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Talk About Tulsa => Development & New Businesses => Topic started by: Conan71 on January 11, 2008, 09:23:25 AM

Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Conan71 on January 11, 2008, 09:23:25 AM
One of the owners of the new Sunset Grill (formerly Kal's) had told me this the other day, so the info seems pretty solid.  The Blue Rose Cafe will be returning to Tulsa in London Square near 58th & Lewis.  As well, Bull & Bear Pub is supposed to be revived as well.

It's the original owner bringing the Blue Rose back.  I don't know exact dates for all this.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Breadburner on January 11, 2008, 09:54:02 AM
Yup Tom Dittus is on board....
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: inteller on January 11, 2008, 10:32:48 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71

One of the owners of the new Sunset Grill (formerly Kal's) had told me this the other day, so the info seems pretty solid.  The Blue Rose Cafe will be returning to Tulsa in London Square near 58th & Lewis.  As well, Bull & Bear Pub is supposed to be revived as well.

It's the original owner bringing the Blue Rose back.  I don't know exact dates for all this.



Kal's as in Kal's Chophouse?  Didn't know they owned Sunset Grill.  At least I know where the mob wannabes hang out now.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: CoffeeBean on January 11, 2008, 11:24:05 AM
I miss the Bull & Bear.  But Blue Rose in London Square?  What about south Brookside?  Maybe couple it with a new Penningtons.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: spoonbill on January 11, 2008, 12:00:08 PM
That's great.  I love Tom!  Too bad it's in the London Square center.  

That's one of Tulsa's "black hole" centers.  Very few business survive there anymore. . . but perhaps he can turn that around!
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Conan71 on January 11, 2008, 09:10:02 PM
I think that's the point, to turn it around.  I ate at Kal's one night last summer when they were doing the music in the parking lot, they also had a fresh produce stand open till about dark.  They are working real hard to promote the center.

One of Blue Rose's biggest on-going problems were noise complaints and the only place to park a bike was the sidewalk.  Being in London Square will alleviate at least one of those problems (bike parking).  With the Sidelines being another biker attraction, that might work.  Of course if it drives more bikes to 58th & Lewis that means more noise complaints from that area if obnoxious morons can't keep from cobbing their pipes at 2am.

Kal is out of the picture on the new Sunset, he was pretty much figure-head only on the Kal's deal.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: carltonplace on January 14, 2008, 01:49:45 PM
Will Bull & Bear go into its old location? I hated to see them get chased out of London Square.

Even then it won't be the same with out Jimmy.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: NellieBly on January 15, 2008, 11:31:46 AM
I understand a high-end deli/catering kitchen with imported cheeses and other things like that not found locally is going in next to Blue Rose. It's nice to see that area get a little attention.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: sgrizzle on March 14, 2008, 07:07:13 AM
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace

Will Bull & Bear go into its old location? I hated to see them get chased out of London Square.

Even then it won't be the same with out Jimmy.



In Today's Spot, it is confirmed that Bull & Bear will be returning to it's old spot and Blue Rose will be reemerging at the other end of the same center.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: mrB on May 20, 2008, 11:06:45 PM
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace

Will Bull & Bear go into its old location? I hated to see them get chased out of London Square.
Even then it won't be the same with out Jimmy.


In Today's Spot, it is confirmed that Bull & Bear will be returning to it's old spot and Blue Rose will be reemerging at the other end of the same center.



Old news I know, but good news. Sounds like London Square won't be so square. Lund's even going to be sending the T-T-Trolleys.

Blue Rose and Bull & Bear: Reborn in London Square
By SCOTT CHERRY
3/14/2008
Last Modified: 4/2/2008  12:39 PM

Do you ever long for those days when you were tipping a cool one on a balmy evening at the Blue Rose? Or the Bull and Bear? Then say, "Hallelujah," brother, because those iconic watering holes are going to return as neighbors sometime this summer.

