Tulsa Restaurant 'Miami Nights' To Close After Owner's Death

A Tulsa restaurant and lounge loved by many of its customers is closing this weekend.

Miami Nights' closure comes a few weeks after the owner died while trying to break up a fight outside his restaurant. Friends and family of Frank Valdes said he's the person who kept this community together. Without him, it's not the same, so they're making the difficult decision to close.

“He would light up the room," said Corina Chavez.

One of Corina Chavez’s favorite memories of her stepdad Frank Valdes is him dancing with her daughter. Corina says Frank was always dancing, always smiling, and making everyone feel at home at his favorite place.

"The support and the love of everything, everything he did he did with passion and love," said son Abel Valdes.

Franks’ son Abel Valdes said he and his dad opened Miami Nights a few years ago to bring Cuban culture and cuisine to Tulsa. Frank was a Cuban immigrant who lived in Miami, then moved to Tulsa for work. Abel says what they’ve created is bigger than he ever imagined.

“The people that have come become part of the family," said Abel.

Like customer Valeriya Buvaylik, who stopped in Friday for her favorite coffee in the city.

”Someone said coffee is a juice for the morning impaired," Buvaylik said.

Valeriya said she comes every Thursday to dance, and Frank was everyone’s favorite.

“It's not just the place," she said. "It's the connection in your heart that will continue.”

Frank passed away after breaking up a fight in the parking lot in October.

Abel and Corina said they're shutting down Miami nights because it's just too big and holds too many memories but want people to hold on to the good ones.

“We want him to remember him happy always," said Corina. "And remember him with music, food--that was his thing.”

The family said they hope to open a new place one day.

A big celebration is happening all day long Saturday to say goodbye.