Page 44 - Erath

50s decor and colors complete with a pink Christmas tree, pink fridge, pink phone and vintage posters. This room includes a bakery display case and a real soda fountain. "We purchased the 1930s soda fountain from Indianapolis and restored it to its working condition," Todd proudly notes. There's always an element of serendipity. "It's fun when people meet and reminisce or discover something that was once part of their life. Some even recognize people in the pictures," recalls Robin. Seasonal events such as staged gunfghts and shootouts in warm weather add to the fun. Also, when antique car buffs gather, the front parking area is reserved for antique cars. As modern cars zoom by on the highway, those antique models serve as a reminder of another time, a simple time in juxtaposition to today's high-tech, fast-paced world.

The Oak Dale 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 personally experienced 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.

When we're grown, we often look back and treasure the simple joys of everyday moments and special foods we shared with parents or grandparents. As times change, many simple joys are lost. "Some of us, for example, have wonderful memories of going to an old-fashioned soda shoppe. We wanted to create the soda shoppe experience for another generation to enjoy. Maybe someday they'll tell their kids about the time they sipped that old-fashioned treat in an authentic soda shoppe." "We encourage our guests to slow down, relax, and take their time to enjoy our food, our steakhouse and soda shoppe. It's really about the experience as much as it is about the food."  ECL