Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jose. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always knew that I wanted to be a business owner. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, but I didn’t want that to be the end of my accomplishments. In 2010 I visited my first arcade bar and I was blown away by the idea of mixing arcade games with 80s music, movies and decor in a bar setting and the dream was born. My main obstacle, I was living paycheck to paycheck and had do an immediate way of funding such a large project. So I reached out to friends and former clients and the only interest I received was from a former season ticket holder from my days working in the NBA. He agreed to invest $25,000, which was great but I would need at least $75,000 minimum. Then he made another contribution to the company that I’m still utilizing ten years later. He told me, “If you want this bad enough, you will find away. If this was easy, everyone would do it.” With that my journey to open up my own business began.
I spent the next five years working 3-4 jobs at a time to save up the rest of the money. I had my full-time career with benefits to provide for my family and three part-time jobs. I did everything from waiting tables, bartending and mowing lawns to chasing birds that nested in downtown government buildings and dealing cards for a casino party company. I cut any and all expenses that I didn’t need, cable, eating out and haircuts, anything to save more money. It was horrible at times and I felt like I would never reach the goal I set out on, but after five years, we were finally able to open up FlashBack RetroPub. Fast forward to 2020 and we have spend the last 11 months navigating through Dallas City Hall, meeting with community leaders, city planners, council members and a pandemic to finally gain approval to open up our second location in the Bishop Arts District. As I sat in a virtual meeting with the Dallas City Council on Wednesday, August 12th and received our finally approval, the first thing that came through my mind was “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing about owning your own business is smooth, everyday is a new challenge. Being a business owner means being on call 24 hours a day. This is the constant upkeep that it takes to operate a bar. You are essentially always training, hiring, inventory, scheduling, rescheduling, covering shifts, fixing arcade games and promoting your business. There is a reason why 90% of bars close within their first 18 months because it’s hard and very time-consuming. I’ve had to leave in the middle of anniversary dinners because employees didn’t show up to work. But even with all the obstacles I face on a weekly basis, having your guest tell you how much they love your business and how many memories they get to relive makes it all worth it. That is by far the most rewarding part of being an owner.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the FlashBack RetroPub story. Tell us more about the business.
At FlashBack RetroPub guests will be able to travel back in time and celebrate the things they loved about the 80s. We will offer around 70 arcade games that will be free to play and guests can enjoy a large selection of craft beers as well as 80s inspired cocktails. All while listening to 80s music and watching 80s movies. If you love dressing up for themed events, then FlashBack RetroPub is the place for you. We host numerous 80s themed events every year including our most popular event, an 80s Prom Night. If you are looking for team-building opportunities or private events, our establishment is available for rental. But the thing that we are best known for are the memories you will make, that is was truly sets us apart from others.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I never really view myself as a lucky/unlucky person. I diligently plan for the best and prepare for the worst. Running a business is difficult enough. If you allow luck to be a deciding factor on the decisions you make for your business, then you’re simply opening up the door for more excuses. We all have to work within the parameters we are given and it’s up to us to make the best of the situations we face. I grew up in an impoverished household in a small town in southwest Oklahoma. To say I was lucky to get out of that situation would be a discredit to the people who believed in me and made sacrifices that allowed me the chance for new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 821 W Davis Street
Dallas, TX 75208 - Website: www.flashbackretropub.com
- Email: info@flashbackretropub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashbackretropubdal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlashBack-RetroPub-Dallas-109809547141543/?modal=admin_todo_tour
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/flashbackrtropb
Image Credit:
Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman
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