Ray Farnsworth, Managing Partner
Article in Telluride Style 2022 by Suzanne Cheavens
“RUNNING THE SHOW
Ray Farnsworth reflects on 25 years at the New Sheridan
“Ray Farnsworth has an uncanny ability to be everywhere at once. Anyone who drops in at any of the New Sheridan’s dining establishments — the Chop House, Rooftop Bar, or the historic Sheridan Bar — will find him nattily attired, silver hair cropped close, his grey eyes missing nothing. He moves from customer to customer, making each one feel as if they are the only one in the Room. As the New Sheridan’s managing partner, ray is driven to not only ensure the comfort and satisfaction of his guests, but that of his staff, too. After all, they are like family.
Running the show, Ray Farnsworth reflects on 25 years at the New Sheridan, “Our long-time staff, our commitment to excellence, our sincere and consistent goal to exceed guest expectations continue to make the New Sheridan the best in Telluride.”
Ray has been leading the team at the New Sheridan since 1997 and still, after 25 years, looks forward to coming to work every day.
“I love the art of hospitality,” Ray says. “I am excited to arrive at the New Sheridan every day to engage with guests, visitors, our amazing and committed New Sheridan staff members, and old and new friends. I remain fired up about the excitement and allure of travel, providing exemplary service, and working with a team of professionals in a special place like Telluride, at one of the most historic and iconic buildings in the entire U.S. What a privilege and an honor.”
The New Sheridan is, indeed, iconic. Not only do tourists flock to the stately, 125-year-old brick building at West Colorado and Oak Street, but locals make up a large contingent of devoted regulars — visiting friends at the rooftop, bellying up to the historic bar, or choosing the Chop House for special occasions. They come for all the same reasons visitors do. “Our long-time staff, our commitment to excellence, our sincere and consistent goal to exceed guest expectations continue to make the New Sheridan the best in Telluride,” Ray explains.
The New Sheridan is staffed by locals who have been donning the iconic aprons or embroidered shirts for years. The consistency and camaraderie among the team creates a vibe that is at once both relaxed and professional. With a staff that’s as close as family, it’s understandable, then, that when one of their own is taken from them, they look to each other for comfort and strength. This ski season, when Devin Overton was killed in an avalanche, his loss made the staff even closer. He’d been a server at the Chop House for the past eight years. “The passing in March 2022 of our beloved Devin, our long-time brother and family member, has necessitated renewed commitment, additional embraces and support of one another, and even more appreciation for our New Sheridan family,” Ray says.
With that renewed commitment stoking the New Sheridan family, regulars can look forward to the return of several favorites from the Chop House’s brunch, lunch, and dinner menus — including the classic eggs Benedict, mac ‘n’ cheese, steamed mussels, Colorado rack of lamb, prime New York strip, and a dry aged bison ribeye. New items being considered for the summer are a fried green tomato and shrimp salad, summer clam chowder, and a steak and lobster burger.”
By Suzanne Cheavens
