I found my 'forever mug' last week in Colorado

 

This Bigfoot Obsessed Retro Dad found his forever mug last week while visiting Colorado. I procured this beautiful ceramic mug in Old Town Fort Collins at a store called 'The Cupboard'. It was made by a Colorado company called 'Two Little Fruits'. It's a beefy 20 ounce mug that keeps my coffee warm, and holds plenty of it.

I remember there being reported Bigfoot sightings in the Red Feather Lakes area of Larimer County when I was a kid. In the years since, I've noticed that Fort Collins and much of Colorado for that matter, are really leaning into that very Bigfoot lore.

You never know what wonders you'll find while shopping in Old Town, which is why I always make a trip there whenever I'm in town. My last few trips have garnered some great Bigfoot finds, and I will be keeping a sharper eye out for more next time I visit.

1980s Fort Collins Pizza Restaurants: Retro Memories from a Pizza-Obsessed Kid

I had the pleasure of living in Fort Collins when the population was only around 70,000. There weren’t many pizza places around back then, which is why most of them vividly stand out in my pizza-obsessed mind. Here’s a list I’ve compiled for posterity. 

105 W Prospect Rd.

I loved this place when I was a kid. It was the restaurant equivalent to Disneyland for me. I believe it opened in 1980 and eventually turned into a Chuck E. Cheese. You can read a more in depth article I wrote about SHOWBIZ entitled: Memories of SHOWBIZ Pizza Place

Panhandler's Pizza

1220 W. Elizabeth

Delicious pan style pizza that never disappointed. I believe there were two locations in Fort Collins, but my family's favorite store was the location in the Campus West area by Colorado State University. You can read an article I wrote about the original Panhandlers Pizza entitled:

Memories of the old Panhandler's Pizza in Fort Collins, Colorado

Shakey's Pizza

1500 E. Mulberry Street

While Shakey's definitely lost its charm as a themed restaurant over the years, they still had great pie, and always had a nice assortment of video games to play in the 80s. You can read more about just how incredible this restaurant was during its heyday, in an old article I wrote entitled:
70s and 80s Memories of Shakey's Pizza restaurant

BIG CHEESE Pizza

Located at 2635 S. College Ave. 

This was my family's go-to pizzeria during much of the 80s. The pizza tasted amazing and the restaurant had a simple, yet fun atmosphere. I expressly remember a huge yellow airplane that resembled an early 1900s bi-plane, that was suspended from the ceiling. I don't believe there was any other theming like that in the restaurant, but for some strange reason it worked and didn't look out of place. I must have spent hours peering up at that plane during my childhood.

My brother always started out the evening by pumping quarters into the jukebox, while I would procure a spot at the Pac-Man video game table to play a few rounds before dinner. I had no clue Big Cheese was a chain restaurant until many years later. In fact, I believe there are still locations in different states like New Mexico, Florida and Washington just to name a few.

The Upper Crust

1012 S. College Ave.

and Scotch Pines Shopping Center 

The Upper Crust, was a local chain with stores in neighboring towns like Greeley. They had a store on North College Ave. and another in Scotch Pines Shopping Center by the old Toddy's supermarket. I do remember their pizza tasting pretty dang good, and my older brother's friends visiting for their 'Belly Bust' nights. 

I always got a kick out of my Dad working at a barber shop called 'The Upper Cut' before opening his own barber shop in Old Town Fort Collins that he operated for twenty some-odd years. As a young boy, I often fantasized about him working at the Upper Crust and bringing home free pizza.

UPDATE November 2025!

The original owner's son reached out to me! He stated that In the early 1980s he sold his locations in Fort Collins, Greeley, Boulder and Wyoming to a local investor. He moved on to open up double Dave’s pizza Works in Texas.

The company is now a thriving franchise now with over 37 locations, including one in Colorado Springs. I for one cannot wait to try it out.

147 S. College

Old Chicago opened up in the late 80s and closed in 2018. They had some great tasting pizza and were responsible for opening my eyes to the world of craft beer. The love of craft beer I developed there, set me on a path of homebrewing that has spanned close to thirty years. 

