>About the Family >History of the Inn >Our Staff >About the Restaurant >About the Grounds
About the Family
 Doug and Steve Parmentier and their sister, Martha have been the proud owners and operators of the Narrow Gauge Inn since 2000. Since purchasing the Inn, they have made many upgrades to the rooms and grounds. They feel fortunate to have been embraced by the long time employees, the many return guests and locals that frequent the Inn and Restaurant.
Doug lives in Colorado and visits often with his new wife, Sara and their dogs, Suzi and Bo. While at the Inn, they enjoy exploring the many trails in the Yosemite area and indulging in the fine foods of the Narrow Gauge Inn's Chef Connie.
Martha is the Operating Manager of the Inn and Restaurant and came to the Narrow Gauge Inn with over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry. She has lived the Yosemite area for over 15 years, working at and managing various properties before coming to the NGI. When not at the Inn, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Richard, hiking, traveling and entertaining friends.
Steve is responsible for designing the opulent gardens, starting many of the plants from seed at his home in Southern California. His wife, Kit has a background in clothing and home design and has decorated the rooms in a manner that embraces the mountain atmosphere.
History of the Inn
The Narrow Gauge Inn, was built in the 1950's as the Swiss Melody Inn by Swiss immigrants Rudy and Luce Stauffer. They also restored and operated the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, which is located next door. Eventually, Rudy and Luce sold the Inn, however their son Max still operates the Railroad and Luce can often be found helping out during the summer months.
The Inn has gone through several changes of ownership, each adding their own personal touch. The name was changed to Narrow Gauge Inn by one of the owners, George Cordingly to honor the nearby railroad, George also did extensive remodeling to the restaurant, enhancing the lodge feel to the dining room, and bringing fine dining to the area.
The Narrow Gauge Inn is family owned and operated. We do not belong to a franchise and are not part of a large corporation. When you telephone or email us, you are speaking with us, not some far away call center or Corporate office and we are grateful you chose us for your visit to the area.
 Our staff
We are fortunate to have “inherited” many amazing employees and our staff's first priority is you, our guests and your comfort. Several employees have worked here for nearly 20 years and have a wealth of knowledge. Others have more recently joined our family and each brings their own special touch to your visit. Our goal is to make every guest feel welcome and appreciated.
About the Restaurant
The Narrow Gauge Inn dining room offers an atmosphere of rustic elegance. White tablecloths and oil lamps grace the tables and antique stained glass windows, fireplaces and mounted game enhance the lodge setting.
 The restaurant serves dinner only and is open from mid-April through mid-October each year. The Buffalo Bar opens at 5:00pm with dinner seating beginning at 5:30pm. Both the Buffalo Bar and Dining room are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Our Chef, Connie Harsin delights in creating unique and delicious meals which are sure to please. You may view our menu by clicking here.
During the summer months, we also offer a screened in patio for outside dining. It is adorned with lush hanging baskets providing an intimate outdoor dining experience, while still providing the fine service and menu our guests have come to expect.
About the grounds
 The grounds have had extensive work done with the enhancement of the gardens. We have a lovely seasonal creekside trail, Marty's Garden, named in honor of a former employee. Marty's garden boasts nearly 100 Azaleas and Rhododendron, along with Columbine, Ferns, Foxglove, Hydrangea and Dogwood trees.
The pool area is adorned with white Oriental Lillies, Hollyhocks, Day Lillies and other colorful perennials. You will enjoy listening to the waterfall as you relax in the sun under the towering pines.
All have been designed by brother Steve and are lovingly attended to by Elaine and her assistant, Susan. |
