Betty Boop In Jeans

Rockin' retro restaurant

The North Platte Telegraph

Visitors to the newest business in North Platte are finding themselves transported back in time, simply by crossing over the threshold. That's because The Pink Poodle, 111 West Second Street, is set up like a 1950s soda shop, complete with red vinyl booths, an old-fashioned jukebox and waitresses in poodle skirts.

Owners Ken and Connie Bible breathed a sigh of relief when the lights were turned on and the doors were unlocked Monday - officially marking the end of almost a decade worth of planning.

"A lot of love went into this place," said Connie. "We've learned so much, and it's been fun putting it together. I almost cried when we opened that door. I wish we could have opened sooner, but the timing ended up being just right. We're proof that if you set your mind to something you can make it happen."

The Bibles own Miss Connie's Connection and Midwest Screen Print and Embroidery, 206 North Jeffers, just around the corner from The Pink Poodle. They purchased the building all three businesses are in eight and a half years ago.

"We had the space; we figured we might as well do something with it," said Connie.

She said Linda's Kitchen was previously located in the The Pink Poodle's space, but primarily served soups and sandwiches. The delay in opening the new restaurant came in installing an updated electrical system that could support fryers and skillets.

A week ago, Connie invited her family and employees' families in to eat, so staff could practice serving. On Monday, 75 people came through the doors.

"We don't even have a sign yet," said Connie. "All we did was turn on the light."

Ginger Dunn will manage The Pink Poodle, which has 13 employees. Connie said the majority are high school and college students.

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