My favorite pizza was 'The Chicago Firecracker' a nice spicy pie made with peppery sauce, spicy sausage, pepperoni, and peppers which brought some heat. Old Chicago still has a south Fort Collins location as well as others peppered around the state. I've been to many an Old Chicago, but no others have the charm and character that the historic Old Town Fort Collins location had.

Vinny's Pizza
The old University Plaza Mall

This one wasn't around for a super long time. It opened in the mid 80s and was located in the old University Plaza Mall at 2229 S. College Ave. I experienced two things for the very first time at Vinny's. It was the first place I was able to buy pizza by the slice in Colorado, and its where I tried New York style pizza for the very first time. Both events had a big impact on me, and I loved eating there while it was open.

Vinnie's Pizza

This place was almost directly across from SHOWBIZ Pizza. I remember the pizza having an incredible crust and the sauce having a nice pop, but what I really miss was a menu item called 'Gator Bread'.

241 Linden Street

Dave Cozzola opened his incredible pizza restaurant in 1987. While the original store in Old Town is now closed, there is another at 1112 Oakridge Drive. Cozzola's Pizza was a real treat. Fresh made, braided crust, and superior ingredients won this pizzeria recognition year after year as the 'Best Pizza in Fort Collins'. Dave Cozzola was a customer at my Dad's barbershop for years, so my family got super acquainted with his restaurant just down the road from my Dad's shop. 

You can read a 2016 review of mine here:
Review of the Original Cozzola's Pizza in Fort Collins, Colorado

Sox and Cubs Pizza & Subs

I remember stopping in at this place near the indoor flea markets on North College Ave., when I felt like a thick and chewy slice of pizza. They had a spicy pizza on their menu that I really loved. They also made thin and crispy varieties as well. The restaurant felt like it was owned by baseball fanatics (Chicago fans of course) and sports decor reflecting this was everywhere throughout the establishment. 

I remember them often hosting Strat-O-Matic tournaments in the restaurant. Strat-O-Matic was/is a table top baseball simulation board game that you can play by yourself or with others. The restaurant would be full of hobbyists participating in tournaments. My brother was a huge fan of this game growing up, so I always enjoyed peeking in on the fun, whilst the enthusiasts had their showdowns. 

Godfather's Pizza

Foothills Shopping Center

If you loved massive amounts of cheese on your pizza, Godfather's was the place for you. The commercials I remember seeing in the 80s boasted about their five pound pizzas with one full pound of cheese. The original location we used to frequent was in the Foothills plaza, across the parking lot from the old Foothills Fashion Mall, not too far from the old 'Foothills Twin' movie theater. Years later in the 90s, another store was opened on Lemay Avenue by Albertson's. The new store featured a lunch buffet and while the pizza was decent, corporate rebranding had greatly changed the style of pizzas they were known for back in the 80s.

These are the pizza places that come to mind as of now, but will definitely update this list if remember more. Fort Collins has always felt like a revolving door for restaurants. I can think of many now defunct Fort Collins Mexican Food places as well.

I'm sure I've missed a few places up and above the ones I mentioned. By all means, if you can think of any that were open between the years of 1970 and 1990 that aren't listed here, feel free to comment below and help jog my memory. Thanks!

Review and Memories of the Original Cozzola's Pizza in Fort Collins

A 2016 article that's migrated from one of my old web-sites to its permanent home for archiving here at The Retro Dad. Unfortunately this quaint location is no longer open.

Cozzola's Old Town Store
241 Linden Street

Old Town Fort Collins, CO

Retro Dad Pizza rating..

5 out of 5 Slices!

The way I like to describe Cozzola's Pizza is like this..

Picture an incredibly gifted baker and one heck of a cook, that puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Now imagine that this baker opens a pizzeria. Cozzola's is the result my friends. 

Cozzola's has two locations in Fort Collins, but I prefer dining at the original store in Historic Old Town Fort Collins, that opened in 1987.  

There's just something about the cozy, wood lined décor that I love. It brings back some great memories, and gets me very zen, whilst dining on my pizza. 

If you feel like doing some people watching in Old Town Fort Collins, grab a seat on the patio, or a table by the window and watch the world go by for awhile.

I absolutely love Cozzola's. The pizza is not only incredible, but very unique all unto itself.  Consistently winning award after award, and nationally recognized as some of the best pizza in the region, Cozzola's has become a beloved Northern Colorado gem. 

