Eager to open a second Fort Collins location with an expansive drive-thru, Raising Cane’s set its eyes on the former Pobre Pancho’s (1802 N. College Ave) and the adjacent used car lot (1800 N. College Ave). However, after the corporate-owned chain proposed the demolition and dig-up of both lots to make ample room for their project plans, a historic review regarding the ages of both the restaurant and lot was launched. While the used car lot was not given landmark eligibility, Pobre Pancho’s was deemed landmark eligible.
Pobre Pancho’s was owned and operated by Frank and Mary Perez + family from 1969 to 2020 until it was sold to a longtime Pobre Pancho’s customer, Asher Haun. Sadly, founder Frank Perez died of cancer shortly after the sale.
“The closure [came] after two years of no profits, challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased food prices, and a slowing economy,” recalled Haun for the Coloradoan.
While Raising Cane’s confirmed with What Now Denver that the chain is continuing its Fort Collins search, they did not provide specifics as to where exactly they’re currently scouting. It’s also unclear if the Pobre Pancho’s location has been completely removed from consideration.
