Colorado Cafe In Watchung Closes After 22 Years

WATCHUNG, NJ — Colorado Cafe, a country western nightclub known for its line dancing and mechanical bull riding, has closed its doors after 22 and a half years.

The Cafe announced its closing abruptly on Facebook on July 3.

The post got more than 2,200 comments from fans of the Cafe about their sadness at the news.

"I feel like an old friend has died. I will always remember the friends I made there, dating my current husband there, going for my birthdays, my bachelorette, just to do something different with friends, all the dances I learned there, DJ Wild Bill, the beautiful western decorations, the back bar, Buck off the bull, and of course hearing the latest in country music and the new line dances. A part of my past is disappearing for good. RIP to the Colorado Cafe," said Wendy Moses on the post.

"Today some part of my heart will die forever ... I'm so sorry anyway all the great moments I've spend at the Colorado Cafe will last forever!!!" said Daniela Costa Hofmann.

An email to the Cafe management is no longer functional, and when calling the main line, callers are greeted with an automated message about the closing.

"The staff and management want to thank you for 22 and half years of memories, fun and friendship. Please stay well and be safe. And thank you from Colorado Cafe and management," the recording states.

The reasoning behind the closure was not announced by management, but on Jan. 20, 2015 the property was discussed at a Watchung Planning Board meeting. Colorado Cafe's property was apparently sold to expand the existing quarry zone. See the minutes from that meeting HERE.

A followup post by the management regarding gift certificates and passbooks was posted on Wednesday.

AUCTION:

But all is not lost for fans of the Cafe. A.J. Willner Auctions in Springfield is hosting an auction for all of the Colorado Cafe's restaurant equipment and liquor license.

Items to be auctioned include:

• Watchung, NJ "C" Liquor License
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Restaurant & Bar Refrigeration of All Kinds
• Glycol Draft System
• Tables & Chairs
• Bar Room Decor & Neon Signs
• Professional Audio Equipment & Dance Floor Lighting
• (NJ Licensed) Mechanical Bull

The auction will be held on July 31 at 11 a.m. at the Colorado Cafe at 154 Bonnie Burn Road, Watchung. For more information on the auction CLICK HERE.

Image via ajwillnerauctions.com

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