Here's what I ordered during my last visit..

The OMNIVORE
(on poppy wheat crust)

Italian sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, green peppers, Canadian bacon, and red onions

Crust options as of 6-08-2016

Wheat Poppy Seed
Deep dish crust, w/ a hearty texture.

Herb
Thick yet light white dough crust 

with Italian herbs

Traditional
Classic white dough crust

Real Thin
A white dough crust 

thinner and without a border.

Gluten Free
(Pizza may contact wheat flour)
12” crust only. Add $4

I'd be remiss without talking about this pizza's crust right off the bat. For those not aware, "Colorado Style Pizza" has become regionally known as having a thick bready crust, and loaded with toppings. 

At first glance, I can see how some may lump Cozzola's pizza into this category, but I assure you it's much more than that.

 

I ordered my 'Omnivore' with whole wheat poppy seed crust, and I must say that the crust truly tasted like a skilled baker's creation. 

The crust was crispy where it needed to be, aromatic, full of flavor, and very hearty. In fact, the edge crust that many people toss aside, proves to be a treat in itself.

Bottles of honey easily accessible to all, are available to dip your edge crust in, making for an incredible treat. 

I actually pile my "Pizza Bones" on the side of my plate, and eat them last with generous amounts of honey. I pretty much treat it as dessert, as do so many other patrons.

On a personal note, my Dad who is a barber of forty plus years, owned a barber shop in Old Town Fort Collins, and Dave Cozzola was one of my Dad's customers for quite some time. 

Dave told my Dad that he had a family history of heart disease, so offering healthier pizza options was very important to him. Taking a look at their menu today, you can see that these values are still very evident.

Crusts are made with stone ground whole wheat flour, while all sauces and crusts are devoid of refined sugar. Cozzola's also offer (truly vegan) and gluten free options.

The toppings
All veggies were fresh and of the utmost quality. The meats were also very good and full of flavor.  I opted for the Garlic Sauce on my pie, and it worked wonderfully with every other ingredient. 

The Pesto Tomato sauce would have been equally as good, and is usually my go-to sauce. Here are the sauce choices on Cozzola's menu (as of 6-08-2016).

Garlic Sauce
A tangy tomato sauce 

flavored w/garlic and herbs

Pesto Tomato (Red)
Basil pesto mellowed w/tomato sauce

Pure Pesto (Green)
A light spread of traditional basil pesto

Spinach Ricotta
Chicago-style blend of baby spinach & ricotta

also...

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Alfredo

 Barbecue Sauce

As for the pricing, pies will run you roughly from $11.00 to $18.00. It's definitely what some may consider to be a bit pricey for pizza. 

I'm the first to voice my opinion about overpriced pizza, but at Cozzola's you are getting quality and value. The pie pictured above is their 10" pie, and I ended up having to take a couple of slices home because it was so filling.

I definitely recommend stopping in at Cozzola's if you're ever in Old Town Fort Collins. No other Colorado style pie can compare. At least none that I've come across up to this point.

Visit Cozzola's Pizza Online

My 'Fat Tire' Beach Cruiser from New Belgium Brewing

If you weren't aware, the New Belgium Brewing Company has been releasing limited edition beach cruisers yearly since 1999. Many enthusiasts referred to the early models as Fat Tire Bikes, a nod to the brewery's flagship beer Fat Tire Amber Ale.

Fat Tire put New Belgium Brewing on the map, and helped to start a micro brew revolution in Colorado and quite likely across the nation. With every passing year comes a new model of beach cruiser entirely different from the last, and unique unto itself. 

The bikes are reserved as gifts for New Belgium employees when they reach their one year anniversary with the company. However, they are also offered to the general public via fund raising auctions, raffles, and the occasional promotional giveaway. Needless to say, it's not very easy to get your hands on one. Sure you've got the secondary market with auctions on eBay etc, but you can pay a pretty penny for them.

A sea of Fat Tire Bikes at New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, CO.

Living close by the New Belgium headquarters in Fort Collins for so many years, afforded me opportunities to see many a Fat Tire bike in the wild. Several local restaurants and bars display them and work them into their decor. Taking a stroll in old Town Fort Collins almost always yields sightings of New Belgium bikes parked about town and secured to bicycle racks.   

