New Tulsa Cafe May Spur More Riverfront Development

Dan Bewley, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Blue Rose Cafe is back. The popular restaurant closed a decade ago in Brookside, but it's returned with flair.

Many are saying it could be setting the trend for development on the riverfront.

It's not even noon on a Sunday and the Blue Rose Cafe is already bouncing. "Insane. In one word, insane," said Tom Dittus, owner of Blue Rose Café.

Tom Dittus is the owner of the Blue Rose. His reborn restaurant has been open 16 days.

"It's just been crazy. We've been received so well. It's really, really cool," he said.

What sets the new Blue Rose apart is its location, perched along the Arkansas River. It's a place where customers can catch a view while relaxing on the back porch.

Blue Rose customer Nelson Rogers even brought along his four legged friend.

"What more could you do unless you're in San Francisco?" he asked.

The original Blue Rose Cafe was in Brookside and closed almost ten years ago. Tom Dittus has brought it back with flair.

Outside it sits on 30 foot tall piers, inside you'll find locally made pieces of art and tributes to Oklahoma musicians.

Dittus has plans to expand the restaurant with a bigger kitchen, more room for beer, but right now he says it's the perfect size.

"What we need to do is get our facilities where we're able to service the entire restaurant. Right now we're limited on where we can serve food because we want it to come out in a timely manner and the quality of product that people expect from the Blue Rose.," Dittus said.

"I think it's a beautiful place on the river and unique," said Blue Rose customer Terri Sensintaffer.

Sensintaffer brought her family here from Sand Springs. They say the Blue Rose's unique location gives it a different vibe.

"To be able to sit on the river...the river is always intriguing," said Carl Sensintaffer.

The customers we spoke with agree and hope this riverfront restaurant is the first of many new things to come.

"I just think it's just a great, cool atmosphere. This is just a phenomenal scene out here, it's just revitalizing Tulsa and the river area," said Blue Rose customer Darren Beers.