Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner Celebrates 50 Years in Lakewood

Family-owned diner remains a local institution despite changing times.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner, a classic 1950s-style diner in Lakewood, Colorado, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The diner, known for its neon cowboy sign and fiberglass horse, has been a beloved community gathering place since it first opened in 1957. Despite rising costs and a changing restaurant landscape, the diner continues to serve up classic diner fare and maintain its nostalgic charm.

Why it matters

Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner is a rare surviving example of the prefabricated, stainless steel diners that once dotted America's roadsides. As Lakewood and the surrounding Denver metro area have grown and evolved, the diner has remained a steadfast institution, representing a bygone era of American dining culture. Its ability to adapt while preserving its core identity and community ties is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic diners.

The details

Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner was founded in 1957 by Lyman Davies, who was inspired by the diners he had seen on the East Coast. The diner was shipped in sections by rail and assembled on-site, weighing a collective 46 tons. In its early years, the diner was a bustling hub, attracting truckers, tourists, and local residents alike. While the diner has had to adjust its hours and pricing over the years to keep up with economic realities, it has maintained its signature Western-themed decor and menu of diner classics like country fried steak, green chili, and milkshakes.

  • Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner opened in the summer of 1957.
  • The diner is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The players

Lyman Davies

The founder of Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner, who opened the establishment in 1957 after being inspired by the diners he had seen on the East Coast.

Deanna Jackson

The current owner of Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner, who has been waiting tables at the diner for more than 40 years since her family took over ownership in the 1980s.

Jeff Deaver

A longtime regular customer at Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner, who has been coming to the diner for decades and enjoys the camaraderie and conversation with the other regulars.

Steve Burnett

A loyal customer of Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner who, along with other regulars, fought to keep the diner's iconic neon sign and fiberglass horse when the city of Lakewood tried to have them removed in the 1980s.

Jennifer Diaz Pedrisco

The current manager of Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner, who has learned about the diner's deep history and nostalgia from talking to the long-time customers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've had a couple of people say, 'This is a diner. They can't charge those kinds of prices.' Well, whether you call it a diner or not, it's still a restaurant, and there's still a cost for everything.”

— Deanna Jackson, Owner, Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner (Denver Gazette)

“You get rid of that and we get rid of you.”

— Steve Burnett (Denver Gazette)

“I really like sitting at the bar here, having conversations with strangers.”

— Kris Anderson, Customer, Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner (Denver Gazette)

“This is the only place you can say what you want to say and not get in trouble.”

— Steve Burnett (Denver Gazette)

“I wasn't really aware in the beginning until I started talking to the customers and how long they've been coming here. They say things like, 'My dad used to bring me here.'”

— Jennifer Diaz Pedrisco, Manager, Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner (Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The diner's future remains uncertain, as Deanna Jackson acknowledges the challenges facing the restaurant industry. However, the diner's loyal customer base and commitment to preserving its nostalgic charm suggest it will continue to be a Lakewood landmark for years to come.

The takeaway

Davies' Chuck Wagon Diner's 50-year history is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American diners. Despite changing times and economic pressures, the diner has remained a beloved community gathering place, offering a taste of 1950s nostalgia and serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving local institutions that connect us to the past.