Fat Tire Bike at the old Beau Jo's Pizza in Old Town Fort Collins

As both a beach cruiser enthusiast and huge fan of New Belgium Brewing, I always had my heart set on owning one of their beach cruiser bikes. 2013 was the year my wish came true.

My bike as it sat for the better part of ten years

The Fat Tire Cruiser pictured above, hung from the ceiling as part of the restaurant decor at a local Old Chicago restaurant in Greeley Colorado for quite some time. I actually snapped this picture above on a Sunday afternoon in 2008 as some friends and I watched a Denver Broncos game, whilst feasting on pizza and wings.

Due to a remodel in 2013, the bike came down and I was sure I'd never see it again. However, it appeared once again during a "Movember" fund raiser that Old Chicago was throwing. It went on the block for a silent auction to raise money for prostate cancer research. I originally had plans to join my buddies for an evening of fun filled events, but had to attend a choir concert at my kids school.  

Knowing that I was a single speed bike and beach cruiser fanatic, my friend got a hold of me and said that the bike was up for auction. He asked me if I wanted him to bid on it for me. I told him "ABSOLUTELY" and notified him what I could afford to pay, which was $150.00. Whether folks didn't know exactly what kind of treasure they were bidding on, or there was simply a lack of retro bike enthusiasts in the house remains to be seen, but my buddy put in my modest bid, and the bike was mine.

The same Fat Tire model, as it hangs in the New Belgium Brewing facility

After my kids choir concert had finished, I met up with my friends at Old Chicago and took a gander at the newest addition to my retro bicycle collection. The bike is New Belgiums's 2000 model made by the Electra Bicycle Company, and was the second year these New Belgium Fat Tire bikes were produced.

2000 New Belgium Beach Cruiser

At the end of the night, my friend stated there was one condition to me taking  possession of the bike. He said I needed to ride the bike across the snow and ice covered parking lot to my car. Growing up in Colorado this was no tall order, but riding a bike in snow and ice is something I hadn't done since I was a teenager. However, the Electra branded tires gripped perfectly and kept me from making a fool out of.. and or injuring myself.

I kept the bike in its original condition, apart from adding a New Belgium branded bike bell and valve stem caps that I bought at the New Belgium Brewery. 

I've always had an immense amount of respect for the New Belgium Brewing Company. Their never ending efforts in becoming a more sustainable and green company are both impressive and admirable, especially when it's much easier and affordable to go the opposite way.  

Ten years later, I still own the bike. I take it out for a ride a few times a year, and give it a semi-annual dusting and polishing. For me, a New Belgium bike.. any model of New Belgium bike is certainly an honor to own, and I'll always cherish this bike. 

Visit New Belgium Online

Old Shakey's Pizza Colorado locations as they look today

It's happened to most of us. You drive past one of your old hangouts, restaurants, or stores that has since closed for business, and you are suddenly bombarded with old memories. Maybe they have to do with good times had with friends or family, or simply an incredible value of services or entertainment experienced. 

This my friends, is how I feel every time I drive by former Shakey's Pizza Parlor locations once frequented during my youth. Sadly, there are no longer any Shakey's restaurants located in the state of Colorado. When I visit Colorado however, I regularly pass by two of the old locations, and thought I'd share some pictures of what they look like today, as well as a few lingering memories.

 

The old Shakey's location in Fort Collins Colorado

1500. E Mulberry Street.
 

The Shakey's location shown above has been a gas station for many years now. Other than the rectangular shape and size of the structure, there are no other features still present that even faintly resemble a Shakey's Pizza Parlor. 

This is the Shakey's I visited the most during my youth. It was only about a mile away from my home, and I would often ride my bicycle there to get some lunch and play video games. Very seldom do I drive by this location without reminiscing about my many visits there throughout the late 70s and early 80s.  

I remember playing classic arcade games like Battlezone, Tempest, Ms. Pac Man, and one of my favorites which was a less popular game at the time called "Cheyenne". Cheyenne was a stand up console that had a rifle mounted to the play board. The point of the game is to protect lawman "Buster Badshot" from gangs of outlaws, wild animals, and various other hazards. The gangs of outlaws included cowboys, Indians, hillbillies, Mexican Bandidos, and from what I remember, some women outlaws as well.

