The Silver Grill Cafe

More than the story of a beloved Colorado restaurant, The Silver Grill Cafe is a lively journey through family, food, friendship, and over a century of Fort Collins history.

In The Silver Grill Cafe: An American Story and a Counter Seat to Fort Collins History, John Arnolfo traces his remarkable family story from the arrival of his immigrant grandparents to the sale of his popular, award-winning restaurant. Along the way, he cleverly uses the story of his beloved Model A-purchased by his grandmother and father in 1930 and restored by John decades later-to weave together the histories of the Silver Grill, his family, and the community he came to call home.

Arnolfo recalls growing up with a protective mother whose worries about his safety often clashed with his adventurous spirit. After moving to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University, he spread his wings by skydiving, bull riding, and buying his first sports car.

After graduation, adventure took him to Vail, Colorado, where he spent four years skiing in winter, bronc riding in summer, making lifelong friends, and serving and tending bar for VIPs-including President Gerald R. Ford.

Eventually, Arnolfo traded his skis for aprons. After he and his former college roommate searched unsuccessfully for a restaurant to buy, they learned that the Silver Grill in Old Town Fort Collins was for sale. On February 14, 1979, the two became its owners-and began a new chapter in the history of what would become a treasured Fort Collins institution.

With warmth, candor, and humor, Arnolfo shares stories of the unforgettable characters who ate, worked, dated, celebrated, and occasionally fought at the Grill over more than four decades. He reveals how risks, friendships, loyal customers, practical jokes, hard work, and now-famous cinnamon rolls helped transform him into a successful entrepreneur and the Silver Grill into a community icon.

Filled with colorful characters, Colorado history, and memories from behind the counter, The Silver Grill Cafe is ultimately a celebration of family, food, friendship, and the places that become part of who we are.

Includes a collection of color and historical photos and images from the author's personal collection. Printed with premium color.