Byron's Babbles

I pride myself on being the person who finds the cool places to go when coming into a city or state as a visitor. This past week I was in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for ExcelinEd’s National Summit on Education. I must first say that Oklahoma City far exceeded my expectations. The people are super friendly and there are lots of cool things to see. The coolest, however, was historic Stockyards City, Oklahoma. Luckily I saw a sign for it as my Uber was delivering me to my hotel. Farm kid that I am, with the word stockyards I was in.

Historic Stockyards City, Oklahoma, is a vibrant district that proudly showcases its rich heritage as a hub of cattle trading and ranching. Established in the late 19th century, it became a central site for the livestock industry, particularly with the opening of the Oklahoma City Stockyards in 1910. The area is renowned for its iconic structures, including the impressive Livestock Exchange Building and the famous Stockyards City Main Street, lined with Western shops, restaurants, and museums. Highlights include the annual “World’s Largest Stocker and Feeder Cattle Auction,” which attracts buyers and sellers from across the country, as well as the historic rodeo events that celebrate cowboy culture. Today, Stockyards City remains a lively destination, drawing visitors eager to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and Western charm. In fact there are cattle auctions at the stockyards each Monday and Tuesday.

I still haven’t told you the best part of Stockyards City yet that was also founded in 1910 – Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. Originally, in 1910, it was called the Cattlemen’s Cafe. As soon as I saw this on the web, I knew I had to go! I ended up going twice!!! The first time, a group of us were leaving an early evening event and one of our department of education team members said, “I really need to get something to eat.” I said, “I’ve got just the place.” Off we went.

It was awesome! We had the most incredible server ever who really understood what the customer experience is all about. She told us all about the food, she told us how the food was prepared, gave us recommendations, and gave us a full history lesson – such as that the original owner lost the restaurant in a 🎲 dice roll. True story. We had to have the famous Lamb Fries (I’ll let you click and find out what they are, if you don’t know). Our server put the history into perspective when she explained they were still using the same Lamb Fry recipe as when they opened in 1910. She then went on to tell us that was two years before the Titanic sunk in 1912. We were having the time of our lives!

Needless to say; after everyone heard of our incredible experience, there was a group of my home state peeps that wanted to go the next night. They invited me to go with them. There were other events I maybe should have gone to, but it seemed really important to spend time building relationships with this group. So I did and the group became 15.

Before I get to the real topic of this post (I know. It has taken a while) I need to say that our server the second night was the granddaughter of our server the night before. She was awesome, too! We had an incredible time and one person said to me, “I am so glad I finally got to hang out with you.” Then she texted me when I was on my way home and said, “Thanks for adding some fun to the week.” I so appreciated that! I like being that person who adds fun, smiles, and laughter to others’ lives.

Relationships are so important and I am so glad I practiced what I preach and decided to go with the group. Going to dinner can be a great way for building relationships for several reasons:

1. Face-to-Face Interaction: Dining together provides an opportunity for personal, face-to-face interaction, which fosters deeper connections and understanding compared to virtual communication.
2. Creating a Comfortable Atmosphere: A relaxed setting, like a restaurant, particularly when you’re eating Lamb Fries, can help people feel more comfortable and open, encouraging honest conversations and sharing of experiences.
3. Shared Experience: Sharing a meal creates a communal experience that can strengthen bonds. It allows for the creation of shared memories, which are essential for relationship building. And let me tell you, we have shared memories. Check out the photos for proof.
4. Opportunities for Conversation: Meals often last long enough to allow for meaningful dialogue. This time together can be used to learn more about each other’s values, interests, and backgrounds.
5. Cultural Significance: In many cultures, dining together is seen as a significant social activity. It can symbolize trust and camaraderie.
6. Non-Verbal Communication: During dinner, body language and non-verbal cues play a huge role in communication, allowing people to connect on a deeper emotional level.
7. Networking Opportunities: In professional contexts, dinner can facilitate networking and collaboration in a more casual environment, helping to establish rapport among colleagues or business partners.

Overall, going to dinner is not just about the food; it’s about nurturing relationships through shared experiences and open communication. I also really believe that historical or iconic restaurants like Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Stockyards City can serve as fantastic catalyst for relationship building. Here are a few ways they can be leveraged:

1. Cultural Experience: These restaurants often have rich histories and unique atmospheres that can spark conversations and connections. Sharing stories about the restaurant’s past or its significance can foster a deeper bond among diners.
2. Shared Experience: Dining in a place with a storied reputation can create lasting memories. When colleagues or business partners share experiences in such settings, it can strengthen their rapport and encourage more informal discussions.
3. Local Flavor: Emphasizing the local cuisine can also be a great conversation starter. Discussing regional specialties or the history behind certain dishes can lead to engaging dialogues.
4. Networking Opportunities: Iconic restaurants often attract influential patrons. This environment can provide opportunities for networking, allowing guests to meet others, potentially leading to beneficial business relationships. A side note here: many of the first year scenes of Tulsa King were filmed close to where we were and Sylvester Stallone who plays portrays Dwight “The General” Manfredi in Tulsa King ate where we were eating 3-4 times per week. As a huge Stallone fan, I thought that was pretty cool.
5. Incorporating Themes: For specific events or meetings, you can incorporate the restaurant’s theme into presentations or discussions, further tying the dining experience to the business objectives.
6. Creating Traditions: Regularly meeting at a notable restaurant can become a tradition that strengthens personal and professional bonds over time.

I do really try to find the cool and historic places when I travel to other places. It’s also great to find great restaurants when at conferences. We all need to leverage more time for building and maintaining our relationships.