By Caleb Stento

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As of Dec. 15 the St. Elmo Hotel and the adjoining Bon Ton restaurant changed hands in a 'lease to own' deal. Tim Tucker and Tyler Hill took over the helm from long time owners Dan and Sandy Lingenfelter. The Lingenfelters had been in possession of the businesses since 1984. Speaking of Tucker and Hill, Dan said, “They seem to be really good guys and we wish them well.”   
Tim Tucker is from southeast Wyoming and has lived in Denver for the last 25 years. Tucker will preside over the hotel side of the business. He has been involved in several professions, including volunteering his time as an EMT and serving as a deputy coroner. His latest entrepreneurial endeavor was that of funeral home owner. When asked why he was drawn to the hotel business, he quipped it was because he had “An intense desire to be able to talk to his customers.”
Tyler Hill, who will focus on the restaurant side, is from Olathe and has nearly 10 years of experience in the restaurant business.   
The St. Elmo Hotel was built in 1898. The Bon Ton was open for business in 1886 and was subsequently moved into the hotel some years later. For both of these businesses to still be operational and successful is extraordinary. Tucker and Hill recognize the winning formula held by the operation and don’t plan on making any big changes.
“We want to keep the consistency going that’s been going for so long,“ Tim said. He assured that any changes right now would only be cosmetic.
One addition they are excited about is installing an OpenTable system that should be up and running toward the end of January. OpenTable is an online service that allows you to find restaurants and book tables online and over the phone 24 hours a day. Many customers are from out of town and the listing on OpenTable will be an added convenience for them.
The new owners are excited about being here in Ouray and are looking forward to getting to know the community and local business owners. ”I’m just really interested in getting to know people,” Tim said. Even though he’ll be getting out and and about, he encourages anyone to stop in and introduce themselves.