  

There were several levels such as saloons, mines, deserts, forests, ghost towns, graveyards and canyons. I used to get a kick out of the fact that the game allowed you to shoot at random objects, like bottles, lanterns, and even a piano player in the saloon level. My folks had to literally drag me away from this game when the pizza hit the table (and that's saying something if you know how much I love pizza).

The old Shakey's location in Evans Colorado

2831 11th Ave 

As you can see, apart from the old stained glass windows that were a fixture at the old Shakey's Pizza Parlors, this building still very much resembles an old Shakey's. I can probably only count on one hand, how many times I dined at this location. It was usually when we went to this town for concerts, or other events, and were in search of sustenance before our 30 mile trek back home to Fort Collins where we lived. I know of numerous other Shakey's locations that were located in other parts of the state, so maybe I'll do some research as to where they were, and post some pictures soon of what they now look like.

October, 2025

I really do miss the Shakey's of old. Check out my newest article that involves a couple more Shakey's memories I've dug up from my past. Link is below.

Finding Comfort..
 in the Worst Pizza You've Ever Had

 

Memories of the old Panhandler's Pizza in Fort Collins, Colorado

The now defunct Panhandler's Pizza
1220 W. Elizabeth  Fort Collins, Colorado

Up until 2017, I'm almost positive that Panhandler's was Fort Collins oldest operating independently owned Pizza restaurant, opening back in 1975.  When I was a kid, they had two Fort Collins stores throughout the 70s and 80s. Their original store was located in the "Campus West" area on Elizabeth Street near Colorado State University. I believe the other was located on the east end of town in the old Scotch Pines Village shopping center.

Prior to my final visit, I believe the last time I enjoyed a slice of Panhandler's pizza was in 1987 or 1988 when I was in high school.  Panhandler's would set up in the park directly across from the old Fort Collins High School one day a week for an event called "Pizza in the Park".  They would sell their thick pan pizza for $1.00 a slice, and one slice was a meal in itself.

In 2016, I did an internet search to see if they were still in business.  I learned that their original store on Elizabeth was still open and going strong.  During a trip to Fort Collins, I decided to pop in to see if their pizza was all I remembered it to be.

Seeing the old Panhandler's wooden sign was like seeing an old friend

I was so happy to learn that Panhandler's pie was indeed every bit as good as I remembered.  I arrived for lunch at 11:00 a.m. when hot pies were coming right out of the oven.  I chose a Pepperoni slice, and Deluxe Combo slice which sported Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper & Red Onion. 

The Crust
Made in house daily, the quality of Panhandler's dough was very evident.  The Panhandler's method of cooking their pan style crust took 25 minutes. This cook time resulted in the pastry-like dough being fully cooked through and through, and was by no means thick and chewy like many pan styles I had tried over the years. Panhandler's was famous in the area for their Honey Whole Wheat pan crust.  Honey dispensers were abundant and readily available for patrons. That way, upon finishing your slice, you could dip the honey wheat crust edges into some honey for a sweet and satisfying treat.

The sauce

Panhandler's sauce was made fresh daily right on the premises. With the amount of crust on this type of pie, you need a sauce that brings a lot to the table, and Panhandler's sauce did not disappoint. The sauce was snappy and hit you right up front. It wasn't overpowering however, and jived perfectly with the slice until the very last bite.

Toppings

Panhandler's pies were made with 100% real, Wisconsin whole-milk Mozzarella cheese. The other toppings were top notch, being of good quality and thick cut with exception of the pepperoni. Proportions of all toppings in relation to the sizing of these slices was always spot on.

Presentation
A nice slice of pan pizza is a thing of beauty, and a slice of Panhandler's Pizza was impressive to say the least. Caramelized edges, beautiful cheese, liberal toppings, and the sheer size of those slices made for a beautiful looking slice all the way around.

At the time of my visit, the restaurant was exactly the way I remembered it from the 80s. The pizzeria exuded a warm and rustic Colorado feel, and had a great layout for accommodating large groups of people. Dated? Some might've said so, but to me it looked exactly how it should.

