Chef Ellie Ayers, born in Naperville, IL, moved to Vail in February 2023.

‍

Like many others, once she had a taste of the mountains she couldn’t leave and was desperate to stay.

‍

Baking and cooking was always in her blood. Her grandmother was a Home Ec teacher, her aunt owned a specialty cake bakery, another aunt and uncle own a restaurant in Dallas, TX, and both of her parents love to cook. She has worked at smaller local bakeries throughout high school and college. After college she worked at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch which then led her to Sweet Basil. Chef Ellie became the head pastry chef in the fall of 2024.

‍

She attended Johnson & Wales University with an Associate of Science in Baking and Pastry Arts. And she also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Beverage Entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University. She also earned a Certificat Professionel de Pâtisserie Française from École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie.

‍

During the summer you can find her hiking and camping across the state, preferably with no cell phone service available. In the winter you can find her skiing or working on crafts.

‍