>About the Family >History of the Inn >Our Staff >About the Restaurant >About the Grounds
About the Owner and Staff
 Aung Oo became the proud owner of The Narrow Gauge Inn in 2011. Coming from Burma, he became enchanted with the Inn and Restaurant the moment he arrived to the Inn's home at the south entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Aung was embraced by his experienced staff that he was fortunate to inherit. Each devotes their time to offering travelers professional information to enhance their travels to Yosemite. One of the many delights of staying at The Narrow Gauge Inn and dining in the Restaurant is our staff, who is sure to make each stay memorable.
Marlo Burghardt brings 23 years of hospitality experience as General Manager of the Inn. Our Chef, Gustavo Alvarez and Restaurant Manager, David Leonardo have delighted in offering fine dining to friends and travelers for over 30 years. Our goal is to make every guest feel welcome and appreciated.
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 to the Inn. 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 The 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.
In 2000 the Inn was purchased by three siblings, Martha VanAmen, Steve and Doug Parmentier. Again, when first arriving to the Inn they all felt at home and welcomed, something all friends and travelers feel when arriving. The Family, with experience in hospitality and business, enhanced the Inn and restaurant by upgrading rooms and creating a garden that has become well known with travelers from all over.
 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. Both the Buffalo Bar and Restaurant open nightly at 5:00pm and are open 7 days a week. Our Chef, Gustavo Alvarez 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.
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