Ear to the ground:

“I’d rather deal with a creep than an asshole.”
– Local worker weighing her options when it comes to customer service

New old faces

A few familiar faces are back at 919 Main Ave. Executive Chef Chris Crowl and General Manager James Allred have returned to the restaurant formerly known as Cosmo. The old sign came down last week at the upscale restaurant, which from here on out will be known as Eolus. Also gone is the former owner, Chad Scothorn, who took over last spring when Allred and Crowl were fired and much of the staff walked out in protest.

However, all that is now water under the bridge. The pair bought out Scothorn in what Allred called an “amicable” deal.  

“We’re really excited,” Allred said. “We’re excited to be back with our work family.”

Scothorn will be severing all ties between the Durango Cosmo and his flagship restaurant in Telluride. Allred worked for Scothorn for five years in Telluride cutting his teeth in gourmet dining before helping to open the Durango eatery, where he worked for three years before the summer hiatus. Allred said there was an upside to his six months of unemployment.

“It was the first time we had a chance to spend time with our kids in the summer months,” he said. Nevertheless, they are happy to be back. For the time being, plans call for no major shake ups – and yes, lobster corndogs will still be available.

Extreme couponing

Just in time for the holiday shopping blitz, Local First has released its annual Be Local Coupon Book. The books are available at Durango Coffee Co., Nature’s Oasis, Maria’s Bookshop, Kroegers Ace Hardware and Pine Needle.  Wider distribution will take place next week, as well as the book’s official launch party, Thurs., Nov. 21., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Open Shutter Gallery.

This year’s edition boasts 279 coupons from 170 locally owned independent businesses. The coupons are good for a year, but books go fast, so get on it.