When you are a Loveland native, you see plenty of businesses come ago.

With Lake Loveland Dermatology in the news about a recent filing of bankruptcy — the 776 W. Eisenhower Blvd. establishment said it plans to continue operating — I was reminded of a piece of Loveland history at that site.

That's where the Dude Corral Restaurant once stood.

You know of the Rialto Theater. Ted Thompson and his wife Mabel operated The Rialto from 1935 until 1947. They were also the ones who created Loveland's famous Valentines re-mailing program. They were kind of big deal.

One thing Ted and Mabel also did, after leaving The Rialto, was to open the Dude Corral Restaurant on Lake Loveland in 1947 as a stop for folks traveling Highway 34 on their way up the canyon to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Dude was there for a very long time. I recall back in the '70s when my mom was on bowling leagues, they'd often go out to The Dude afterward for beers. I went out there a couple of times after my shifts at the Sirloin Stockade in the '80s.

Loveland's history will tell you about the motel and gas station that were also there. Those, I just don't remember. I do remember a great neon sign. Lasso style: 'Dude Corrall.'

I'd love to see a resurrection of Dude Corral Restaurant someday. I think it'd be a great tribute to the Thompsons and to Loveland.

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