For 10 years, Steve Kanatzar dreamt of owning a place like this. During those years, Kanatzar searched for the perfect property and the perfect plane to bring his dream of owning an airplane restaurant to life. From concept to creation, many people told him “no” when looking for land to purchase. He didn’t give up.
For the past 23 years, The Airplane Restaurant has welcomed locals and tourists through its doors. Inside, aspiring and well-known aviators, former and current pilots, and even astronauts have sat and immersed themselves in the floor-to-ceiling aviation history, memorabilia and décor. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker aircraft built in 1953 and last flown in 1973. Forty-two “passengers” can eat inside the airplane itself, which flows seamlessly from the main dining room. The restaurant seats 275 people and offers a memorable setting for Air Force Academy reunions, work parties and various gatherings and events. Since opening to the public in 2002, it has been featured on the Food Channel, in China’s People’s Daily and multiple aviation magazines.
Kanatzar is proud to run the restaurant with his family and many long-term employees. Every detail from the squadron patches on the wall to the navigation charts on the dining room tables, adds to the ambiance. Kanatzar says that one of his favorite things is seeing kids react to walking through the front doors. He loves to see their eyes light up when they see the airplane. Some of those kids will be inspired to be pilots. Kanatzar says, “Someone will eventually come tell me that the first plane they flew was this one.” It’s an interactive and inspiring experience for families.
Because the restaurant is built around the plane, it can be seen from both the outside and the inside. This particular Boeing KC-97 was flown in the Texas Air National Guard. The KC-97’s primary mission was air-to-air refueling, and it refueled various types of aircraft all over the globe. Kanatzar bid on the plane at an auction and it took eight semi-trailers to relocate it to Colorado Springs. Now, it welcomes dining passengers to step inside the cockpit and imagine what it might have been like to fly the plane.
In addition to the unique setting, The Airplane Restaurant offers a seasonal menu including customer favorites like buffalo burgers, blackened salmon Caesar salads, and a variety of seafood selections. Kanatzar comes up with most of the recipes himself with the help of the restaurant staff who offer honest feedback for his new creations. With a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts, there’s something for everyone. The restaurant also serves draft and bottled beers, wine, and a variety of cocktails.
Kanatzar says, “I love the restaurant and I love my grandkids.” When he’s not busy running the restaurant, Kanatzar enjoys flying Cessna 182s and gliders and talking about flying with restaurant patrons. For someone who loves the restaurant business and flying, The Airplane Restaurant really is the best of both worlds.
The Airplane Restaurant
1665 Newport Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
719-570-7656
TheAirplaneRestaurant.com
For more unique dining experiences, visit the following:
Flying W Ranch
The Flying W Ranch offers a unique, beautiful setting in Colorado Springs. Guests of all ages can enjoy an original western stage show and chuckwagon dinner on the working ranch property. Many summer nights sell out quickly, so reservations are recommended.
3330 Chuckwagon Rd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-598-4000
FlyingW.com
Juniper Valley Ranch
Since 1951, Juniper Valley Ranch has offered family-style meals of skillet-fried chicken, baked ham, traditional side dishes and complimentary dessert. Everything is made from scratch at this family-run restaurant and reservations are highly recommended. Open April to December.
16350 CO-115
Colorado Springs, CO 80926
719-576-0741
JuniperValleyRanch.com
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Passengers can enjoy onboard gourmet meals while traveling through Colorado’s scenic Royal Gorge. Choose from the breakfast, lunch, or dinner train, and enjoy a two-hour epicurean journey. The railroad also hosts multi-course special events, including a New Year’s Eve celebration. Reservations highly recommended. Tickets may be purchased online.
401 Water St.
Cañon City, CO 81212
719-276-4000
RoyalGorgeRoute.com
