‘We’re back’. That’s the message from the new owners of Crystola Roadhouse, who are breathing new life into the historic mountain destination with food, entertainment and plans for future improvements.
Located at 20918 U.S. 24 near Woodland Park, the longtime gathering place recently came under the ownership of Holly Ellis, alongside co-owners Shelton Ellis and Steven Ellis, following the approval of a liquor license transfer by the Teller County Board of County Commissioners.
The family is bringing experience from its Mississippi restaurants to Colorado, introducing Southern-inspired dishes while building on Crystola Roadhouse’s reputation as a place where locals and visitors can gather.
“We’re bringing lots of new food from our own restaurants down in Mississippi, so I have brought up some Southern cooking,” she said.
Guests can also expect a busy entertainment calendar featuring weekly pool tournaments, dart competitions, cornhole, karaoke, music trivia, music bingo and live bands. Special themed events are also in the works, including a luau later this month and a 1960s-themed celebration planned for next month.
Beyond the food and entertainment, the Ellis family sees significant potential in the property itself. Alongside the spacious bar and expansive dance floor, the site includes two cabins that have sat unused for years and are expected to be restored as part of the property’s next chapter. “I’m going to fix up and bring them back to life. They have not had life in them in I don’t even know how many years,” she said.
Additional improvements are also under consideration, including new outdoor amenities such as a volleyball court.
Originally established around 1884, Crystola Roadhouse has welcomed generations of travelers and locals along the Ute Pass corridor. The venue has long been known for its mountain setting, live entertainment and back patio overlooking the surrounding scenery.
While renovations and changes will continue over time, the Ellis family says the goal is to preserve Crystola Roadhouse’s role as a community gathering place while introducing new experiences for guests.
