The last several months have brought numerous restaurant and brewery closures to Colorado, but perhaps no closure has meant the shutdown of a longer standing restaurant than one that was announced in recent days.

Hudson’s Pepper Pod Restaurant announced on Saturday that their last full day of operations is set to be January 12, with the founding of the small town Colorado restaurant dating back to 1913. Hudson is located in Weld County with a population of about 1,600 residents – aside from the Pepper Pod, there are six other places to eat in town based on the Yelp map, two of which are well-known fast food restaurants and one that’s a location of a coffeehouse chain.

Pepper Pod has been described as a “landmark on the plains,” a long-standing staple for local diners and an established part of the Hudson community. The menu best falls into the American comfort food genre of cuisine, driven by favorites like chicken fried steak, ribeye, breakfast platters, and pancakes. Colorado staples like homemade pork green chile stew and Rocky Mountain oysters are featured among the spot’s offerings, too.

“We aren’t fancy, because people need more than that from us, and we’ve been pleasing people for over 105 years,” reads a statement from the restaurant published amid their 108-anniversary celebration in 2021. “So sit up straight, don’t talk with your mouth full, and by all means, leave room for dessert.”

The recent announcement from the restaurant addressed the reason behind the closure, too:

“Please know that this decision did not come easily, but health concerns can no longer be ignored. For nearly half a century of continuous ownership, our family has had the honor of being stewards of a place that has meant so much to so many. We were never just a restaurant; we were a gathering place, a constant, and a shared table where generations came together.”

‘Generations’ is right. And what started as a humble cafe transformed into a community hub over the years.

“We are humbled by the history we witnessed and, at times, helped make. From becoming the first restaurant to serve bison during the beef shortages of World War II, to the unforgettable day after September 11th when our dining room was filled with people holding hands and praying together, this restaurant stood as a reflection of resilience, compassion, and community,” reads the closure announcement. “Those moments remind us that food can nourish more than the body—it can bind people together in hope and humanity.”

The Pepper Pod closure announcement Facebook post has gotten more than 3,000 reactions and 1,200 shares since it was published, with many fans of the spot chiming in share their fond memories. There was no shortage of thanks given from the restaurant to its patrons, either:

“As we close our doors, we do so with immense pride and heartfelt thanks,” said the restaurant. “The legacy of this restaurant lives on in the memories you carry and the stories you’ll continue to share.”

It’s also worth noting that the Pepper Pod property is up for sale – and has been for 279 days based on a CREXI listing. It’s priced at $4,559,000.

Undoubtedly a loss set to be felt by the entire Hudson community, fans of the restaurant still have the chance to stop by and show their love for the establishment. What’s next for the property remains to be determined.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)