TULSA, Okla. — If you’re not looking for it when you're traveling down Peoria in north Tulsa, you just might miss it. However, locals in the community say Retro Grill and Bar is a true Tulsa native favorite, but now the young business desperately needs the community.
The grill and bar located on 800 N Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74106 opened March 2016. In the four years its been open, Retro has become well known for its basket meals, which are always made fresh when ordered.
The kitchen staff grill and fry, chicken, fish, pork shops, bacon, and french fries, but the crowed favorite is the chicken wing basket.
When the owner Marvin Smith opened Retro, he had a goal to provide a light-hearted atmosphere where people enjoyed the music almost as much as the food.
"We offer good music, good food, and good drinks. We are a place where people come to unwind after a long day," Smith said. "Our customers are more family to us than anything."
Smith has been missing his customers because coronavirus safety regulations have closed Retro's doors to the public.
“COVID-19 effected us in a major way. Other than being a restaurant, we have a late night atmosphere, and right now, we don’t have that atmosphere," Smith said.
That’s financially hitting his business hard.
"Basically, we're 20% of our regular revenue,” Smith said. "It's tough."
Especially, because for Smith, it's hard to find places to cut expenses
“It's a family business. My kids work here and my partner's kids work here," Smith said.
Despite he and his families struggle, Smith is determined to stay open by offering their menu for curbside pick up.
"We'll just work as a family together to keep in going," Smith said. "We are trying to stay afloat. So, we are here for our family, people when they come back to enjoy the things we have to offer here at Retro."
Retro is open for to-go orders Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. to see their menu, click here. To place an order, call 918-587-3876.
Smith says they are offering cheaper lunch options Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including their fried wings and catfish basket.
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