07/23/2026
If youāve known me for any length of time, you know Iām usually the guy making jokes, flipping burgers, behind the bar, or running around like my hairās on fire trying to keep something from breaking.
Iām not usually the guy writing emotional letters.
But this one deserves it.
When we opened Stadium 34 in 2021, I had a dream. It wasnāt just to open another restaurant. I wanted to create a place where everyone felt welcome. A place where families could celebrate, friends could catch up, strangers could become regulars, and everyone could leave just a little happier than when they walked in.
Some days we absolutely nailed it.
Other daysā¦ wellā¦ if you waited a little too long for your food, thanks for pretending it built character.
The truth is, owning a restaurant has been one of the hardest things Iāve ever done. Itās also been one of the most rewarding.
Iāve celebrated birthdays with you. Watched kids grow up. Seen first dates become engagements. Cheered on hometown teams. Heard stories that made me laugh until my stomach hurt and others that reminded me how important community really is.
Thatās something money can never buy.
Closing Stadium 34 isnāt what I wanted.
If determination alone paid the bills, weād probably be adding a second location instead of saying goodbye.
But the reality is that rising costs, shrinking margins, and the struggle to find reliable staffing have finally caught up with us. We gave it everything we had because this community deserved our very best.
While Iām heartbroken that this chapter is ending, Iām incredibly proud of what we built together.
To every customer who chose us over somewhere elseā¦
Thank you.
To every employee who gave their time, energy, sweat, and heartā¦
Thank you.
To every person who shared one of our Facebook posts, recommended us to a friend, brought in family from out of town, or simply kept coming backā¦
Thank you.
You helped turn a building into something much bigger.
People often say restaurants are about food.
I donāt believe that.
Restaurants are about people.
The food just gives us an excuse to gather.
As I lock these doors for the last time, I wonāt remember how many burgers we sold or how many baskets of fries went out.
Iāll remember the people.
Iāll remember your stories.
Iāll remember your laughter.
Iāll remember your support.
And Iāll carry all of that with me into whatever comes next.
So, from the bottom of my heartā¦
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for believing in Stadium 34.
Thank you for letting us be part of Red Oakās story.
This isnāt the ending I wanted, but I hope itās remembered as a chapter filled with good food, good people, and a whole lot of heart.
And if we made your day just a little bit betterāeven onceāthen every long day, every late night, every stressful moment, and every crazy idea was worth it.
