EatAspen Blog

Yes, I did forget to mention that the infamous Aspen Popcorn wagon is also in limbo with the closing of D19.  It has went through a few transformations in looks, offerings, and hours as of late and now it’s up to fate.  We do believe it should be up and operating by the winter season, but by who and serving what, is another question.  Popcorn for sure.  Truffle popcorn perhaps.  I do remember the time I smuggled truffle popcorn into the Wheeler and my companion unknowingly kept asking “What is that smell!” … Perhaps you should get in the ring, and sell many things from the popcorn wagon.  You could make a mint.  Just ask the late Harley Baldwin, some say thats how he started his fortune by not limiting his sales to popcorn alone.  What do you need at 2 in the morning?

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Mobile food carts are popping up around Aspen.  It’s great to see.  I know that it is not easy getting approvals through the City of Aspen and established Aspen restaurants in commercial space may not be completely on board with the idea but if we really want to make Aspen more “affordable” as discussed in our marketing efforts by both the Aspen City Council and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, then cheap eats on the street is the way to go.  Don’t worry Aspen won’t turn into Mumbai anytime to soon just because we have some mobile food units.  I do remember a few years back when the City put the kabosh on the peddling ice-cream girl. A sad day for the “funky” in Aspen, but now is the chance to turn the corner.

The most significant of the street food carts is “Craving” serving sausages and other products sold at the Aspen farmers market.  This is a great idea and in essence has been needed at the Aspen Saturday Market because it’s easy to work up an appetite while shopping but there have never been any substantial ready to eat foods until now.  His domain though is restricted to Saturdays during the market.  You can find him set up in the grassy space behind City Hall.  The Popcorn Wagon at Mill St. & Hyman Ave. has extended a small operating agreement to “Dennis’s HotDogs”, working from a small cart closer to the dancing fountain. This may however be a temporary engagement, so buy a dog while you can.  And Alas Hawaiian Shaved Iced has made it to the Rocky Mountains.  There is a Shaved Ice stand setting up outside the Bidwell Building on the corner of Cooper Av. and Galena St. by the Radio Board Shop, opposite Paradise Bakery.  This is a great move because we all know how crazy Paradise Bakery can get on summer evenings while there is Music Students “Busking” on the Paradise Corner, they actually needed an overflow venue.

We are hopping for a few more Aspen Street Food Carts to come.  Time will tell.

and Serving late night on Fridays and Saturdays..
In Response to a previous article (“Popcorn Wagon Growing Pains“) written on the EatAspen Blog, the owners of the Popcorn Wagon respond…

“Hello, We are the co owner’s of the Popcorn Wagon and D19.

We were just reading the info on your website about the “New Popcorn Wagon“. We must admit, we were a bit disappointed.

At a certain point in time along with our business partners, we decided to revamp the “Original” Popcorn Wagon and area not for our financial interest, but for the community. We based our decision strictly on health and safety considerations. Unfortunately the location is considered to be within the historic core of Aspen, which caused a bit of chatter amongst long time locals. The City of Aspen then responded. We need to inform you however, that the City of Aspen verified, even after all the publicity, negative or positive, that the city itself and the HPC had no authority over our project. The “Original” Popcorn Wagon was considered a movable structure or (vehicle). We were only required to apply and purchase a mechanical permit to install new refrigeration, ventilation, and heating after the original construction of premise of the “New” Popcorn Wagon.

Overall it was not a painful process with the City of Aspen. Dennis Murray along with the rest of the building department and the members of the HPC were very positive and cordial throughout the process. The final comment from the HPC was, the building of the “New” Popcorn Wagon has reflected a classic social structure with a modern twist. It really is a product of its own time, said one member of the HPC.

Unfortunately our previous employee seperated from the company approximately around the 1st of the year causing a temporary closure. We then took our time to search out responsible and vibrant individuals to employ. Luckily enough we were able to find two young Brazilian gentleman to employ. We consider ourselves very lucky to have both Bruno and Davi serving the community at the “New” Popcorn Wagon.

With those points cleared up, we’d like you to swing by the “New” Popcorn Wagon and review not only the menu, but the new hours posted in the window as well. We are serving the late night crowd, but only on Friday and Saturday nights. We considered this to be a reasonable and financially responsible compromise. We are very proud to serve pure, natural, and a fine product. We do not use processed foods in the “New” Popcorn Wagon! We are trying to reach out and offer a healthier alternative to the public. We are not attempting “GENTRIFICATION” We are merely working class people trying to feed our family by feeding your family!

Please give the “New” Popcorn Wagon a fair shot!”

Thank you,

It seems that the Popcorn Wagon is Closed until further notice. For one reason or another. Word on the street varied form not enough business to employee shortage, it’s probably something else all together, we’re really not sure.
Ever since an ambitious overall of the Antique Popcorn Wagon earlier this summer, which involved getting rid of the original antique wagon, it was evident the wagon was being pulled in a new direction. The addition of metal benches and tables around the corner space seemed like it might be headed in the “right” direction. But it seems the “remodel” did not have the right approvals from the city. Which makes you wonder.

Upon reopening for the fall and early winter the hours where changed to close at 7 p.m. instead of 2 or 3 a.m. which makes you wonder.

I know the after hours crowd is not the best crowd to serve when they are drunk, sloppy, and surly, but it is the popcorn wagon that they have always turned to for relief. After a night of failed conquest a good savory crepe can make you forget about all that. Alas now there is no wagon to turn to. I suppose it wouldn’t be such a big deal if it hadn’t been such a late night tradition for years upon years. Hearing drunks mutter lets go to the wagon was somehow reassuring. Like all things Aspen, I guess it was only time for the Wagon to gentrify itself.

The Popcorn Wagon’s New look.. Fine.
New menu… could be good.
New hours…. Makes me wonder…
Closed until further notice….. we need hope and courage….
Yes there is always New York Pizza…