The news about Evergreen-area restaurants this week was nonstop, with some of it uplifting and others heartbreaking.

On the disheartening side, Marshdale Burger Co. announced it will close on March 31 after a five-year run. While I was unable to reach the owners, this news and the response to it show it’s a true loss for the community, and a difficult decision for the owners. Marshdale Burger had stellar reviews for food, atmosphere and service. We wish them well in their future, and hope that somehow, somewhere, it involves burgers!

On two happier notes, the restaurant at Evergreen Golf Course (we’ll get into that in a moment) will reopen after a year-plus closure.

And, Lazy Butcher own Evan Jeffries made public his plans to take over the much-loved Black Hat Cattle Co. in Kittredge.

Jeffries is a respected restaurateur and community member, a lifelong rancher and a close friend of the Black Hat’s previous owner, Dave Rodriguez. Rodriguez asked Jeffries to step in late last summer, but Jeffries kept the news largely hidden under his own black hat until recently.

Hats off to both men for crafting a solution that promises to serve the area well and breathe new life into a long-time favorite.

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: Business by business, the small town of Kittredge has grown into a highway village more than worth a quick stop. Its short retail zone is densely packed with vibrant, high-quality shops. While some have a long history there, others are relative newcomers, and all add to its unique vibe. As time allows, I’ll be working on a longer story about this and what the future may hold for this unincorporated treasure.

Now that the Black Hat Cattle Co. rides again, under the guidance of Evergreen’s Lazy Butcher & Cowboy Lounge owner Evan Jeffries, we learned that the Evergreen Golf Course will be getting a new restaurant.

Why it matters: Golfers missed the locally operated Keys on the Green, the restaurant at the Evergreen Golf Course. But beyond that, a well-run golf course restaurant is the heart of the club for socializing, celebrating and generating revenue. Research shows it elevates a round of golf into a complete experience, drives member loyalty, and attracts non-golfing patrons for increased revenue.

We don’t have much information yet on the new operator, but hope to fill in the gaps as time goes on.

While Denver (which owns and manages the course) released few immediate details about the new operator, it signed a seven-year contract with them. That’s hopefully an indication that the city and county has experience and faith in their abilities. Time will tell.

What happened: Wind gusts of up to 60 mph in the foothills coupled with severe drought conditions kept firefighters busy Friday running a variety of calls. That may be a practice for the months ahead; the forecast suggests above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation through May, and a potentially hotter-than-usual summer.

Why it matters: This may be our new reality.

What to know: Evergreen Fire/Rescue retrieved the Rotary’s Ice Melt barrel this week, which fell on March 5. That may be the earliest yet; it fell on the same date 15 years ago, but Rotarians are still checking the exact time to see which year it fell earliest.

Next step: Winners will be announced soon, and funds will be distributed to several area nonprofits.

🤼 The state is wrestling with issues happening on and off the mat. Read the story here➡

🥍 Issues around youth sports and concussions are long-standing. A Conifer High student tells their side of the story, and we learn how the district changed its tune over time. Read the story here➡

It’s still a month out but the Evergreen Players’ “Murder Prohibited” looks like an amazingly fun night. The Players are teaming up with Hiwan History Museum for an immersive, interactive mystery event. The museum will transform into the 1920’s home of former crime boss Victor Moretti. Guests at Moretti’s speakeasy party will assist Detective Gunn in solving the ensuing crime.

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