Glenwood businessman Wigger honored by county commissioners

Longtime restaurateur moving toward retirement

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By Phillip Yates
December 28, 2007

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GLENWOOD SPRINGS - Longtime Roaring Fork Valley restaurateur Kurt Wigger was honored by the Garfield County commissioners last week.

County Commissioner John Martin honored Wigger, who owns Buffalo Valley, with two medals. One was for Garfield County Outstanding Citizen and another award was for Garfield County Outstanding Business, Wigger said.

The awards were presented to Wigger on Dec. 20.

"I thought that was really nice, excellent. I will really treasure those two (awards)" said Wigger, who has been in the Roaring Fork Valley for 47 years. "The outstanding citizen award especially touched me. I thought it was real nice that they thought about me. "

Wigger opened the Sopris Restaurant between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale in 1974, closing it only recently. He operated the Buffalo Valley for about 21 years, and is under contract to sell the property to Terry Claasen and TCC Properties LLC for around $3 million.

Buffalo Valley's last day will be Tuesday, when Beau Jo's Pizza will take over the restaurant and Wigger will begin his retirement. He plans to remain in the area, where his children and grandchildren also live.

Wigger has a month-long trip scheduled for Hawaii after his former business changes hands.

"I will pick up my life from there," Wigger said.

In January 2006, Wigger sold his popular eatery The Sopris Restaurant. That site will soon be home to a new Mexican food restaurant.

Contact Phillip Yates: 384-9117pyates@postindependent.com



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