The Inception of First Chair

Drew's roots run deep in Vail, having been born and raised in this vibrant mountain town. His upbringing was steeped in the restaurant industry, thanks to his father, Ron Riley, who founded and managed both Russell's and Los Amigos. Drew's academic journey led him to earn a Master's degree in mechanical engineering, where his aptitude for precision and efficiency became apparent. In 2016, Drew embarked on his Vail journey by launching Bridge Street Lockers, showcasing his knack for effective operations. In 2018, he took on the dual roles of overseeing Los Amigos and Russell's, demonstrating his prowess in managing thriving establishments. Beyond his professional life, Drew cherishes moments with his beloved wife, Maggie, and their two wonderful children, Roan and Andie. He finds solace on the golf course during the summer months and revels in the exhilaration of skiing during the winter season.

Zach's journey to open a bar in Vail started when he connected with his brother-in-law, Drew. They both noticed how Vail had evolved over the years, and Zach quickly bought into Drew’s vision to create a welcoming haven for avid skiers. Drew’s idea? A Vail Bar that not only serves ready-to-go food for those eager to hit the slopes in the morning but also provides a cozy, vibrant spot to hang out after a day on the mountain. With a successful career as a Sales Leader in the SaaS industry, Zach brings a unique set of skills to the table. His business acumen and ability to lead have influenced the direction of the Vail Bar and other ventures. He's all about creating a space where skiers can unwind, connect, and enjoy quality food and drinks. Beyond his professional life, Zach spends all his time with his family. He's married to Erin, a fellow skier, and together, they are eagerly anticipating their 18-month-old baby girl, Blakely, taking her first steps on skis this winter. Zach's dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to making the Vail Bar a hub for the skiing community, where everyone is welcomed like family.

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Dusty is the best skier of the bunch (at least, that’s what he’ll tell you). He started coming up to Vail to ski when he was in 2nd grade and quickly learned from his older brother and dad that the family mantra reads “No family or friends on a powder day”. Spending those early years trying to keep up on the slopes with his older brother Zach, they both fell in love with Vail. When Drew brought the idea of the bar to Dusty, he eagerly jumped on the opportunity to open an inclusive, skier-centric establishment in the town that he loved. Dusty is a successful operations leader in the SaaS industry, who is now bringing his knack for problem solving and operational mindset to First Chair. He hopes to help create a space that every skier will love to visit with their friends and family both before and after they hit the slopes.  At home, he spends his time in Denver with his wife Emma and his 4 year old Australian Shepherd, Toaster. He enjoys all things Colorado including skiing, golfing, and cheering on the hometown Nuggets, Broncos and Avs.