The Start of Red Oak Pub and Restaurant

It was a cold, dark November night in 2011, when my wife, Andre, and I really had made up our minds that it was time for a change. We started our first restaurant with a bar and grill concept in 2000. However, in 2008, that concept had been on a downhill slide. Despite hard work and dedication to the brand, sales continued to dwindle. Knowing what the break-even point was for our business, not a night went by that we weren't worried about keeping the doors open. So, armed with a dream and vision, we set out on a journey to create what would become Red Oak Pub and Restaurant. Having failed at another startup concept years earlier, we knew the risks involved.

Our New Vision

We first looked far and wide for another business to franchise. What bothered both of us was that it was the same old, same old. Put a bar in, put some televisions up, and serve the same average food that all the other chains were serving. Quite literally, the concept was nothing more than to get your food in a bag and warm it up. There you go. There is your average food. Nothing genuine or creative about that.

In our hearts, we knew that we had to be real and create a truly, genuine product. Nothing that had been frozen, thawed out, or warmed up could be served to the customer. There had to be hard work, creative recipes, and systems established. We knew we had to bring in the best, freshest food to make sure the customer received the best meal possible. We also knew that it did not have to be expensive. One of our favorite foods throughout our lives was a cheeseburger. We knew that if we could find the best beef recipe, grill it on a char broiler and not a flat top grill, and develop some genuine, great tasting, house-made sauces with the best and freshest toppings, we had a chance. We also knew that if we could get the best core items like buns, oils, dressings, produce, and so on, we would be successful.

So here we were, all dressed up with nowhere to go. All of these ideas were in our heads, and now they had to be on paper. Then, we needed to surround ourselves with the best people in the business and all would be good to go. So, that is what we did.

With the full support of our families, we shared our vision with our longtime managers, Heather and Alma. We wanted to have the best burgers and best American food along with great domestic and craft beer in a clean, family-centric, fun-filled atmosphere. After sharing the vision, they agreed that it was time to make a change.

Making the Change

So the day arrived for the remodel. We had done all of the proper planning before that day to ensure that the conversion went as smoothly as possible. I woke up at 5:00 AM that morning and by 5:00 PM that night, the dining room was empty. No furniture, booths, or greenery were left. Nothing! It was time to be out with the old and in with the new. Here comes Red Oak Pub and Restaurant! With all of the hard work from our staff and all of the local contractors, Red Oak Pub and Restaurant had been created. We were pouring beer and serving test food within 21 days. That was an unbelievable feat! One that we still wonder how we accomplished.

Our menu had 10 appetizers, eight salads, 12 burgers, nine entrees, and four desserts. It wasn't a huge menu, but every item was excellent. The staff had done it. Andre and I had done it. Red Oak Pub and Restaurant was ready to go! So, we opened the doors on Thursday, June 26, 2012. What a great day! The community was starving for a great, locally owned, family-friendly place to go where the customer was truly valued. That is exactly what they got.

Looking Ahead

The vision for Red Oak Pub and Restaurant is not certain. We live in an amazing, ever-changing world. However, one thing is certain. As long as Red Oak Pub and Restaurant is around, our customers will always be able to see what great joy we have when we serve them. You can visit us or contact us now for a same-day reservation. We also offer options for event hosting!

Thank you for your business!

Michael and Andre Sarap