Tom Dittus is bringing back his former Brookside haunt, the Blue Rose, to the south end of London Square, 5800 S. Lewis Ave., by early May. Marc Matheos plans to rivive Bull and Bear at its original spot on the north end of the shopping center by early summer.

A new venture, Sunset Bar and Grill (//%22http://www.sunsetbarandgrilltulsa.com/%22) – a name borrowed from another former Brookside club – opened in the middle of London Square in December.

"Maybe we will get a little synergy going over there," said Dittus.

"They're getting ready to remodel the whole center, so hopefully we can bring some life back to a landmark shopping center.

"This time, we're going to bring back only the tavern and music to the Blue Rose – no food. And, of course, it will be Harley friendly; I'll get those guys back to my place. It's going to be fun."

Matheos, whose former restaurant operations include Ciao, co-owns with his brother Zachary Matthews a basement club downtown, the Celler Dweller – another memorable name from the past.

"I guess I'm on this kick of bringing back names of wellknown old bars," said Matheos.

"I'm also going to open a Crystal Pistol, like the one that used to be on North Sheridan, in late spring next to Cain's Ballroom."

He said the Bull and Bear will be "a quaint little bar, like it was before, and maybe have some pizza and paninis."

Matheos said it was mostly coincidence that the three new businesses converged on London Square at roughly the same time. "Serendipity, I guess," he said.

quote:
World Reader Comments

Blake Lund, Tulsa  (3/24/2008 9:20:28 AM)
Well, Dittus and the Matthew brothers at it again. These are the people that made many memories for me back in the late 80's and 90's. Congrats on continuing to make this world a better place. I look forward to the reunion! Plan on my Trolleys bringing lots of people your way. Good Luck guys! Blake Lund- T-Town Trolley (//%22http://www.myspace.com/ttowntrolley%22)

http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/spot/article.aspx?articleID=20080314_8_ES1_spanc43367

Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: spoonbill on May 21, 2008, 05:56:55 AM
That will be nice.  Too bad he's chosen a consistently failing center.  Sunset Grill is like a ghost town since it's open.

Good luck Tom!  I would have talked to Gordon, Phillips, Nelson, or one of the other area developers looking for anchors.  They would have given you a better price than LS, a better tenant finish package, and a survivable location.  

Sorry to be a pessimist, but any commercial broker can tell you that that center is on a downward curve, due to traffic, crime, and poor exposure as compared to other developments in the area.  Bring in a bunch of loud motorcycles and you will have a fight on your hands with the neighbors.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: tim huntzinger on May 21, 2008, 07:57:12 AM
Wow I can hardly wait! The Blue Rose! Awesome! Golly how did anyone survive without its unique ambience and individuality!  Nothing defines Tulsans like the Blue Rose! Great newwws!!
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: sgrizzle on May 21, 2008, 09:34:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by tim huntzinger

Wow I can hardly wait! The Blue Rose! Awesome! Golly how did anyone survive without its unique ambience and individuality!  Nothing defines Tulsans like the Blue Rose! Great newwws!!



(http://www.internerd.com/frinky/images/screenshots/sarcasmdet.jpg)
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Gaspar on May 21, 2008, 09:38:32 AM
I'll eat lunch there!  It's right next to my office!  

I used to love Steamroller Blues!  I hope he has some of the same menu items!

Blue Rose was more of a drinkin place!
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Conan71 on May 21, 2008, 10:05:18 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Gaspar

I'll eat lunch there!  It's right next to my office!  

I used to love Steamroller Blues!  I hope he has some of the same menu items!

Blue Rose was more of a drinkin place!



You missed the part where Tom is not re-opening a kitchen, just doing drinks and music.  He's missing the boat.  His food was one of the reasons I went there.  I can buy a beer and park a Harley just about anywhere around Tulsa, why would I choose the new Blue Rose over anywhere else.

He had a great business model with Blue Rose, was making plenty of money on that and pissed it away getting too far flung on Steamroller.  One thing that worked for BR early on was that he and Kelly were there every day to greet the customers and make sure everything was great.

