Krazy Moose closes its doors

The lights were on, but the doors leading into the Krazy Moose restaurant were locked Tuesday afternoon.

The restaurant’s closure was announced suddenly Monday evening on the Krazy Moose’s Facebook page. Blair Graham, the restaurant’s owner, declined an interview Tuesday, saying the closure was like a death in his family.

He also said he wishes the employees well and thanked the community for their years of patronage.

While the restaurant has closed, the Red Feather will remain open as it is a separate business under a different owner.

For a few residents, the restaurant was more than just a place to sit down for a meal. Don Van Matre and his wife Barb frequently ate at the Krazy Moose and had a plaque reserving a particular table for them in the back. Van Matre said the two would often bring their two dogs with them, leaving them in their truck while the Van Matres ate. The table offered a great view outside the building and allowed Don to keep an eye on the dogs during their meal.

One evening, he and Barb were escorted to their table and found a small red sign on the wall next to their usual table announcing a perpetual reservation for the Van Matres. After his election to the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners, Van Matre would occasionally treat county employees to lunch at the table.

“We’ve had many great meals there,” Van Matre said. “The Krazy Moose was a part of our lives.”