I remember visiting this very restaurant once in the dead of a cold Colorado winter. We looked out of the front window, only to see a wall of thick white snow blowing around like crazy. After an initial groan from everyone, the angst faded and pretty soon the storm didn't matter to any of us. There was a nice warm fire burning in the fireplace, hot pizza on the table, and pitchers of root beer flowing like water to us kids, and beer for the adults. It felt safe and soothing.. my own version of paradise, and I never wanted to leave. I can still remember it like it was last night. It's one of the fondest dining memories I have from my pizza laden youth.

At the end of 2017, I learned from my peeps back in Colorado, that the restaurant closed its doors after 42 years. This saddened me to no end, but my friends told me not to fret because they would relocate and reopen under new ownership. They have indeed done just that, with the new digs sporting an industrial design. Apparently there's a very micropub feel to it, with the centerpiece of the restaurant being a bar.

I've seen pictures of the new restaurant, and I just couldn't get excited about the new transfer of ownership and rebranding. I've seen many pizzerias transfer ownership in my time, and I can attest that they are never the same afterwards. Recipes may transfer, and the product can still be good, but they're simply not the same in many ways. I mean, how can they be?  Every pizzeria has its own soul and its own culture. And.. with new owners and staff, comes a whole new blueprint that simply cannot be a carbon copy of the last one. I wish the new Panhandler's nothing but the best, and I hope the pizza will have a semblance of what it used to be. If I have time, I will definitely stop in to do a review during a future visit to Fort Collins. 

Times change, and it can sometimes be bittersweet or downright sad. I am happy however, that I had a chance to eat at the old Panhandler's one last time before it closed. If nothing else, I've got a couple decades of great memories and stories to look back on, and I will always do so fondly.

Retro Mexican Restaurants in Fort Collins Colorado: 1970s and 80s Memories

Back in the 70s and 80s, Fort Collins didn’t have a ton of Mexican restaurants, but the few that existed left big memories. From local chains to college favorites, these spots shaped our love of Mexican food, and some of them still hold a place in the city’s history today. In fact, as much as I miss those old taco joints, I also find myself thinking about the retro pizza places that used to dot the town. If you want to see a list of Fort Collins pizza places that are long gone, check out my post on Fort Collins pizza restaurants that are no longer open. 

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The Armadillo: Colorado’s Local Chain

The Armadillo was one of those places that everyone knew. It had the quirky charm of a local chain with simple, hearty Mexican dishes. The pork green chile was always a standout, and it was one of the first places I remember where a kid could actually get excited about a plate of tacos. The atmosphere may have been modest, but the food made a mark. 

Their 'Burrito Grande" was my go-to menu item ever since I hit my teen years. Two gigantic burritos topped with shredded cheese and then smothered with piping hot pork green green chille.

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El Burrito: College Favorite and Broncos Catering Spot

For college students, El Burrito was a go-to. Quick, cheap, and filling, it became a late-night favorite after parties or long study sessions. For years they catered for the Denver Broncos training camps held right down the road every Fall. It was not unusual to see Denver Broncos players hanging out in the restaurant during that time. Simple meals like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas brought people together, and left lasting memories.

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El Dorado: Where Pork Green Chile Made Me a Fan

El Dorado had a reputation for its pork green chile, and for good reason. That dish alone made the drive worthwhile. The flavors were bold, and it had the kind of personality that reminded you food could be both comforting and exciting. Even today, it’s the type of dish that brings back nostalgia for anyone who grew up in Fort Collins.

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TICOS: Upscale Dining with a City View

Not every spot was budget-friendly. Ticos offered a slightly fancier experience with a city view. It was the kind of place you went for special occasions or when you wanted something a little different. The flavors were authentic, the atmosphere more refined, but it still had that same nostalgia of dining out with friends or family. 

I remember one night when my family went out with friends for dinner there. My best friend and I thought we really had pulled one over on our parents when they let us get dessert, and we both ordered ice cream that was topped with a sweet Brandy sauce.

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National Chains: Taco Bell and Taco John’s in Fort Collins

Even the national chains made an impact. Taco Bell and Taco John’s brought a different kind of experience — fast, accessible, and fun. They may not have had the personality of local spots, but they became part of growing up in Fort Collins and shaped our early taste for Mexican-inspired convenience food.

