I work with classic cars. For a little while now, I've worked as a middleman, finding great classics and selling them to classic dealerships. But recently I've realized that many people who love classic cars, aren't collectors, or people over 60. (Though that's the market many dealerships sell to, because they have the money to invest in renovated cars.) But I believe there's a second market, for those aged 20 to 40, who have always loved classics but never considered them a viable option. The perfect renovated classics are out of their price range, and imperfect ones don't often run. Dealerships buy imperfect ones to restore, and then sell at a high price.
But what if there was a dealership that was different?
I live in Oklahoma City, in the district named "Automobile Alley". It has a rich history of car manufacturers and dealerships dating back to the first decade of the state's emergence. And though it is now a stylish and well-loved area, the history of the district has mostly been lost. I currently own a warehouse in the heart of the district (one that I plan to renovate soon). And though that space could work for my idea, I found a place that's even more exciting. It's a storefront that was a car dealership in the 1940's – one that I believe could be renovated and turned into something extraordinary.
Oklahoma City is one of the fastest growing cities in America. It has a brand new deal with the NBA to keep the Thunder in the state until 2050. Restaurants, bars, and amazing businesses are popping up everywhere, as they can see the writing on the wall. The city is growing, and won't be slowing down anytime soon.
I believe there is a hole in the city, waiting to be filled. I know lots of bar and restaurant owners that are looking to expand, and add another business to their success.
I believe the storefront that I'm buying could be the perfect balance of both fronts. And that the answer to the future of the space, is found in the past. The tile on the floor of the space is split down the middle. One half is one pattern and color, and the other half is another. It was owned originally by two brothers who wanted to share the space, but run two different dealerships. I think that it's the perfect idea to do the same thing today – but instead of a second dealership, the other side will be a restaurant / bar. Something that will bring people in the doors, and keep them there with the 1960's atmosphere.
There's something I fondly call the "rule of cool". If something is cool, it'll be successful. And what could be cooler than drinking at a bar next to classic cars, in the heart of a district that has profound history of people who did the same?
So the business is two fold –
- It's a business of owning a large building space in midtown Oklahoma City. (Continuing what I'm already doing as a business, but expanding)
- Finding classic cars all over the country that are easily manageable (drive and sell-ready), and selling them to an untouched market. While using the space to showcase and sell the cars.
- Then using the other half of the space as either,
- A. a landlord, renting out to a local bar, or
- B. working alongside a successful bar owner to start a new bar business that plays on the spirit of the space and history.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my dream.
– James Levi Burkett
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