Illegal Pete's Now Open in Fort Collins, Protesters Are No-Shows

The first Illegal Pete's restaurant is now open in Fort Collins; it's the largest of the seven Front Range locations. Among the guests at yesterday's grand opening was a reporter from the New York Times -- attracted to Colorado by the controversy over the Illegal Pete's name, which some local...

By Mary Willson

November 14, 2014

Help us weather the uncertain future

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

We need to raise $17,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Denver. Thanks for reading Westword.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$6,100

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

The first Illegal Pete's restaurant is now open in Fort Collins; it's the largest of the seven Front Range locations. Among the guests at yesterday's grand opening was a reporter from the New York Times -- attracted to Colorado by the controversy over the Illegal Pete's name, which some local activists have said is racist. But despite all the coverage of that issue, there were no protesters at the opening. See also: Pete Turner on Illegal Pete's, Community and the Fort Collins Controversy With dozens of beers on tap and a massive porch parallel to the Fort Collins square, this spot will likely become a hot hangout spot for Colorado State University students. According to Pete Turner, founder of the chain, the company also owns the building behind the burrito restaurant and has plans to turn it into a large-size music venue. Illegal Pete's is open at 320 Walnut in Fort Collins from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. until midnight on Sunday.

Follow @CafeWestword

Mary Willson started contributing to Westword as an intern in the summer of 2014, focusing on the electronic music scene in Colorado.

A message from Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today