Tulsa Restaurants Get Creative With New Program To Get People Back To Tables

Restaurants all over Green country have taken a hit this past year. Now that COVID numbers are going down, two Tulsa restaurants are getting creative with getting customers to come back and eat. 

Nola's and Kilkenny's are offering bonds from $25 to $1,000 that will increase in value for the next year, with the hope people will keep coming back to support the restaurants.  

A lot has changed in a year at Nola's Creole and Cocktails on Cherry Street.

"The initial shock and fear was the worst," said Nola’s Executive Chef Trevor Tack.

After an initial 75 percent drop in business, Tack said the restaurant is slowly coming back to life.

"We just kept plugging along," Tack said.

Tack said every season of the pandemic brought along new restrictions and new ways they had to adapt.

"We transitioned into to-go only, a market, limited service, we did everything we possibly could," Tack said.

Now the restaurant has a creative way to bring people inside.

"Essentially a gift card but a gift card that accrues just like a savings bond," he said.

They are selling "savings bonds" that range from $25 up to $1000. They increase in value by 10 percent every three months up to a year, meaning a $1000 gift card would become $1400 this time next year.

Tack said it's a win for the restaurant by getting money now and a way to say thanks to their customers for keeping them afloat.

Kilkenny's Irish Pub Across the street is offering the bonds too. Server Alexis Owens said people have already been to pick up one and she hopes it'll help keep the restaurant thriving.

"It's a great idea," Owens said. 

Customers said it's simple but brilliant.

"It's a great idea for the service industry to get people in the door. It's hard," said customer Jordan Eggleston.

The restaurants have a limited supply of bonds. If you want to pick one up, call the restaurants or stop by in person.