Route 66 Icon Preparing To Close Its Doors Forever

It's a Route 66 Icon and a Tulsa treasure, not just for the famous chicken fried steaks or the fifties feel, but for the people you find there.<br/><br/>For many the Metro Diner has been a family tradition

Monday, November 20th 2006, 10:14 am

By: News On 6

It's a Route 66 Icon and a Tulsa treasure, not just for the famous chicken fried steaks or the fifties feel, but for the people you find there.

For many the Metro Diner has been a family tradition for nearly 25-years. But, News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson says the 11th Street fixture is about to disappear.

It's a dining experience that'll take you back in time. From the â€˜57 Chevy that greets you at the door to the vinyl that covers the walls. For nearly 25 years the Metro Diner has served up more than just great meals, it's offered patrons some lasting memories.

"My parents used to take me here after the games," said customer Chris Geerdes.

But, progress for the University of Tulsa means this world famous restaurant has to go.

"It's gonna be tough to lock the doors, and for the whole thing to be over," owner Jim Rowenhorst said.

A lot of their customers have been coming here for years, and many come in every day.

"It is a heartbreaker for them to be closing, I've been coming here all my life," customer Jack Allen said.

Most of them though have stopped coming here just for the food. The "regulars" come here to visit their Metro Diner family.

"It's very hard, very hard. I love this place and I'm gonna miss it," said Tim Young, Metro Diner manager. "It's just one of those chapters in your life you'll never forget"

Tim Young has worked at the Metro for over a decade. He's become as much of an institution here as the hand-dipped malts and shakes.

"It's kinda like when you graduate from high school and the very first day ya know when school starts, and you're not going there, so you're just lost. Ya it'll be like that," Young said.

No more hula hoop contests, no more blue-plate breakfasts and no more neon lights. On November 26th it'll all be gone forever.

"I've got the memories, I'm gonna have a little metro scrapbook,â€ said Young.

But no scrapbook can compare to the old time experience this 50's diner provides.

The Metro's last day is Sunday. If you'd like to own a piece of the diner they'll be auctioning off all their memorabilia December 12th.