Beloved restaurant featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ abruptly closes after 30-plus years

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - A beloved breakfast staple in Colorado is closing its doors for good.

The Mountain Shadows Restaurant in Old Colorado City will be sold instead of reopening, according to a social media post shared this week.

“I’m so sorry to say Mountain Shadows Restaurant is permanently closed,” the message said. “My heart’s breaking; things just haven’t worked out.”

Known for its gigantic cinnamon rolls, huge pancakes, and other tasty eats, the Mountain Shadows Restaurant has been a popular spot in the city for years.

Customers, who have given the restaurant a hearty 4.6-star rating on Google reviews, expressed shock, sadness and dismay at the news.

“I can’t imagine the west side without Mt Shadows!” read one comment on the Facebook post.

The abrupt closing announcement comes just a few weeks after the restaurant posted a happy Thanksgiving message, stating that it would reopen as usual on Black Friday after the holiday.

However, Monday’s message shared that the restaurant was hit hard by COVID and things just “piled on.”

“I really hope someone who loves this place buys it — I need to sell it ASAP,” the post said. “Covid hit hard, and then a bunch of other stuff piled on. I want to thank you all for your support. difficulties forced the owners’ hands.”

According to its website, the restaurant has been family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, first in Lake George before opening in Old Colorado City.

In 2015, it was featured by Guy Fieri on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”

A handwritten sign could be seen on the restaurant’s door Tuesday, stating it was permanently closed and thanked patrons for their support.