The 1899 Mining Claim Saloon is an architectural jewel in Victor, a place distinguished by a main street of buildings that enhance the Victorian ambience.

With its recent interior grant-funded remodeling project, the saloon is historic with a modern beat.

“We have new tables, replacing the old ‘kitchen’ tables; we did the light fixtures, the bar, the beams and refurbished the ceiling,” said Pam Michalko, who owns the establishment. “We’re getting new prep tables for the kitchen.”

The restaurant/saloon is in the vanguard of the city’s focus on revitalization to the downtown area while still preserving its history.  As part of the Colorado Main Street program, the city has incentives for proprietors to capitalize on history, mining as well as architectural.  That’s in addition to the mountain scenery, of course.

Recipient of $10,000 grant from American Express® Backing Small Businesses Program, Michalko reflects on the restaurant’s past and her role in continuing what her brother, the late Ed Hudspith, envisioned.

Hudspith bought the business in 2016 and, with the help of his sister, kept the place going, even through the pandemic, with its off-and-on mandated shutdowns. Hudspith died in 2020 and Michalko took over ownership.

“He loved this town, loved what he was doing,” she said.

Michalko, her son, grandson and granddaughter divide the duties and have helped make the place known around these parts for the hamburgers, with extra trimmings, and French fries.

“We cut our own fries and make our green chili,” Michalko said.

On a recent warm winter day, people wandered in and out, sitting at one of the new tables to order lunch. Some, but not all, were locals who stopped in for a snack and a chat.  

“We get people in here who are just driving around and end up here,” she said. “We get service men because they come from small towns and feel like home here.”

The $10,000 grant was one of 400 awarded nationally to Main Street towns and cities and one of nine in Colorado.

“This competitive national grant recognizes the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Victor’s small business community,” said Jessica Thurman, community and economic development director.