years. Eric moved to Summit County at age 9, and is a Summit High grad. Both love Summit County, and realized that there was an opportunity for quality European mountain food that was not being offered.

Q: What experience do you have in this field?

A: Both of us have years of work and management experience in the restaurant and hospitality fields around the world. We currently own and operate The Swiss Haven restaurant at 325 South Main in Breckenridge. We have also managed fondue restaurants for Club Med in Switzerland. Alfonso in Villars, and Eric in St. Moritz and Pontrisina.

Q: What sets your business apart from other similar businesses?

A: We are independently owned and operated, our dishes are fresh and homemade, we offer an authentic European dining experience in Summit County, and as owner/operators, Alfonso and Eric are on site daily to greet and ensure amazing service to all our guests at both of our restaurants.

Q: What types of customers do you hope to reach in Summit County?

A: We have something for everyone. Skiers love our hearty breakfasts before hitting the hill, and our lunches are fresh and made to order at prices equal to or less than the resort cafeteria. Dinners at the Alpinista are perfect for a romantic night out for wine and fondue while taking advantage of Copper's free child care program “Kid's Night Out,” or social family gatherings. We have a fresh (never frozen) kids menu made to order from scratch, but most kids love our cheese fondue.

Q: Why did you choose to open where you did?

A: Both of us have a history with Club Med at Copper Mountain, so it was like coming home for us. Copper offered an opportunity for us to be at the base of the slopes in true European resort style. We also like the fact that every Copper restaurant is unique, allowing us to create and fill our own niche. We are happy to recommend our neighbor restaurants for what they all do well, and we like that they do the same for us.

Q: What are your plans for your company's future?

A: To continue to grow as the go-to restaurant for romantic nights out, family gatherings, social events, and fresh, high quality, European food in the area. We want to take care of you.