El Rancho Colorado in Evergreen seeks new owner, could move

Evergreen’s El Rancho Colorado, a legendary roadside eatery alongside Interstate 70 that closed its doorways late final yr, is now searching for a brand new proprietor or operator.

Earlier this yr, QuickTrip bought the land the place El Rancho sits for $6.17 million and plans to start development in 2026. Nonetheless, the comfort retailer and gasoline station chain has agreed to permit the relocation of the El Rancho construction throughout the street if a brand new proprietor is discovered.

The 77-year-old restaurant and occasions venue is available for sale, with an asking worth of $2.65 million that features about $1 million price of nearly-new brewing gear.

Nonetheless, the clock is ticking, and a brand new proprietor/operator have to be recognized throughout the subsequent few months or the construction may be demolished.

“This new location boasts much better views of the Continental Divide, and excessive visibility for vacationers on I-70,” mentioned JLL Senior Vice President Stephen Markey, who, along with JLL Senior Gross sales/Dealer Sarah Sparks, is advertising and marketing El Rancho on the market on behalf of Observatory Holdings LLC.

“El Rancho was initially constructed as a roadhouse for vacationers, and that’s the legacy all of us hope continues. It misplaced that visibility when Freeway 40 was changed by I-70 as the primary route west.”

As a part of the plan to maneuver the constructing from its authentic location, builders Observatory Holdings have designated so much for El Rancho of their improvement straight throughout U.S. 40, as soon as a brand new proprietor/operator is recognized.

“Whereas there isn’t a obligation to maneuver El Rancho, we see this as a novel alternative to breathe new life into this enterprise,” mentioned Jack Buchanan on behalf of the builders.

Buchanan, alongside Denver developer Travis McAfoos, bought the restaurant and 5.4 acres of surrounding land out of chapter in November 2022 earlier than promoting to QuickTrip.

“Along with the improved location, putting it on a brand new basis will remove a number of the pricey infrastructure points that plagued the enterprise in current many years, and can set the location up for achievement for years to come back,” he mentioned.

Colorado-based Mammoth Movers was consulted to debate the viability of transferring El Rancho throughout the road, in response to a Friday morning information launch of the sale itemizing.

Mammoth confirmed that it’s potential to maneuver the historic a part of the constructing, together with the outdated submit workplace, bar, major eating room and higher stage. Structural engineers have additionally been on-site and confirmed the transfer’s feasibility.

Builders won’t transfer El Rancho until a brand new proprietor/operator has been recognized.

“The prices related to the transfer are substantial, and it is mindless to undertake this until somebody has stepped as much as personal/function the enterprise,” Buchanan mentioned.

“If nobody is , it might be the tip of the street for El Rancho.”

If a brand new proprietor/operator is recognized, the builders suggest to finish prep work on the brand new website, construct a brand new basis and transfer the El Rancho construction.