I miss his Blue Rose Special burgers and his teriyaki chicken nachos.  I ate there the day it opened, the day it closed, and plenty of times in between.

Hopefully Tom will get tipped off we are talking about him and think about a kitchen.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: TeeDub on May 21, 2008, 10:31:20 AM

The Bull and Bear will have pizza and paninis?

What the hell is up with that?   They need to give their kitchen space over to someone else and focus on what made them worthwhile.   Jimmy and strong drinks.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Gaspar on May 21, 2008, 10:51:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71

quote:
Originally posted by Gaspar

I'll eat lunch there!  It's right next to my office!  

I used to love Steamroller Blues!  I hope he has some of the same menu items!

Blue Rose was more of a drinkin place!



You missed the part where Tom is not re-opening a kitchen, just doing drinks and music.  He's missing the boat.  His food was one of the reasons I went there.  I can buy a beer and park a Harley just about anywhere around Tulsa, why would I choose the new Blue Rose over anywhere else.

He had a great business model with Blue Rose, was making plenty of money on that and pissed it away getting too far flung on Steamroller.  One thing that worked for BR early on was that he and Kelly were there every day to greet the customers and make sure everything was great.

I miss his Blue Rose Special burgers and his teriyaki chicken nachos.  I ate there the day it opened, the day it closed, and plenty of times in between.

Hopefully Tom will get tipped off we are talking about him and think about a kitchen.




Oh!  Without a kitchen that will not survive.  There are plenty of other drunk holes in the area.  Most are quite sleazy and very cheap!

What made the Blue Rose an excellent drinkin spot was the people watching and just being on Brookside!  I don't think watching folks bum cigarettes from each other at the bus stop by London Square is going to have the same appeal.

HEY TOM!  WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: FOTD on May 21, 2008, 12:42:39 PM
Is not Tom the landlord rep on the same property he is opening these venues? Hmmm????

Restaurants right now in Tee Town are getting hurt. Low attendance, higher food costs and mediocrity seem to be having a big negative impact.

Rumor has it McGill's may be opening a breakfast lunch diner near Sunset.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: safetyguy on May 21, 2008, 12:46:19 PM
quote:


Rumor has it McGill's may be opening a breakfast lunch diner near Sunset.




I can taste the McGill's filet and eggs now!!!
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Gaspar on May 21, 2008, 12:58:49 PM
quote:
Originally posted by FOTD

Is not Tom the landlord rep on the same property he is opening these venues? Hmmm????

Restaurants right now in Tee Town are getting hurt. Low attendance, higher food costs and mediocrity seem to be having a big negative impact.

Rumor has it McGill's may be opening a breakfast lunch diner near Sunset.




Well that explains it.  It's his own gun pointed at his foot.  

I wish him the very best in this endeavor, against the odds, but I hope he can make a go of it!
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: ARGUS on May 21, 2008, 02:00:20 PM
I drove by Sunset last night and thought to myself...wow...still open? I have not heard on ONE person who has been there.
Way to go Tulsa Now...you almost have ESP.
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: Conan71 on May 21, 2008, 02:05:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by FOTD

Is not Tom the landlord rep on the same property he is opening these venues? Hmmm????

Restaurants right now in Tee Town are getting hurt. Low attendance, higher food costs and mediocrity seem to be having a big negative impact.

Rumor has it McGill's may be opening a breakfast lunch diner near Sunset.




I had not heard that.  I'd been told he was helping manage some properties for in-laws with his brother.  His in-laws FAIK aren't the owners of London Sq.  

But hey, you know how the rumor mill is in Tulsa...
Title: Blue Rose Cafe Returning
Post by: joiei on May 21, 2008, 03:04:22 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
[br
But hey, you know how the rumor mill is in Tulsa...


definitely alive and living large on these threads.  If it wasn't for rumors there would be very little to speculate about.