Dear Friends and Supporters,

El Rancho, a beloved local restaurant in Evergreen, Colorado, is facing a critical moment. We are a part of the property ownership group, and we have proposed relocating El Rancho to preserve its historic significance and give it new life. This effort needs community support. Without action, we risk losing this unique piece of our history.

Why El Rancho Matters

For 76 years, El Rancho has served the Evergreen and local communities as well as travelers heading to and from the mountains.  The rustic western structure holds generations of memories for many of us. It is a special place. But in recent years, the restaurant has faced insurmountable challenges. Rising costs, structural disrepair, and the challenges of running profitable restaurants have made it increasingly difficult to keep the doors open.

Despite the best efforts of many, including some of Colorado’s top operators, the current location and condition of El Rancho make it nearly impossible for the business to thrive. However, there is hope.

A New Vision for El Rancho

To save El Rancho, we propose relocating it across Highway 40 to a more visible and accessible location. This move would preserve the building’s historic features and enhance its potential as a vibrant event space and community hub. The new site would offer better views, a modern kitchen, and improved facilities, ensuring that El Rancho can continue serving our community for years to come.

The new site would be very close to the old Observatory Bar and would have much better visibility from I-70, hopefully bringing more customers to the restaurant. The move across the street would also place El Rancho adjacent to a new planned hotel, which will further support El Rancho and many surrounding businesses. Incidentally, the last hotel built in this area is Comfort Suites, now over 20 years old. That property recently sold for $18M due to its high occupancy rates and successful track record based on numerous hotel industry markers. 

This plan is not about financial gain; it’s about saving El Rancho and preserving the iconic restaurant, bar, and post office. The move will be costly, but it’s a risk we have to take to save this irreplaceable part of our community.

Why We Need Your Help

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. Our relocation plan hinges on gaining approval from Jefferson County and CDOT, and we must demonstrate that the community stands behind this effort. Our partner in this project, QuikTrip, has committed to working with us to ensure a seamless transition, but we need to show that saving El Rancho is a priority for the local community.

Sign the Petition to Save El Rancho

We urge you to sign this petition to support preserving El Rancho by relocating it. Your signature will help us demonstrate to local officials that El Rancho is worth saving and that the community is committed to its future. Timing is important; change is imminent and the opportunity to move the historic part of the building will not be available for an unlimited period of time.

There are other petitions and websites being circulated on social media; unfortunately, they are full of misinformation and actually push El Rancho closer toward its demise.

Together, we can ensure that El Rancho remains a cherished part of the Evergreen area for generations. Please sign and share this petition with your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s give El Rancho a shot at another 76 years!

Thank you for your support,

Sherry and Jack Buchanan