THE SINK: THE REST[AURANT] IS HISTORY | The Sink Movie

DOCUMENTING 100 YEARS OF THE SINK

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.

Our documentary captures the essence of The Sink through engaging interviews with owners, staff, patrons, and local celebrities like:

• Chuck Morris, who began his illustrious career as general manager of The Sink in 1968. Here, he booked his first act, Flash Cadillac, along with other bands that would gain national fame, like The Astronauts and Tommy Bolin. His knack for recognizing talent led him to become one of the country's largest music promoters and the future CEO of AEG Live.
• Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, better known as a TV veterinarian on Animal Planet and an acclaimed stand-up comic, started as a bouncer at The Sink on his second day at CU Boulder in 1969. Recalling The Hill as a "truly magical place," Kevin was drawn to The Sink's vibrant atmosphere, a mix of fraternity and sorority members and "long-haired hippies," all enjoying nickel-beer specials and 35-cent burgers.
• John Lehndorff, a name synonymous with Boulder's culinary scene for decades, writes food columns for the Boulder Weekly and Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine and hosts Radio Nibbles on KGNU. His extensive career also includes roles as the food editor of the Boulder Daily Camera and the Aurora Sentinel, as well as Rocky Mountain News's dining critic.
• Tony Capozzola, another former Sink employee, took his experiences from The Sink to the courtrooms of California. After serving as a deputy district attorney, Tony became a renowned criminal defense lawyer, representing high-profile clients ranging from sports figures to entertainment industry leaders. He continues to support The Sink staff each year by giving two staff-voted winners a special award.

"We wanted to capture the long and storied history of a place that has had such a significant impact on the lives of so many people and survived so many societal changes," says co-owner Mark Heinritz.

“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! 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. The film, a love song to the people who have made The Sink iconic, features interviews with patrons, decades of staff, and local legends such as Chuck Morris, John Lehnndorff, and Kevin Fitzgerald.

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


The Sink’s 100th Anniversary historical documentary premiered at Boulder Theater on June 14, 2023.