Evergreen’s El Rancho Colorado, a legendary roadside eatery along Interstate 70 that closed its doors late last year, is now seeking a new owner or operator.
Earlier this year, QuickTrip purchased the land where El Rancho sits for $6.17 million and plans to begin construction in 2026. However, the convenience store and gas station chain has agreed to allow the relocation of the El Rancho structure across the road if a new owner is found.
The 77-year-old restaurant and events venue is available for sale, with an asking price of $2.65 million that includes about $1 million worth of nearly-new brewing equipment.
However, the clock is ticking, and a new owner/operator must be identified within the next few months or the structure may be demolished.
“This new location boasts far better views of the Continental Divide, and high visibility for travelers on I-70,” said JLL Senior Vice President Stephen Markey, who, together with JLL Senior Sales/Broker Sarah Sparks, is marketing El Rancho for sale on behalf of Observatory Holdings LLC.
“El Rancho was originally built as a roadhouse for travelers, and that’s the legacy we all hope continues. It lost that visibility when Highway 40 was replaced by I-70 as the main route west.”
As part of the plan to move the building from its original location, developers Observatory Holdings have designated a lot for El Rancho in their development directly across U.S. 40, once a new owner/operator is identified.
“While there is no obligation to move El Rancho, we see this as a unique opportunity to breathe new life into this business,” said Jack Buchanan on behalf of the developers.
Buchanan, alongside Denver developer Travis McAfoos, purchased the restaurant and 5.4 acres of surrounding land out of bankruptcy in November 2022 before selling to QuickTrip.
“In addition to the improved location, placing it on a new foundation will eliminate a lot of the costly infrastructure issues that plagued the business in recent decades, and will set the site up for success for years to come,” he said.
Colorado-based Mammoth Movers was consulted to discuss the viability of moving El Rancho across the street, according to a Friday morning news release of the sale listing.
Mammoth confirmed that it is possible to move the historic part of the building, including the old post office, bar, main dining room and upper level. Structural engineers have also been on-site and confirmed the move’s feasibility.
Developers will not move El Rancho unless a new owner/operator has been identified.
“The costs associated with the move are substantial, and it makes no sense to undertake this unless someone has stepped up to own/operate the business,” Buchanan said.
“If no one is interested, it may be the end of the road for El Rancho.”
If a new owner/operator is identified, the developers propose to complete prep work on the new site, build a new foundation and move the El Rancho structure.
The new building owner would then complete renovations, giving them control over costs and preferences regarding finishing the property. Potential investors may also be available for the right owner/operator.
JLL plans to offer a type of “open house” for interested parties, including tours of El Rancho and the new location, on Aug. 27 and Sept. 3. Markey told The Post that the property has already sparked interest among potential buyers.
A new Marriott-branded hotel is planned in the new development site where El Rancho would be moved.
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