True Grit Cafe To Get New Owner

Above, the True Grit Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During three trips to the Ridgway, Colorado area, I have dined at the True Grit Cafe in Ridgway. The restaurant was built next to a location of the movie True Grit (1969) where John Wayne unloaded a horse-drawn paddy wagon of prisoners and a painted sign is on a wall in the scene. 

Above, the scene from True Grit. The sign is at right in the background.

I was last there in September when I volunteered to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's "Grit Series" marathon. I tried their salmon dinner, which was great.

Previously, I tried out their chili bowl and it was also great. 

Above, the painted wall sign from True Grit in the bar area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The restaurant is about to change ownership, but the traditions of it will remain the same.

From the restaurant's website:

RIDGWAY, Colo. (KREX) — The True Grit Cafe, built in 1985, has always been a tribute to John Wayne and his movie “True Grit,” filmed in Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride. While they get ready to change ownership, the new owner says the name and traditions will stay the same.

A day before, I asked the current owner if it is true they are selling the restaurant and this was the reply:

Yes. The day to day operations. I will stay on as an employee managing the catering. This allows me more freedom to spend time with the Grandkids!

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I at the True Grit Cafe in September 2020.

The True Grit Cafe is loaded with John Wayne movie memorabilia and they are worth walking in to see alone. The aforementioned painted wall of the movie can be seen in the bar area. In fact, the restaurant was built around the sign in order to preserve it.

Above, there's plenty of John Wayne movie memorabilia to see. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information on the True Grit Cafe, go here. 

Telluride, Colorado

Above, a view of Telluride, Colorado during my 1984 visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We didn't make it to Telluride, Colorado during last year's trip to Durango, Silverton, Ridgway and Ouray, but I did manage to visit the town in 1984 with a couple of friends.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on what Telluride, Colorado has to offer to visitors.

They start it with:

With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But it’s when the temperatures start to climb that this historic mining community in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains really shines.

From beloved bluegrass and film festivals to vibrant wildflower hikes, Telluride comes alive in the spring and summer. The town is home to a robust art scene, yet its location, some 330 miles southwest of the hustle and bustle of Denver makes it the perfect place to recharge.

Here, you’ll find a mix of creatives, avid outdoorspeople, naturalists, successful retirees, celebrities (Oprah Winfrey is among those who reportedly own second homes here), and just about everyone in between. Despite its popularity, Telluride has (thankfully) also managed to hang onto its free-spirited character throughout the years and remains a favorite, down-to-Earth Colorado destination.

Here’s how to plan a weekend trip to Telluride—and what to do once you arrive.

To read more, go here.