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Buildings for Lease

Explore commercial space for lease in downtown Colfax, CA. From historic Main Street storefronts to flexible office and retail space, Colfax offers affordable opportunities for businesses ready to join a growing Sierra Foothills community. Browse current listings and find your next location in one of California’s most charming small towns.

Proposed drive-thru restaurant site in Colfax, CA near I-80 highway interchange—ideal franchise location with high traffic visibility.

📍Prime Drive-Thru Lot for Lease in Colfax, CA: A Rare Opportunity for Franchise Growth

At the Historic Colfax Downtown Association (HCDA), we’re not just preserving the past—we’re actively shaping the future of our town. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a unique opportunity for franchise owners and quick-service restaurant (QSR) developers: a high-visibility, drive-thru approved lot located at the roundabout in the heart of Colfax, California. If you’re considering a drive-thru lot for lease, Colfax CA is where history meets modern opportunity.

🚗 Location, Visibility, Access
This lot sits at a prime location near the I-80 on/off ramps at the Colfax junction (JCT. RTE. 174 NORTH), which sees over 42,000 vehicles per day, according to Caltrans. Whether travelers are heading to Lake Tahoe, Truckee, or returning from the mountains, they pass directly through Colfax—often seeking fast, convenient food and coffee options. With only two gas stations and no major fast-food drive-thru restaurants available between Colfax and Truckee, this site represents the last full-service stop before entering a 50+ mile stretch of limited options. Your brand could fill a critical market gap and become a go-to destination for both commuters and tourists.

  • Zoned and pre-approved for drive-thru use in this desirable lot for lease in Colfax CA.
  • Located in a high-traffic corridor
  • Ideal ingress and egress for efficient vehicle flow
  • Highly visible from the highway and roundabout

🏗️ Site-Ready and Flexible

This shovel-ready lot is fully equipped with utilities in place, a flat and buildable layout, and ample parking potential. Whether you prefer a long-term NNN ground lease or a build-to-suit structure, the property owner is ready to collaborate with national tenants or franchisees. The drive-thru lot for lease in Colfax CA is your chance to secure a prime location.

📊 Market and Demographics

Colfax may be small—with a population of just over 2,000—but it plays a big role in regional traffic:

  • Serves as the gateway to the Sierra Nevada
  • Popular with tourists, hikers, skiers, and summer campers
  • Proximity to Rollins Lake, Stevens Trail, and historic sites
  • Adjacent to residential neighborhoods and schools, making it a prime drive-thru lot for lease in Colfax CA.

There are currently two major quick-service drive-thru options in Colfax—McDonald’s and Starbucks—both of which see steady traffic from commuters and travelers. Their presence demonstrates proven demand for fast, convenient dining, but the limited number of options underscores a clear market gap. With no other national QSRs or drive-thru restaurants between Colfax and Truckee, your brand could capture a high-volume audience in a largely underserved corridor.

🤝 Why Partner With Colfax

The Historic Colfax Downtown Association is actively working to revitalize and grow our economy through strategic partnerships and grant-funded infrastructure improvements. This is more than just a lease—it’s an invitation to become part of a long-term vision:

  • Supported by the City of Colfax and the Colfax Chamber of Commerce
  • Part of a broader downtown revitalization effort led by the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, which is actively working to attract investment, host cultural events, and lay the groundwork for future signage improvements and historic building preservation.
  • Strong local pride and a growing tourism identity that adds value to drive-thru lot options for lease in Colfax CA.

🔑 What Sets This Opportunity Apart

  • Exclusive drive-thru entitlement in a tightly-zoned corridor
  • Streamlined permitting with city support
  • Lack of competing QSRs in town, providing a prime drive-thru lot for lease in Colfax CA.
  • Immediate access to thousands of daily commuters and visitors

📞 Call to Action

Franchisees, developers, and QSR real estate teams—this is your moment to lead the fast-food market in a growing, underserved highway community. Consider the drive-thru lot for lease in Colfax CA.

📩 Contact the Historic Colfax Downtown Association to receive:

  • A full site package with maps, site plans, and traffic data
  • Details on lease terms and development flexibility
  • A private tour of the lot and surrounding area

Be part of Colfax’s next chapter—where history meets opportunity, especially with drive-thru lots for lease in Colfax CA.

Now Leasing: A Landmark Opportunity in the Heart of Downtown Colfax

🏛️ Former Scoops Building | 27 N. Main Street | 3,600 sq. ft.

