Chapter 55:

 

COLORADO SKI COMPANY, R.I.P.

​View from Ray Street A, looking towards North Street, early 1992. Peeking out on the right is the Colorado Ski Company; the building was finally demolished in 2007. Pic courtesy of Carrie W, UD '94For those of you who attended Delaware anytime between 1995 and 2007, hopefully this chapter will alleviate the mystery of, “That building with the parking lot,” where North College meets North Street.

 

The Colorado Ski Company, also known as the “CSC,” opened in either late '90 or early '91, and only lasted a year or two. In a Fall 1991 issue of The Review, they advertised “Great Food, Anytime 7 AM to 2 AM. Come to our Fifties Ski Lodge for Breakfast, Burgers, Pizza, Shakes, Sodas, Floats, Creamies, and Near Beer!”

 

That’s right, Near Beer. They weren’t able to get a liquor license. Deadly in a college town, but nothing they could do, because of their proximity to Ray Street. However, they then did find a way to allow BYOB…result was the place got popular, but ironically, was probably what did them in. Because as you guys know, college kids can get very creative in BYOB scenarios, and it’s incredibly difficult to police underage drinking. BYOB, CSC, R.I.P.!

 

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Condiment Shortage

 

“I worked there right when it opened. The property had been vacant for a while, but it used to be the old Stuff Yer' Face restaurant. Another failed attempt to put a commercial establishment on a property in that neighborhood.

 

The Colorado Ski Company was BEAUTIFUL inside! The entire place was dark robust thick wood, just like a ski lodge, but big. Off of the main floor were steps that led to more tables, overlooking the main floor. There was a jukebox and an ice cream bar that you could sit and have ‘non-alcoholic’ milkshakes. It was cool to eat there and to hang out, but the food sucked! Probably because they hired anyone who said they had cooking experience; instant mac-n-cheese doesn't count my friend. I remember one night getting pulled away from my tables because they needed help in the kitchen. These people had ME on the grill! You pull in help to have someone chop vegetables, not to grill steaks and burgers, ya’ know?

 

The crowd was mostly college kids, and a brunch crowd. Nights were hard because they didn't have a liquor license. It was a good alternative to eating at the dining hall, though. Best nights? When I didn't have to work. Drink specials? Flask of whiskey in your pocketbook.

 

I worked there for a month or so, and that was waaaay too long. It was probably one of the worst waitressing jobs I ever had…it was a burger and fry joint that consistently RAN OUT OF KETCHUP. I had a table of twelve completely stiff me on a $100 bill because we didn’t have ketchup. When they bitched and complained, I told them to please not shoot the messenger. I knew it wouldn't last after that. My friend got busted for sucking all the nitrous from the Cool Whip containers one day. And then it was torn down in early 2007, to make way for residential townhouses and / or apartments. So sad, the place would have been a fantastic bar! Oh well.”

 

- Jen B, UD '93

 

T’oh!

 

“I used to walk by that building everyday for two years when I lived on North Campus. That business was always changing hands, nothing seemed to make it in that location. I think it was because the location sucked, honestly, but I digress. My sorority had a function there once, so that was cool. I had my car towed from that lot during Wilburfest '93, which was not cool.”

 

- Stephanie, UD '93

 

Could’ve Been A Contender

 

“The Colorado Ski Company was supposed to be located where Cheeburger Cheeburger is now (Digger’s Note: Formerly the Korner Diner, formerly Jude’s, formerly Jimmy’s!) -- the place was called the ‘Newark Diner’ at the time, and it wasn't very appealing. Colorado Ski Company bought it, shut it down, and announced their plans to the press to remove the eyesore.

 

In a rare moment of community protest, a non-profit organization fought to have the diner become a historical building so it could not be torn down. Unable to build the restaurant on Main Street, they had to sell it, and then open the CSC by Ray Street, again with lots of press. But the food was expensive, they were ‘Never going to have bands,’ and had trouble securing a liquor license at the new location because back then, you couldn't have a bar near the dorms! Makes you wonder how the Brickyard was allowed to happen.”

 

- David Muddiman

Owner / Engineer of Starground Audio