Historic El Rancho Colorado
Established 1948
For over seven decades, El Rancho Colorado has been a testament to culinary excellence and deep-rooted tradition, serving up a diverse array of dishes that have solidified its status as a cornerstone of the local community. Born from the vision of a family dedicated to bringing people together through great food, El Rancho has navigated the ebbs and flows of economic shifts and changing tastes, always emerging as a place where generations of customers gather to share meals and memories. This journey into El Rancho’s storied past reveals the essence of its lasting allure.
A Rocky Mountain Legacy
For over 75 years, El Rancho has remained a beacon of tradition and authenticity in the culinary scene. Recognition for its exceptional cuisine has come through numerous awards, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to flavor and quality.
El Rancho was built in 1948 by the Jahnke family as a trading post. They sold the building in November 1953 to Mildred and Ray Zipprich, Milwaukee Wisconsin pie distributors. Their daughter Donna and son-in-law Paul McEncroe joined them in February 1958 and operated it, with their children, until 1988. After the McEncroes sold El Rancho in 1988 it was owned and operated by various families. In May 2015 the Vincent families renovated the historic restaurant as a brew pub, opening in November 2015. The updated El Rancho is dedicated to serving the community as a gathering place, preparing tasty meals, producing quality craft beer, and keeping Colorado great. Their commitment to excellence and community engagement set El Rancho apart, laying the groundwork for a legacy that would endure through decades. In fact, El Rancho is considered so historic and important to the area that it was granted its own exit off Interstate 70 and it even served as home to a US Post Office branch for a period of time starting in 1956. President Dwight Eisenhower was known to be a frequent visitor to El Rancho when he was spending time at his hunting lodge north of Idaho Springs.
Certainly, El Rancho’s path was not without its obstacles like economic downturns to operational challenges. Yet, the resolve of its founders and team ensured that the restaurant not only survived but thrived, expanding its reach while preserving the quality and service that had become synonymous with the El Rancho name. As El Rancho grew, so did its dedication to maintaining the high culinary standards that customers had come to expect. Rigorous quality control, comprehensive training, and a commitment to authentic flavors were instrumental in scaling the El Rancho experience across multiple locations.
El Rancho’s influence extends beyond the dining table, with a storied history of cultural contributions and charitable endeavors. From hosting community celebrations to supporting local causes, El Rancho has woven itself into the fabric of the community, fostering a spirit of generosity and belonging.
Today, El Rancho continues to captivate diners with a harmonious blend of classic offerings and modern culinary innovations. Embracing changing dietary preferences and sustainability, the restaurant has introduced a range of organic and plant-based options, all while ensuring the essence of the original El Rancho experience remains intact.
The stewardship of El Rancho now rests with a new generation, poised to navigate the future while honoring the restaurant’s storied past. Through a blend of tradition and innovation, El Rancho remains committed to enchanting its patrons both old and new! In reflecting on El Rancho Restaurant’s 75-year saga…
the enduring appeal of this unique landmark becomes clear. It stands as a celebration of history, great food, and community spirit—a legacy that promises to enrich the culinary landscape for generations to come.
