Book Signing: The Silver Grill Cafe by John Arnolfo
November 8th, 2026
12:00PM - 02:00PM
Join us in the Teaching Kitchen for a lively discussion and book signing for The Silver Grill Cafe: An American Story and Counter Seat to Fort Collins History, by John Arnolfo
Ginger will interview John about his story, the inspiration for his book, and their shared love of Fort Collins History.
The event is free to attend, but please RSVP as space is limited. If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, you may add a hardcover copy to your order for $54.99 or a paperback copy for $44.99. Additional copies will be available at the event–a great gift option for the holiday season!
About The Silver Grill Cafe:
In 1979 — armed with a desire to work for himself but no experience as a restaurant owner—John and a partner, Mike Gress, bought the Silver Grill, a tiny cafe in what many considered to be a sketchy part of town. Despite equipment that had not been maintained for years, cracked linoleum floors, and walls that were moist and discolored from years of grease and tobacco smoke, the novice owners saw only potential.
Reality quickly set in when they served just 12 breakfasts on their first day and grossed $166. During the years that the Grill ‘s income failed to cover expenses, John and Mike worked two and sometimes three jobs.
About John
John has been a serial entrepreneur since starting a junk-hauling business and working as a ditchdigger, waiter, real estate agent, and gravesite salesman while attending Colorado State University. He first sat the Grill’s worn linoleum counter during his senior year and from that day loved the sound of sizzling bacon, the smell of strong coffee, and the taste of homestyle food served with a side of humor by no-nonsense waitresses.
After earning his degree, John spent four years in Vail, Colorado, before deciding to look for a restaurant to buy. It was only after he and his former college roommate gave up the search that they learned the Silver Grill in Old Town Fort Collins was for sale. They made an offer on the spot.
Over the next 40-plus years, John built the Silver Grill into a highly acclaimed restaurant known for its famous cinnamon rolls and helped transform Old Town into the jewel of Fort Collins.
Since selling the Silver Grill in 2021, John has become a popular storyteller and a coach to other entrepreneurs. He is a proud father of two sons, a Colorado State University alumnus, and a Fort Collins resident.
