Poor Richard’s Sold to Local Couple Committed to Keeping Iconic Hub Intact

Overview

• Poor Richard’s in downtown Colorado Springs has new owners effective immediately, with Joe Cole and Sarah Gibeau-Cole taking over the bookstore, toy store, and restaurant.
• The couple says they will work full-time, keep the existing staff, and carry on the place as a community hub for families, artists, and activists.
• The newly created Catalyst Fund, launched by local businessman John Weiss, helped structure the handoff to keep the business locally owned.
• Co-founder Richard Skorman plans to stay visible at the shops while shifting most of his time to environmental cleanups through Richards Rubbish Roundup.
• A public celebration on May 3 will honor the outgoing owners and welcome the Coles, who were chosen from multiple bids for shared values and ties to the store.