As we entered The Sink's 100th anniversary, we knew we had a remarkable story to tell—the tale of a Boulder institution that has stood the test of time and been the backdrop of countless memories and shared moments.
As the current caretakers of The Sink, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to share some of the many stories that have unfolded within these walls and pay tribute to everyone who played a role in making it what it is today. To capture the magic and history that makes The Sink so special, we teamed up with Savor Productions and Pixel Mill Studios to create an awe-inspiring documentary.
“We wanted to capture the long and storied history of a place that has had such a big impact on the lives of so many people and survived so many societal changes,” said co-owner Mark Heinritz.
Our Storytellers
When we entrusted Savor Productions and Pixel Mill Studios with this project, we knew we were in good hands. Producer Bruce Borowsky and Rachael Caraluzzi shared our passion for preserving the essence of The Sink. Skillfully weaving together interviews with owners, staff, and cherished patrons, they created a narrative that captures the spirit of The Sink.
"We filmed interviews with the usual suspects, the owners, the staff, the customers, but where it got fun was hearing stories from regular people—couples that met there, couples that got engaged there—and here it is, decades later, and they had these wonderful stories to share with us," says Bruce.
This captivating documentary goes through The Sink's timeline and gives the viewer a glimpse into the lives of a handful of the many wonderful individuals who have left their mark along the way.
Our graffiti-covered walls, adorned with names and messages from students, visitors, and even celebrities, stand testament to the countless unique stories we've been a part of. You'll hear tales from generations of Sink rats—stories of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments that have made The Sink a cherished memory for countless people.
A Heartwarming Challenge
We were overwhelmed by the sheer number of stories that were shared with us this year! Trying to fit them into a short video seemed like an impossible task. Ultimately, the documentary expanded to a heartwarming 30-minute tribute to the memories that have graced these walls over the years.
Do you have a Sink story? We want to hear it! Submit your Sink story here.
Sink Stories: And The Rest[aurant] is History
The Sink’s 100th Anniversary historical documentary premiered at Boulder Theater on June 14, 2023.
We plan to show the documentary at our upcoming exhibit at the Museum of Boulder and other events throughout the year. This link will update as we get more information.
Photos
Be sure to check out the incredible photos captured by the talented Gretchen Troop at the Boulder Theater premiere event. If you were at the event, there's a good chance you're in one of the many gorgeous pics!
Press
As Boulder Lifestyle puts it, "Going strong as one of the most famous college hangouts in America, The Sink in Boulder has a story to tell—well, definitely more than one." Read the full article on Boulder Lifestyle's website for an in-depth look at our journey.
“The Sink has seen a lot — we mean a lot — in its one hundred years,” according to Amy Antonation of Westword Magazine as she captures the spirit and history of The Sink perfectly. Read the article here.
From Our Hearts to Yours
To all our wonderful patrons, past and present, we thank you for being a part of our legacy. The Sink wouldn't be the same without you! Whether you're a CU grad reminiscing about your college days, a local, or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to experience the magic of The Sink—a place where history, community, and a really good burger come together.
As we continue our 100th-anniversary celebrations, we look forward to seeing you at the various events we'll be holding throughout the rest of the year. Cheers to another century of great memories and cherished moments!
- Chris, Mark, Tell, and the Sink staff
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