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"I'm surrounded by many special childhood memories here," says Todd as he glances around their Oak Dale Steakhouse & Soda Shoppe, which began operation in April 2009.

Several eclectic buildings make up the Fanning Steakhouse & Soda Shoppe. A spacious outdoor area in back features an oak-shaded patio set in an old-timey village with barber shop, saloon, general store and stage.

The steakhouse was an original Thurber House moved to Oak Dale in 1932 by Dee Lowe. His son, Harold Wayne Lowe, was two years old at the time. "Wayne, who comes often to eat and visit, recently celebrated his 80th birthday with us at Oak Dale. We consider him part of our family now," explains Robin.

Todd's parents, Bill and Jo Fanning, built the white house in 1950 when they frst got married. "Todd has sweet memories of riding a tricycle through the house," points out Robin. "That white house has been gutted and made into a large room for parties and rehearsal dinners and we can cater events in it." The soda shoppe building was the community center at Oak Dale Cemetery and was moved a few hundred yards to where

it is now. The buildings are connected with wrap-around porches enclosed with glass and heated and cooled when necessary.

“When you visit,” Todd suggests, "come hungry and sit a spell in any of the settings…the steakhouse, the soda shoppe or outdoor areas."

Be sure to visit the outdoor village. "Belly up to our bar in the working saloon…purchase a beer or bottled soda then stroll down the covered wooden sidewalk," advises Robin. "Take a step back in time at the general store packed with 1800s cabinets flled with novelties, check out the sheriff's offce with a jury room and explore our 1800s barber shop." A trip down memory lane is complemented by fork-tender, perfectly seasoned steaks and made-from-scratch side dishes and desserts. "I buy my steaks from the same place as the fancy steak houses in the Metroplex. We take pride in offering mouth-watering steaks and we only serve the top handpicked 12% Sterling Silver brand of all beef," explains Todd.

Many customers come for signature steaks…rib eye,

THIS PAGE TheOakDale experience conjures up memories of another era, of relaxing in the comfort of a country home surrounded by interesting, old-fashioned collections. For those who never personallyexperienced this, a visit to this steakhouse and soda shoppe will recreate that comfy feeling. “We want to establish a reputation for serving great food, but we also want to help create and preserve good memories,” stresses Todd.