Remember When Dairy Kings Were All Over Colorado?
Most people are very familiar with the Dairy Queen franchise, which has 77 restaurant locations in Colorado and thousands of others nationwide. But did you know that Colorado also had multiple Dairy Kings in operation at one point in time, too?
Although both of these royally named restaurants are famous for serving ice cream and hamburgers, they are not owned by the same company or connected in any capacity.
Evidence of one Dairy King can be found in Last Chance, Colorado, but this diner on the Eastern Plains has been defunct for many years. During the 1960s, the ice cream shop on Highway 36 had a bright yellow exterior and was known for serving delicious desserts. No commercial businesses are left in this deserted ghost town anymore, but the sign for the former Dairy King is still intact above a bunch of empty trailers where the restaurant once stood.
A second Dairy King is on Grand Avenue in Grand Lake, Colorado, however, it permanently closed its doors to customers after the 2021 season due to a lack of employees. The 984-square-foot bright red building was built in 1989 and is currently listed for sale at just under a million dollars. A liveable residence is connected to the restaurant. Hopefully, someone will bring new life into this iconic establishment!
Another one of Colorado's former Dairy Kings has since been transformed into a unique Airbnb. During the 1940s, the 1,810-square-foot building along Highway 50 in Delta was a popular carhop. Now, the property has been converted into a modern short-term rental with a vintage vibe. Besides a taste of nostalgia, visitors can still get ice cream at the Delta Dairy King - all guests staying at this Airbnb get free scoops.
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Nowadays, only one of Colorado's legendary Dairy King restaurants is still in service. The family-owned establishment opened in the heart of downtown Empire in 1984. Since then, it's been known for its mouthwatering, customizable burgers, many different ice cream flavors, and creamy malts. The charming ice cream parlor is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.
Colorado residents also remember visiting and working at additional Dairy Kings in towns including Kremmling, Ordway, Craig, Fraser, and Lafayette at various points over the years. None of these locations remain in operation.
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Gallery Credit: Kelsey Nistel