Sep 105 min read

Exclusive: Inside the Closing of Royal Tavern

On a Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, the historic Royal Tavern located in scenic Manitou Springs, Colorado, bid farewell to its loyal patrons and shut its doors after 90 years of continuous service. The closure marked the end of an era for this beloved establishment that has weathered all conditions, to serve the local community faithfully since its founding in 1935, by Lyle and Olga Rutterford.

HISTORY

In the 1950's, Royal Tavern was passed on to the Rutterford's daughter, Betty, who attended Manitou Springs High School. It's location at 924 Manitou Ave, is in the center of town next to the world famous Penny Arcade, and other neighboring shops. Families and youth from the 1950's to present day, still enjoy the unique retro arcade games and rides, while locals would sit outside on the patio of The Royal as their children played. The Royal ownership always had the theme of being a part of the community hub over the years, calling its regulars and staff, "The Royal Family".

There were 5 owners total with the majority owned by The Rutterford or Moses families, with one owner in-between named Dino, who brought in the pool table and biker scene, which frequented Royal Tavern from the late 1950's, to present day. The Royal had unique features such as the painting of "Pub Dogs" painted by Constance Depler, who also did a series from the early 1950's to mid 1960's, including the beautiful mural in front of the bar case.

Out front was the bench that millions over the years have sat on. When Dan passed away, it was painted green and engraved with his name and along with his Army unit patch (1st Calvary), in his beloved memory. The green color was due to the nick name "Slimer" which was a bike he rode over the years and would always be parked out front of The Royal, when he tended the bar himself.

The last owner Donald Ray Moses "Donny Jr." passed away in May 2024, and his memorial service in June, which had a full attendance of his loyal crew of employees, who the locals all knew by name and trusted. Atosha Hett and Adrian were two employees that all the regulars would speak fondly of, both working there approximately 20 years. The support staff Jessica, Lou, Eric, Bella, and Steph also tirelessly helped keep the place running smooth over the years.

THE CLOSING

Tosha, the manager of Royal Tavern, had no idea the closure was coming until Labor Day Weekend when she asked Julie, the sister to Donny Moses, about restocking the bar. She was then told they are closing with no discussion of who will take it over, no compensation or notice to the staff, locks were changed and all were told The Royal is no more. Julie who was not avaliable for comment, has listed the venue for 1.6 million dollars and does not want to sell to a local, so it continues as it is. It was also discovered that Atosha and the Royal Tavern crew have the financial backing to pay the asking price, but so far their offer has been declined with hopes that the sellers reconsider. Atosha quoted The Royal as "a family with a long history and to have this bar lost is upsetting."

She continues, "Donny Sr and Jr treated myself and the staff very well, it was discussed that when they were ready to move on or they pass that she would continue the tradition of keeping The Royal going."

The most recent owner Donny aka Donald Ray Moses who has up kept its traditions, of being a community hub for the locals who would want a safe place to drink and socialize.

Over the years The Royal Tavern has hosted countless local musicians in the area, such as The Tejon Corner Street Thieves, who have gone on to become a national touring act, along with other local bands Carpenter's Daughter who is playing all over Colorado and also Barefoot Family Caravan who has still had their music in the bar's jukebox for play.

Located in the middle of Manitou Springs, Royal Tavern would be a centralized location for even larger events such as the Emma Crawford Coffin Races, which they won in 2007 with their very own coffin and running crew, The Santa Crawl, and Manitou Springs' Carnivale, The Royal would be the place to be, with a food buffet and reasonably priced drinks. In 2022 they hosted the local pool league that went on to play the National 9 Ball Tournament in Las Vegas Nevada, along with a fundraiser and send off party. Celebrations of 21st birthdays, wedding receptions, the passing of friends would all be shared with The Royal Family over the years, bringing endless stories of nostalgia and countless memories. The community is at a loss in result.

There have been many new patrons that have become regulars of Royal Tavern who have collectively been coming in for over almost a century, some patrons can recall since they became the legal age to purchase a drink.

Manitou Mike quoted "l've been coming here since 1972 and it's my go-to spot to meet up and socialize, now that's gone."

Teddy G said "l celebrated my good times there with my graduation, return from the war, the births of my children and took them there for the first legal drink when they grew up."

Kenny another long standing local claims "It was the place to go for local information and to just relax in the center of town."

Barb N "l went to high-school when the first owners came and made a Christmas greeting card and shared with everyone in town, they would host a holiday potluck and made everyone feel at home."

As of Sept 3rd, 2024, for the first time in the history of Manitou Springs, the doors of the historical icon known as Royal Tavern remained closed, its bench was picked up by close friends of Donny's right after l was sitting on it talking with locals about what will happen to this historic venue, and wondering if it truly is the end of an era.

There are talks about trying to have the building declared as a historical landmark and Atosha Hett also still wishes to purchase, if given the opportunity. In the meantime, the lights shine at night and it's seats remain empty, a very rare sight for this community, that I'm also deeply a part of. While the physical doors may have closed, the spirit of the Royal Tavern lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to walk through it's doors, and all whom have been part of its rich history.

The Royal Tavern was far from just a neighborhood bar; it was a cornerstone of the Manitou Springs community. Its rustic charm and warm ambiance welcomed patrons throughout the years, making it a cherished spot for generations. Still standing as a poignant reminder of the cherished memories and shared experiences that define a community.

Royal Tavern and The Royal Family,

you will be missed.