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Bringing the Memories Forward

These Fort Collins Mexican restaurants hold a special place in the city’s culinary history. Some are still around, some are gone, but the memories remain. If you remember any other Mexican spots from the 70s or 80s, drop me a note or leave a comment. I’ll update this list with your finds and keep the nostalgia alive.

Memories of Mountain Cafe in Fort Collins, Colorado

 Mountain Cafe

226 West Mountain Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80521-2711

(970) 493-9576

I grew up eating at Mountain Cafe located in Fort Collins Colorado.  This was largely in part, because my old man's barber shop was located directly next door.   Look closely at the right side of the photo, and you will see an outline of where his old barber pole used to be.  My old man is now retired, and his barber shop long gone, but Mountain Cafe is still thriving.

Looking at this picture is like peering through a time portal back to my youth.  This counter has remained virtually unchanged since the 1970's.  The only noticeable difference as far as I can see, is an absent rotating cake and pie display that used to sit behind the left side of the counter. I used to beg my old man to sit at the counter when he'd take me there for breakfast or lunch.  Sometimes he'd reluctantly give in, and I'd be the happiest kid alive, dining with the working men of the world while feasting on my pigs in a blanket and chocolate milk, or patty melt and Coca-Cola.

The rest of the diner also remains largely unchanged.  However.. if you look to the left side of this picture, you will see a section of the wall that has been cut out.  The section to the left of that wall used be my old mans barber shop.  The owner took over the space and expanded after my Dad retired.  Every time I dine at Mountain Cafe, I can't help but sit and stare across the other side of the wall, in awe of how familiar yet how different it looks.

It never ceased to amaze me how Dad was treated like royalty in that place.  He'd get his coffee topped off at what seemed like every fourth or fifth sip, would often get free pieces of freshly made pie, and sometimes.. a free meal all together.  One time when my mother dropped me off at my Dad's shop for the afternoon, he was sitting in one of his barber chairs just finishing up a plate of food from the cafe.  A few minutes after he finished eating, one of the waitresses came in through the back door of his shop, picked up his plate, silverware and cup, and took it back to the restaurant. I remember thinking "Wow.. eating lunch in a comfortable barber chair, with people coming to serve you.  Now this is the life!"

 Pigs in a blanket and Hashbrowns

Dig that serving size!

On many an occasion, I order the pigs in a blanket and hash browns just as I did for so many years a kid, and they are always every bit as good as I remember them being when I was a young boy.  Mountain Cafe is everything I remember it to be and more, and dining there always brings back many fond memories from my youth.  

Things change, but in the case of this great diner, very little has (which is a good thing).  I see the same great value, quality, service, and quaintness that's been ever present.  If you're ever in Fort Collins Colorado and have the inkling for a great breakfast in an old school diner, I highly recommend hitting up Mountain Cafe.

Lockdown Day 26 - Cartoon character arrested for violating stay at home order

You've gotta laugh to keep from cryin' sometimes, so I'm keeping it light today.  I was checking the news from back home in Fort Collins Colorado, and saw this news story pop up..

ZOINKS! 

 Maybe if they wouldn't have cancelled his cartoon..

he wouldn't have had to go to work.

Ricke stated that he woulda gotten away with it too.. 

if not for those lousy customers Puffin' the Magic Dragon!

Memories of SHOWBIZ Pizza Place

Some of the fondest and happiest memories from my youth stemmed from visiting Showbiz Pizza Place. Showbiz Pizza is the now defunct sister restaurant to the currently flailing Chuck E. Cheese.  Like Chuck E. Cheese, the restaurant focused on pizza, animatronic entertainment, and video games, all within a family friendly atmosphere. 

After my family moved from California to Colorado in the late 70s, I found myself dreadfully missing our once regular trips to Disneyland, and Showbiz was the closest thing to Disney magic you could find when living 1300 miles west of Anaheim.  

I'll never forget my first visit to Showbiz Pizza Place. Giving in to my desperate plea's, my parents reluctantly took me there for dinner one Saturday night. We stood in line outside for the better part of an hour on a cold Colorado winter evening. My Dad kept grumbling about the long wait, but I didn't hear any other complaints from him once we got inside. I knew immediately as I stepped through the door, that Showbiz Pizza was my personal heaven. After all, there was pizza (my favorite food), skee ball, pin ball, video games, and awesome animatronic entertainment!

