Natural light streams into the bustling dining room as a server sets down a plate holding a thick slab of French toast dusted with powdered sugar at a table full of children dressed in athletic gear.
It’s a Monday morning at College Café – formerly College Drive Café. The “Drive” was dropped when the popular Durango breakfast spot relocated from 666 E. College Drive to 128 E. Ninth St. six weeks ago.
In May, the new location officially opened to the public.
For owners Aaron Seitz and Leah Evers, a husband and wife duo, it was long overdue – they started the relocation journey three years ago when the building owner of the old location died.
A year into the search, the building formerly occupied by Reign Salon became available – and they jumped at the opportunity. Renovating the salon for food service took two years, and much of the work they did themselves.
“We did so much of this by ourselves. I didn’t know I could take plaster off a wall or build a table,” Evers said.
It made her feel “kind of empowered,” she said.
Seitz said the biggest takeaway from the three-year project was learning patience.
“You can slow down sometimes,” he said.
After more than a decade in the old location, the change has been an adjustment both of them said, but a good one.
“It’s been pretty good. It’s a lot easier to come to work. It’s fresh and new, it’s giving us more energy to try new things,” Evers said. “It’s like a whole new job – sort of.”
While they’re both relieved the move – riddled with roadblocks – is finally behind them, they say the work isn’t over. There are still finishing touches left to complete.
And, as any restaurant owner knows, the job never really ends.
On May 12, just as they opened the new doors to the public for the first time, the kitchen power went out.
As customers filed in, Seitz was horizontal in the back of the restaurant, trying to reset the circuit breaker.
It only took a few minutes to get the appliances back online, but both owners pointed to the story as an example of the small challenges that constantly arise in the business.
All staff members stayed on during the move, and Evers said they’re still adjusting to the new space.
“It’s a little adjustment, because we got a new computer also. So I think that was the most challenging part, at least the front of the house,” Evers said.
But the back of house staff members are enjoying the expanded kitchen Seitz said.
Compared to the old location, it’s much more spacious. The upgrade allowed them to install a larger griddle, which makes it easier to cook the restaurant’s famously large pancakes.
Earlier this year, as construction neared completion, Evers and Seitz had planned to add a grab-and-go fridge, obtain a liquor license and expand the menu. Those additions are still on the horizon, but not for a few more months.
“We’re just going to take it easy, because it’s been such a process just getting here and getting everything going. It’s kind of like, OK, just relax for a little,” Evers said.
The grab-and-go and the addition of alcohol will be a step they tackle in the fall.
The restaurant has been busy, both said, though it’s hard to tell how much of that is because of the new, more central location off Main Avenue – or simply the fact that it’s peak summer tourist season.
One husband-and-wife duo, who spend summers in Durango and were regulars at the old spot, were disappointed when they stopped by a few weeks ago and found it closed, Seitz said.
They ended up parking in front of the new College Café by chance, walked in and nearly finished their meal before realizing they were eating at their favorite breakfast place, he chuckled as he told the story.
Overall, Evers said, the regulars have taken the transition in stride.
“They’ve been patient with the old place and with this new place,” she said. “Just supporting us – they’ve been great. There are so many of them that are friends now, that come in all the time.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
