FREEDOM OF SPEECH

THE HILL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: CHEBA HUT

By Aubrey Cunningham | Colorado Daily
Published: November 30th, 2005

Escape the Established

With the plethora of thriving stores these days, it’s conceivable that this era will be known as “Generation Corporation.” Why not? Everywhere you look, assembly-line thinking prevails, and the success of mass-marketed places and products are a virtual advertising utopia. It can be quite a stifling environment, especially considering how anything that breaks boundaries is erased from the mainstream with deplorable ease.

It’s exactly this lack of imagination that makes Cheba Hut and its origins stand alone. This new, creative and decidedly fun restaurant was built with a sense of humor in mind, and in fact was inspired by Cheech and Chong’s “Nice Dreams.” “The atmosphere is all about fun, but what keeps people coming back is the food,” says manager Karyn Jackson. One visit to Cheba Hut will prove that they’re more than anti-establishment – they’re pro-fun, pro-people, and most importantly, pro-food.

The Cheba Hut experience is without a doubt unique. The food is delicious, and there are a wide variety of toasted sandwiches to choose from in 4”, 8” or 12” lengths. Classic subs are given a new twist, with the Afghani turkey sub spiced up by jalapenos and pepper jack, or the Chronic BBQ roast beef. Or sample one of their grilled chicken subs, like the Thai Stick: Teriyaki glazed chicken, green bell peppers and pineapple. And if the mood strikes you, feel free to “cross-breed” (make up your own) and the friendly staff will be more than willing to oblige.

If you’re a vegetarian, you’re in luck – Cheba Hut has many vegetarian options, from the Humboldt guacamole and veggie sub to the Hydro, which resembles eggplant parmesan on a bun. My personal favorite is the Majik Mushroom, made with Portabellas, spices and Monterey Jack. The Hut also has a wide array of garden salads as well as the White Rhino (cream of broccoli with Portabella) or Ganja (spicy chicken and veggie) soups to accompany your sub. They also offer a Daily Special 8” chef’s choice sub, soda and a bag of chips all for $6.00 or less.

With a theme that celebrates everything Cannabis culture (catch that from the menu?), the interior of Cheba Hut resembles the inside of most dorm rooms on campus. Bobble head Cheech and Chong dolls sway near the cash register, an excerpt from Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas hangs along side posters of Jimmy, Janis and Jerry. Instead of the usual coupons and advertisements, the “table tents” contain enlightening and entertaining quotations from sages such as George Carlin and Douglas Adams to Keith Richards, (“Let me be clear about this: I don’t have a drug problem, I have a police problem”) and Bart Simpson (“I don’t know why I did it, I don’t know why I enjoyed it, and I don’t know why I’ll do it again!”).

Yet while weed may have inspired the décor, it is not the reason behind the restaurant. “We’re about more than just the theme – we’re really about people, about showing appreciation for everyone who comes in” says Jackson. The staff is outstanding, and we all love working in a friendly, fun atmosphere with good music and great food. They’ve even got a TV on so you can take a break from studying as you munch.

When all is said and done, Cheba Hut is more than just a great place to chill and relax – think of it as an escape from the ordinary, or as the owner Scott Jennings says, “An escape from the established.” Look for delivery second semester, now open Sunday 11 – 6, Monday through Saturday 11 – 10.