Main street colfax building looking for a tenant


At the Historic Colfax Downtown Association, we believe that revitalization begins with community—and community begins with opportunity. Right now, an exciting opportunity is knocking in the very heart of our town with a Downtown Colfax Commercial Lease available.

The former Scoops Ice Cream & Candy Store, a staple of Main Street, is now officially available for lease. Located at 27 N. Main Street, this 3,600 sq. ft. mixed-use space combines charm, functionality, and location like no other. More than just a commercial property, this is a cornerstone of our historic district—an anchor where past meets future.

A Landmark Full of Possibility

Originally built in 1915 and fully remodeled in 2016, this iconic building brings the best of both worlds: old-school craftsmanship and modern utility.

Property Features:

  • 2,400 sq. ft. of street-level commercial space – ideal for cafés, retail, tasting rooms, and more
  • 600 sq. ft. loft office – furnished and flexible for creative workspaces
  • 600 sq. ft. upstairs apartment – includes a private entrance, making it perfect for live/work or rental income
  • Three bathrooms, security system, and turnkey fixtures (including refrigeration units and counters)

With display-ready storefront windows, vintage details, and upgraded infrastructure, this building stands ready for your unique vision.

Why Downtown Colfax Is the Right Fit

Main Street is experiencing a renaissance. Our community is attracting creatives, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who see the value in building something meaningful—together.

Leasing this space means becoming part of a bigger movement. You won’t just operate a business—you’ll help shape the experience of every visitor who strolls through downtown. Whether it’s coffee, culture, cuisine, or collectibles, we believe Colfax, CA is the place where small dreams grow big.

What the Colfax Community Wants

As the Historic Downtown Colfax Association, we don’t just talk—we listen. We recently polled our thousands of followers on social media to hear directly from the people who live, work, and visit here. The responses were enthusiastic and thoughtful, showing just how deeply our community cares about shaping Main Street’s future.

Here’s what they’d love to see:

  • A locally owned burger joint (not a chain)
  • Another restaurant or deli, especially one open in the evenings
  • Ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, evoking the legacy of Scoops
  • A wine and cheese café, with live music and cozy lounge seating
  • A family-friendly bar with live music, pinball, or arcade games
  • Daycare, teen club, or a craft space for kids
  • A taco or Mexican restaurant
  • A creative idea like a pet café or shop with animal-friendly gathering space

The recurring themes were clear: community gathering, family-friendly spaces, walkable nightlife, and a dash of nostalgia. This feedback shows there’s a true hunger—not just for food, but for vibrant, shared experiences in downtown Colfax.

So if you’re a visionary business owner with a dream that aligns with this energy, this space at 27 N. Main Street is calling your name.

Fully Equipped, Move-In Ready

This isn’t a fixer-upper—it’s a finished, operational space. The modern updates, including security, lighting, and storage, mean you can open your doors quickly without heavy renovations.

Included Fixtures & Amenities:

  • Commercial-grade refrigeration
  • Display shelving and built-ins
  • Upgraded electrical & plumbing
  • ADA-compliant restrooms
  • Efficient HVAC

Join the Colfax Comeback

We’re more than just a Downtown Association—we’re neighbors with a shared mission. Our recent efforts have included:

  • Securing grant funding for downtown improvements
  • Hosting seasonal community events and festivals
  • Attracting foot traffic with visitor initiatives
  • Launching Historic Preservation Classes

As you consider this space, know that you’re not doing it alone. We’re here to help you get started and grow with confidence.

Let’s Build the Future of Colfax—Together

Opportunities like this don’t come often—especially not in places like Colfax, where the spirit of history blends so effortlessly with entrepreneurial vision. 27 N. Main Street isn’t just a space for lease; it’s a springboard for your next big idea, your next chapter, your next success story.

At the Historic Downtown Colfax Association, we’re not just looking to fill buildings—we’re building a movement. A movement of passionate people who believe in community, creativity, and the power of small towns to do big things.

If you’ve been dreaming of launching a new business, expanding your concept, or investing in a growing downtown district—this is your moment. Don’t wait.

Contact us today to explore how your vision can take shape in the heart of historic Colfax. Let’s talk about your goals, your ideas, and how we can support you in turning them into reality. Downtown Colfax is more than ready—and we believe it’s the place you’ll want to invest in.

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