Less than a month after the Meltdown Diner in southwest Tulsa closed, it reopened again with a slightly modified name.
Owner Jim Hardcastle, citing his desire to spend more time with his father and grandsons, announced he would close Meltdown Diner on May 25. The restaurant, which specialized mainly in grilled-cheese sandwiches, had been operating for less than two years.
In early June, Hardcastle’s former wife, Sara Hardcastle, announced she would reopen the restaurant as Her Meltdown Too. In a Facebook post, she wrote:
As most know, I was originally involved in the Meltdown Diner. The diner was my heart and due to some very unfortunate events, I removed myself from any involvement with the diner. For the past year, I had moved forward with my life while leaving part of my heart behind. I loved each and every customer who walked through our doors. About 3 weeks ago I saw the post that the diner was closing its doors, but there was no way that I could just stand by and let that happen so I jumped in and put up a fight to keep the doors open and now I have exclusive control and possession of it. Please join me in the rebirth of the greatest thing ever and welcome “Her Meltdown Too”. I hope that you will all come back and continue your support for the diner as I take this journey forward. Thank you All!!!
Sara Hardcastle elaborated in a text message Wednesday night:
Jim and I divorced about a year after opening the Meltdown Diner together. The divorce decree awarded me 50% but it was never put up for sale. When I found out he was closing the diner, I went to court and the judge gave it to me.
Sara Hardcastle at the time of her initial announcement projected reopening June 28. True to her word, the grand reopening was hosted by Tulsa Route 66 Main Street on that date.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The recent photo above of the building reflects the subtle way she changed the restaurant’s name to Her Meltdown Too.
The Hardcastles renovated the 1949 building at 33rd West Avenue and Southwest Boulevard (aka Route 66) and added a 1950s decor to the former gas station, lunch stand and used-car lot. Meltdown Diner opened in the late summer of 2017.
(Image of Her Meltdown Two in Tulsa via Facebook)