Decades of Stories, One Local Legend

From a humble roadside café and gas station to a beloved community landmark, the story of Vern’s Place is one of resilience, family, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Each era brought new faces and fresh memories, but the heart of Vern’s has always stayed the same—serving homestyle meals with a side of small-town charm.

A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946 - A NoCo Classic Since 1946

1946

Humble Beginnings

Brothers Willard and Vern Nelson open Vern’s Place as a small roadside diner, gas station, and sporting goods store. Their vision? Good food, friendly service, and a welcoming stop for locals and travelers alike.

1976

A New Chapter Begins

Harvey and Dinah Kittel take over the restaurant, living upstairs with their two young daughters. The Kittels pour their heart into Vern’s, making it a true family-run institution.

1990

Rising from the Ashes

A devastating fire destroys the restaurant. But the story doesn’t end there—Harvey’s daughter Val and her husband Nick Lanteri lead the rebuild, preserving Vern’s legacy and reopening its doors to the community.

1990–2023

Three Decades of Dedication

Val and Nick run Vern’s for 33 years, becoming the longest-standing owners in the restaurant’s history. Under their care, Vern’s thrives as a beloved gathering place for generations of guests.

2023

A Full-Circle Moment

Alan and Jackie Jantzen, longtime Fort Collins restaurateurs and owners of Silver Grill Café, take the reins. For Alan, it’s personal—he grew up stopping at Vern’s for cinnamon rolls before fishing trips up the Poudre.

Today

A Legacy Continued

With deep local roots and a love for tradition, the Jantzens and their amazing team carry Vern’s legacy forward—still serving fried chicken, cinnamon rolls, and weekend brunch to the greatest guests on Earth.

Kind Words From Our Amazing Guests

Our guests say it best. From longtime regulars to first-time visitors, folks can’t stop talking about the cinnamon rolls, the fried chicken, and the welcoming vibe that makes Vern’s feel like home.

“I got the chicken fried steak dinner and it was amazing. The quality and quantity of the food you get for the price you pay is wonderful.
My buddy had the Mountain Man burger which was cooked exactly as he requested. The quality is fantastic.
I very much look forward to going back and having breakfast!”

- Tim Jones

“Vern’s Place is a very quaint and peaceful place to eat some delicious homemade food. Everything tastes like it’s right from mom’s kitchen. Best burger I’ve had in a very long time. Large beef patties, green leaf lettuce, and REAL pickles! Big ones! The fries and onion rings are spot on. The ranch dressing was a little thin, but still tasty. The waitresses are very sweet and genuine. It was the perfect place to take in the view after a drive in the mountains.”

- BeeBee Mom

“There’s a reason this place has been open since 1950, and it’s because they have consistently had unpretentious good food. the cinnamon rolls have always been worth it, and we’ve been coming here since it was actually 287 here. and we will continue. even if you live in Fort collins, it’s worth the drive out to Laporte!”

- Bluebeard Guy