Dining out is meant to be a family experience — and soon, even furry family members can join the fun.
Red Solo Pup, a new concept from Oklahoma City native Julianne Thomas, will debut in the Chisholm Creek in spring 2021. It will feature a off-leash dog park and restaurant/bar, which will allow for adequate social distancing.
“Two years ago, our 5-year-old dog, Solo, passed away,” Thomas said. “His death was an unfortunate reminder that life is short, and we should spend as much time as possible with loved ones. Dogs are family, and our goal with the concept is to bring Oklahoma City families together in a way that’s never been possible before.”
Red Solo Pup will honor Solo, acting as a communal space where dogs and their owners can play and eat together.
Thomas, a 16-year restaurant veteran, is creating an approachable menu with plans to include items like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and salads. Both dine-in and grab-and-go options will be offered, and guests can also order food and beverages from a walk-up window. Only humans are allowed inside the restaurant, but leashed dogs are welcome on the patio.
The 1.1-acre dog park will include separate areas for large and small dogs and feature mixed surfaces like turf, granite and mulch.
“One of our biggest pet peeves about other dog parks in the metro area is they’re mostly dirt, and our dogs come home covered in red mud,” Thomas said. “At Red Solo Pup, dogs won’t leave dirtier than they arrived.”
On-site bathing stations will be available for self-use or with the help of a staff member. Bark Rangers, as park staff will be called, will also help maintain the cleanliness of the park and be on-hand if a family decides to visit another Chisholm Creek entity while leaving their pets to play.
Day passes, as well as monthly and yearly memberships, will be available for park use. People without dogs are welcome to access the restaurant without becoming members.
