20 Years of Arapahoe Cafe in Dillon, CO
20 Years of Arapahoe Cafe in Dillon, CO
When you think of the town of Dillon, Colorado, the first thing that comes to mind is probably outdoor recreation. After all, the area is known for its breathtaking views and plethora of outdoor activities.
But there's another staple in this small mountain town that shouldn't be overlooked: Arapahoe Cafe! For over 20 years, Arapahoe Cafe has served delicious food to locals and visitors alike. Famous dishes such as the Dillon & Taos omelets, Roadhouse hash, and our Wednesday burger nights have kept residents and tourists coming back for more.
If you're looking for a cozy atmosphere, look no further than Arapahoe Cafe. Located in the heart of downtown Dillon, it's a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch with friends and family. Every meal comes with a relaxing view of Lake Dillon, as well as freshly-brewed coffee and freshly-baked bread. We even have a full bar and live music on the weekends!
This beloved restaurant offers so much more than just good eats, though. It's become a cornerstone of the community, providing a gathering place for friends and family to share meals and quality time together. And when you see how friendly and welcoming the staff is, it's easy to see why.
Let's take a walk down memory lane and celebrate 20 years of Arapahoe Cafe!
The Heart & Soul of Dillon, CO
To know Arapahoe Cafe & Pub is to know the history of Dillon, Colorado.
Dillon, Colorado, has been a beloved mountain town for many years. Located just 75 miles west of Denver in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Dillon is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning views. Plus, the nearby Dillon Reservoir is a haven for sailing, kayaking, and other water sports.
Fun fact - did you know that Dillon Reservoir was the first lake to be created in Colorado?
The area was first inhabited by the Ute Native American Tribe and was later settled by miners and fur trappers in the mid-1800s.
Dillon was first located on the banks of the Blue River until it was moved to a new location in 1883 as Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad (now the Union Pacific Railroad) entered into service. The old town was then known as “Old Dillon,” and residents moved to the new location as the nearby dam began to draw residents for jobs and a mountainous lifestyle.
A third move of the city occurred in the 1960s to the current location of Dillon, Colorado. Residents and businesses were responsible to move their homes and buildings, which included the original building of Arapahoe Cafe. The original cafe made a move with the town and has been offering delicious food in its current location for years!
A Community Staple Built on Passion
From its early days as a town staple, Arapahoe Cafe has continued to serve as a gathering place and community hub. However, the owners of the cafe soon began to lose interest in the business and, as a result, decided to close their doors 20 years ago this December.
At this time, A-Cafe's owner Doug Pierce was looking for a new opportunity after leaving his role at Keystone. Passionate about the restaurant industry - and committed to the Summit County community - Doug began to wonder how he could begin a new venture that combined his love for food with his desire to be an entrepreneur.
Serendipity struck during a routine visit at Dillon Family Dental, where Doug learned of the nearby Arapahoe Cafe's owners walking out on their lease. The vacant property near the Best Western Hotel was begging for someone to take over and give it a new life. Doug soon realized that he had found the perfect opportunity that could make all of his dreams come true.
After weeks of hard work - obtaining permits, renovating the kitchen, hiring staff - Arapahoe Cafe opened its doors during the 2002 Christmas season. Doug was determined to provide locals and visitors alike with a unique dining experience filled with delicious food and the memorable atmosphere of Dillon.
To save on overhead, Doug doubled as founder and opening grill cook - throwing on an apron and firing up the burners each morning to prepare classic dishes for the community. Doug's wife Deb and their daughters, Bonnie and Kelsey, turned the cafe into a family business.
Fast forward two decades, and the Arapahoe Cafe has become an institution in Dillon, CO. Doug still steps behind the grill from time to time - although now he's joined by a team of experienced cooks and waitstaff who continue his legacy of bringing great food and warm hospitality to this mountain town. Deb - who passed away in 2006 after a valiant fight against cancer - is forever remembered in the restaurant's spirit and neighborly atmosphere.
As Arapahoe Cafe celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains a testament to Doug's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to Summit County. After two decades of providing delicious meals, warm hospitality, and countless memories, we wouldn't want it any other way.
Celebrate 20 Years of A-Cafe
The heart and soul of America can be found in small towns like Dillon - and there's no better example of this than the Arapahoe Cafe. From its earliest days as a gathering place for miners to its current status as an iconic Summit County restaurant, A-Cafe has come to embody the spirit of America's small towns.
In honor of its 20th anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating the Arapahoe Cafe and all that it represents. Come experience this unique mountain town eatery for yourself and share in the joy of Dillon's favorite gathering place.
As part of our 20-year anniversary, we’d like to thank all our loyal customers who have chosen us as their go-to local spot. We wouldn’t be here without you! The many years of great times and delicious food are something we’re truly proud of.
To celebrate this milestone, we are offering 2 for 1 meals all day to celebrate our birthday on December 13th. Come by and join us in the festivities! We can't wait to reminisce on the past twenty years with all of you - and look forward to the next twenty.