COVID-19 claims Cafe 501 co-founder
Holloway Restaurant Group co-founder Peter Holloway died Monday afternoon from complications caused by the novel coronavirus. He was 66.
When 2020 began, Holloway was reeling from a cruel prognosis: stage four cancer. A few months later, he and his family met the challenge of keeping their cadre of restaurants operating through the pandemic. However, necessary travels to Houston f or treatment and life in the restaurant industry left him more exposed to the corona virus. In December he was hospitalized with it and pneumonia.
"Our industry has lost another icon with the passing of Peter Holloway. Peter, along with his wife Sheree, built one of the best known restaurant companies in Oklahoma ," said Jim Hopper, chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association ." Pete served as past chairman of the association in 1996 and shared his wisdom for many years as chairman of the government affairs committee. We will miss his wise and quiet counsel. Our hearts are broken."
Holloway' s career dates to the 1970s when he was a student at the University of Oklahoma and began waiting tables.
It was a job at The Hungry Peddler that derailed his plan to become a psychologist.
The Hungry Peddler was part of the Val Gene Associates portfolio of restaurants. Principles Jim Val lion and Gene Sm els er brought Holloway along so well they eventually made him director of operations and managing partner when they opened the original Pepperoni Grill in 1990.
In 1996, Holloway and his wife Sheree went it alone with the opening of Cafe 501 in Edmond. The restaurant was an instant hit and still flourishes at the corner of Boulevard and 5 thin Edmond. A second location opened in Classen Curve in 2013 and also continues to flourish.
Holloway Restaurant Group also boasts Edmond properties Boulevard Steakhouse and Sp arrow Modern Italian. The Martini Bar, Park House and Ice House are concepts from its past.
"He always challenged us to think outside the box. Conventional was not in his wheelhouse," said David E gan of Cattlemen's Steakhouse. "His high standards motivated all of us to do better."
Holloway was known for his immaculate wine palate and a sense of hospitality as effortless as it was boundless.
"Pete was the consummate host. Caring. Attentive. Experienced. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and patrons," said Edmond Wine Shop' s Van ce Gregory. "In our market, Pete did so much to promote so many wineries and wine makers who consequently became his close friends. So sorry to lose this guy."
Posted Alex Kroblin, owner of Thirst Wine Merchants, on social media about Holloway: "Lived for family. Loyal to friends. Generous to strangers. Passionate for life. The embodiment of hospitality."
Holloway's daughter Alex posted on social media: "I know there are so many people and lives Dad touched, the impact he had on the restaurant and hospitality industry will forever be remembered. He truly was the epitome of hospitality and a true gentleman. In honor of him, pour a glass of champagne and celebrate his incredible life."
Holloway is also survived by his brother Bill, sisters Susan Grisso and Margaret Holloway; wife Sheree, and s ons Andrew, Jeffrey and H ir st. Memorials ervices have not yet been announced.