From the very beginning in 1923, The Sink has belonged to the millions of patrons who have passed through its front door hungry, thirsty or simply in need of refuge from the rigors of University life.

No one leaves the Sink completely - it stays with you in memories and emotions. It has certain Sinkness to it, and therein lies our story.

And here's the real story, as we've heard it...

The Sink was originally a European style restaurant named Summer's Sunken Gardens. It's focal point was a large, sunken fountain in the middle of the dining room. To its patrons, the restaurant was fondly nick-named The Sink. A CU alum bought the place in 1949 and made the name official.

By the time Joe Beimford sold to Floyd Marks in 1955, the food had disappeared altogether. Marks brought in his son-in-law, Herb Kauvar, in 1958 and the two introduced the now famous Sinkburger and its signature Sink Hickory Sauce. Herb and his sons kept The Sink in the family for 34 years. Throughout those years, legions of devoted patrons and fans of The Sink have paid homage to the CU ritual of a beer and a Sinkburger.

Early on, the twisted talents of beatnik artists, Mike Dormier and Llloyd Kavich, produced the unique and timeless art that characterizes The Sink. The trademark Sink Angel, sent off to University pure of mind and clean of body and then "transformed" by University life and The Sink into a "worldly" soul has been watching over the Sink and its patrons ever since.

But the times, they were a changin', and months of turmoil in the early 70s signaled the end of flower power and the temporary rise of the Polyester generation. The Sink changed too, and for the next 15 years, the Sink went through life as Herbie's Deli. Although Sinkburgers remained, the art was covered up with pine boards, patiently waiting for The Sink's loyal patrons to demand its return.

In 1989 the time had come. Llloyd and his sidekick, Streamline the Rat Dog, were once again pressed into service. The Sink, complete with a full bar, was re-born. During that summer, Sink-Rats the world over (some famous such as former Sink janitor Robert Redford, others not so famous), rejoiced at the reincarnation of The Sink.

In 1992, the Legacy was passed on to another family when the Heinritz Brothers purchased The Sink. Together Mark, Chris and James have invested heavily in the careful upgrade and restoration of all that is The Sink. They introduced Ugly Crust Pizza and the famed Buddah Basil Pie.

In the summer of 1995 The Sink went through yet another facelift, which brought the addition of 18 draft lines and an upgraded kitchen. Llloyd and Streamline came back to restore and create the artwork now living in The Sink.

In the end, The Sink still belongs to the millions of patrons who have come but have never gone.