My 1980 Billy Bob mug

To this day I can vividly remember glancing over at my parents from time to time, only to see them watching me with big smiles on their faces. At the end of the night, my dad bought me a Billy Bob glass mug to commemorate my visit. I loved that mug, and still possess it to this very day. I even wrote an essay at school on the following Monday, documenting my first ever visit to Showbiz Pizza Place for which I received an A+.

The animatronic band that performed on the main stage was known as The Rocka-fire Explosion. The band featured, Fatz Geronimo the gorilla, Mitzi Mozzarella the mouse, Dook LaRue the dog, and Beach Bear. Just to the right of the center stage was the Showbiz franchise mascot, Billy Bob Brockolli the bear. To the left of the main stage was Rolfe DeWolfe the stand up comic, and Earl Schmerle his puppet sidekick. Billy Bob's buddy "Looney Bird" would occasionally pop up from his nest (an old oil drum full of moonshine) to offer some comic relief.

While many of my friends weren't too excited about watching the entertainment, and would high tail it straight to the arcade or skee-ball alley. I on the other hand, would take in all I could get. I too would spend lots of time in their massive video arcade, but also spent an equal amount of time watching the Rock-afire Explosion. I actually remember being in the midst of playing video games, and hearing the band start up. On more than one occasion, I would cut my games short, or deliberately make myself lose, so I could head back to the dining room to watch the Rocka-fire Explosion perform.

I always loved Showbiz Pizza Place, even when it wasn't "cool" for kids my age to dig it any more.  I remember many an afternoon where I left my high school campus to go get lunch at Showbiz all by myself. I was always the only kid my age in the restaurant. Other patrons were usually Moms that were taking their toddlers or preschoolers out to burn off some energy. I would sit alone watching the shows, and would then hit up the arcade to play a couple games of Donkey Kong or Asteroids before finally heading back to school.

Some years later when I lived on the East coast and my firstborn was a toddler, I would often take him to Showbiz for lunch. I was usually the only Dad in the restaurant surrounded by Moms. Before moving back to Colorado in the mid 90s, I took my son to Showbiz one more time. Little did I know, it would be the last time we would ever see a Showbiz Pizza Place ever again. 

Upon moving back to Colorado, I learned that the old Showbiz I frequented as a boy was now a Chuck E. Cheese. I searched high and low for Showbiz restaurants in surrounding cities, and even other states to no avail. Showbiz was the casualty of corporate unification that converted all Showbiz stores into the Chuck E. Cheese's. That move never sat well with me, and while I tried to embrace the change for my kids.. my family eventually stopped patronizing the chain.

The magic was gone, and it was evident in nearly every aspect of the business. The entertainment in my personal opinion was replaced with a sub par abomination that had no soul or magic compared to the Showbiz franchise. As I got older and started reminiscing about my Showbiz memories, I read stories of the infamous corporate transformation. Ex employees stated that virtually overnight, they were instructed to destroy and throw out all kinds of props, decorations, stage sets, and in some cases, animatronic characters. However, during this dark time, many sets and Rock-afire bands were saved, and would eventually experience some of their former glory many years down the line.

Below are some corporate unification videos showing employees how to dismantle sets, characters, and instructions on what to destroy. The videos then go on to show how to replace the sets and characters with Chuck E. Cheese characters. They're actually somber videos to watch for Showbiz fans like me, and it very much feels like watching someone dismantle a part of my childhood.

 

After some digging on the web, I found that several Showbiz enthusiasts actually own old Rocka-fire Explosion bands complete with the software to run their very own shows. Below is a video from one such fan. This clip even features the first performance I ever saw by The Rocka-fire Explosion back in 1980, during my first visit to Showbiz Pizza Place.  Gosh I love YouTube!

 

November 2025 Update: 

I just wrote a short article about Showbiz with some correlation to Five Night's at Freddy's, along with my own creepy experience. You can read it here.

If you'd like more information about Showbiz, or would just like to reminisce, the most comprehensive Showbiz website I've found on the web is at Showbizpizza.com Also.. the documentary Rock-afire Explosion is available on DVD, and can be purchased on Amazon. Check out the trailer here..

Last I heard, you
could still order a copy at
www.rockafiremovie.com