Poor Richard's, a fixture of downtown Colorado Springs since 1975, marked the end of an era Sunday as founders Richard Skorman and Patricia Seator introduced the business's new owners to the community at a Block Party on North Tejon Street.
The celebration, held from 2 to 6 p.m., featured food, free music, speakers, and family activities.
Skorman and Seator passed ownership of the business to Joe Cole and Sarah Gibeau-Cole after 51 years at the helm.
Poor Richard's has operated as a combination bookstore, restaurant, toy store, and community gathering place for more than five decades, becoming a cultural landmark well recognized in southern Colorado.
Skorman and Seator agreed to sell to Cole and Gibeau-Cole, choosing to step away from the business and into the next chapter of their lives. Skorman and Seator said finding the right people was central to their decision.
"Everybody support Joe and Sarah, and they're going to do a great job. They really are. We're so excited that we found the right people,"
Cole said the block party was about more than just a celebration.
"We're very humbled and honored to be a part of it and to carry it to the next generations. Today was like that moment where we wanted to let the community know that it's officially been passed and more importantly, to honor two amazing human beings that have made this place what it is,"
Reflecting on more than five decades in business, Skorman said the community's support made it all worthwhile.
"When you have a business that people love and support and and cherish, there's nothing better in life. I can't think of a better way to make a living for 51 years,"
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