Step Into Silver Grill’s Storied Past

A Collage of historic silver grill images all at the restaurant in Fort Collins.

A Fort Collins Legacy Since 1933

For over 90 years, the Silver Grill Café has been part of Fort Collins’ story — a place where generations have gathered for scratch-made breakfasts, hometown hospitality, and world famous cinnamon rolls the size of your plate. What started as a single café during the Great Depression has grown into one of Northern Colorado’s most beloved dining traditions.

1933 – The Beginning

Leonidas “Flossie” Widger opened the Silver Grill Café at 218 Walnut Street on October 28, 1933.
According to legend, the café got its name when a hungry painter offered to letter “Silver Grill” on the front window in exchange for a pork chop lunch.The café quickly became a neighborhood favorite — simple comfort food served with small-town warmth.

1949 – A Family Tradition

After sixteen years of success, Flossie’s son Pete Widger and his business partner Max McDowell took over operations. They continued to serve the growing Old Town community through the postwar boom years, keeping the Silver Grill a fixture in downtown Fort Collins.

1980s–1990s – A New Chapter

In the decades that followed, ownership changed hands, but the heart of the Silver Grill remained the same.When John Arnolfo purchased the restaurant, he launched a series of thoughtful expansions and remodels — combining five historic storefronts into the spacious dining rooms guests know today. His vision was clear: to grow the restaurant while preserving its character and heritage.

2000s – Preserving History

John made it a priority to protect the building’s original charm. The painted brick signs that once advertised “Land and Livestock” (1913) and “Real Estate / Insurance” (1922) were preserved and are still visible inside the Lower Downtown Room. Each renovation honored the past while making space for new generations of diners.

Today – Still Fort Collins’ Favorite Gathering Place

Nearly a century later, the Silver Grill remains the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado.Now under the care of longtime owners Alan & Jackie Jantzen and their team, the café continues to serve breakfast, lunch, and lots of Cinnamon Rolls seven days a week — staying true to its roots of hearty meals, friendly faces, and a slice of local history with every bite.

Don’t Take Our Word for It…

"We came in with friends and sat outside on the patio for my husband’s birthday. The cinnamon roll and country fried steak were to die for! The waitress, Juliana was warm, knowledgeable about the menu, and came by to refill drinks, sauces, and butter without ever having to be asked. We will certainly be back!"

- Aimiee Chbosky

"We really appreciate the warm welcome of the staff. They made sure that we can choose where we will be seated. Their service shows how passionate they are and not just for the sake of working there. In addition to the ambiance of the place. From the background music that will help you relax while checking the menu. And their food, which is not only generous in serving but the quality and taste, really justifies the price. We’ve been to several diners in Denver but we found a gem here in FOCO. Kudos!"

- J.R.

"In town for work and a local suggested it for breakfast. It was great. I started looking at all the historical items and owner came over and we talked for about 20mins while he gave a history of the place."

- Cory wend

A Taste of Fort Collins History