THE BLACK FOREST RESTAURANT

Fifty years ago Bill Lorenz opened the Black Forest Restaurant in Black Hawk, CO. A year later Bill's parents joined him in the business as did Kay. Kay and Bill were married in October of that year. They have five children all of whom worked in the business. Son, Jeff, is still one of the great waiters you may encounter while eating in their beautifully appointed chalet restaurant. Occasionally you may find one of the grandchildren bussing a table or pouring water.

Bill took a partner because he was not yet a citizen of the United states and one had to be a citizen to obtain a liquor license. Bill became a citizen in 1962 having bought out his partner in 1960.

Bill came to the restaurant business naturally as his father was a chef in Germany. Born in Mainz, Germany, a town that is 2045 years old and served as a staging point for Roman legions, Bill apprenticed in the culinary arts for three years in Germany and later worked at Wiesbaden Airbase where he met Sgt. Roy Gray who later sponsored him to come to the U.S. Bill arrived here on January 17, 1957

The Black Forest is a privately owned family operation now in Nederland, Colorado serving wonderful German and American food and features wild game and foul when in season. They have served thousands of satisfied guests over the 50 years of operation, many who return time and time again from all along the front range. For more information on the Black Forest click here.

Visit the Black Forest soon and tell Bill, "The Chamber sent me."

Congratulations from the Nederland Area Chamber of Commerce on 50 years of serving wonderfully, authentic food, and supporting the Nederland Community.