An Iconic Piece of Colorado Restaurant History is For Sale

An iconic Colorado restaurant formerly known for its mouthwatering buckets of chicken and beer now sits empty, awaiting life to return inside. The uniquely shaped building at 2817 North Nevada Avenue once housed Johnny's Navajo Hogan but was recently listed on the market for $1.4 million.

Established in 1935, the freestanding, polygonal property with a massive neon sign is representative of roadside architecture that was common in that era. Soon after it was constructed, the building became a local landmark for residents of Colorado Springs.

In addition to the bold and recognizable sign, an authentic totem pole remains intact outside the vacant restaurant, although both have become weathered and faded over time. The building's interior space is just as interesting as the exterior, with features like angled wooden ceilings and a covered gazebo. The ceiling was reportedly built without using nails, in the style of a true Navajo hogan.

According to locals, the restaurant was forced to close due to hardships from the pandemic, as well as two fires that occurred on-site in 2021.

The long-standing 5,550-square-foot building is now listed on the National Historic Registry and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.