Summit County’s service economy boasts many world-class locations for dining and drinks — bolstered by high-level chefs, jaw-dropping views, adjacent businesses and attractions that other regions dream about. The industry is ultimately held up, however, by the day-to-day workers who greet visitors and locals with a smile.

Emily Schneider, who won the 2024 Best of Summit contest’s Best Server title, exemplifies what it means to care for guests.

The Boston-native has lived in Summit County for more than eight years and has become a familiar face to locals and a memorable encounter for visitors.

What was supposed to be a post-college season in the mountains for Schneider has now turned into a near-decade transformation into a Summit standout.

“My mom said go take a season in the mountains, and now here we are eight years later,” she said during an interview in summer 2024. 

Schneider has spent most of her time in Summit working at Rocky Mountain Hospitality restaurants, including Sauce on the Maggie in Breckenridge. She has been a server at Sauce on the Blue in Silverthorne for more than six years.

Sauce on the Blue also placed in categories in the 2024 Best Of Summit contest including Best Bartender, Best Deck/Patio/Rooftop, Best Italian, Best Restaurant Service, Best Silverthorne Restaurant, Best Summit Restaurant and Best Family Restaurant.

Schneider said she’s remained loyal because her coworkers and employers have become like family.

“The people I work with — as much as they’re bosses and owners — they’ve become chosen family and have become some of my biggest supporters,” Schneider said. 

Schneider said her serving strategy is to simply be friendly and personable with customers.

“My approach to serving is to treat every table like they’re going to be regulars, and treat them like you want them to come back,” Schneider said, adding that she tries to make a personal connection at each table.

“It can be hard in a tourist town — you don’t expect every table to be coming back. It’s the ones that do that are why we do this, that bring us joy,” she continued.

Outside of work, Schneider enjoys road cycling in the summer, skiing in the winter and hiking with her dog, Tucker.

Ultimately, Schneider credits her loyal Summit local customers for her recognition as a great server and for her continued love for the job.

“That’s really the part of this that brings me joy,” she said.

This story previously published in the 2024 Best of Summit guide. See complete results at SummitDaily.com/best.