From behind bright pink Ray Bans, Alex Morgan gets nostalgic about his new Fort Collins pizza place and decade-themed museum.
“Ohh,” he draws, “the eighties are the best.”
Morgan is a week away from opening Totally 80’s Pizza, a project he’s been working on for the last decade, by collecting a restaurant’s worth of 1980s-themed paraphernalia.
Formerly Amici Pizzeria, which closed in August as the owners moved back to Italy, the walls at 1717 S. College Ave. are now covered in pink and teal accents. Display cases hold Jem, Barbie and Pee-Wee dolls, My Little Pony, Care Bears and signed photographs like the one of Paula Abdul dancing with a cartoon cat in “Opposites Attract.”
“Everyone will notice something different,” Morgan says of the diverse collection that also includes empty pop cans and niche cereal boxes.
His most prized artifact? The original hand-written lyrics of A-ha’s one hit, “Take on me” (1985).
His most expensive piece? A handmade and life-sized Michael Jackson replica, complete with facial scruff, that Morgan commissioned.
Morgan, who is in his late 30s, lived with his wife in Hawaii before moving their young family to Northern Colorado. The couple also own Daddy O’s Barbershop in Loveland.
Morgan says the 1980s were a special time in history.
“To me, it’s kind of the last of the innocent times,” he said. “It was the decade of fun … and nothing goes better with fun than pizza.”
Once open, he sees Totally 80’s as a date spot and a place to take the family.
The restaurant will have a fast-casual atmosphere, with customers ordering personal, medium or large pies at the counter, from ’80s accessorized employees.
All of the restaurant’s booths are surrounded by I Spy-worthy memorabilia, wall-mounted TVs will play period music videos, and three arcade games will provide distraction by the entrance.
“There are plenty of places to eat in Fort Collins, and plenty of places to eat pizza,” Morgan said. “We want to create an experience.”
Totally 80’s Pizza
What: 1980s-themed pizza place with an all-you-can-eat salad bar and local beer on tap.
Where: 1717 S. College Ave., Fort Collins CO
When: Opening Oct. 1
SOURCE: Coloradoan
