Henryetta OK – Kjell Jansson
In the small town of Henryetta, Oklahoma, The Shack 2.0 stands as more than just a restaurant. It’s a story of resilience, community, and a love for family, all wrapped up in homemade recipes and heartfelt hospitality. Owners Reese and Roxanne Robertson have transformed what was once a closed establishment into a vibrant gathering place for locals and travelers alike, earning a reputation for their warm, family-oriented atmosphere.
From the Pipeline to the KitchenThe Shack 2.0’s journey began in the unlikeliest of ways. Reese and Roxanne, who spent years on the road working in the pipeline and roofing industries, found themselves at a crossroads when the pipeline work began to dwindle in 2020. Faced with uncertainty, they turned to their roots and a restaurant in Henryetta that had closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We called and asked if they were planning to reopen,” Reese recalls. “When they said no, we asked if they’d sell it. Next thing we knew, we were asking my parents if they’d want to join in, and here we are.”
A Family Affair
The restaurant business, as it turns out, runs deep in their family. From Reese’s grandmother’s diner on Highway 75 to his mother’s recipes, The Shack 2.0 embodies generations of culinary tradition. Today, the Robertsons serve up these cherished family recipes alongside daily specials, creating a menu that feels like home for their patrons.
“Our customers are like family now,” Reese says. “It feels like sitting down to a home-cooked meal at mom’s or grandma’s house.”
The Shack’s coffee bar, featuring beans roasted by a native Hawaiian in Tulsa, has become a favorite for travelers from around the world, with visitors from Europe and Australia remarking how much it reminds them of home.
More Than a RestaurantBeyond its food, The Shack 2.0 has become a community hub. Its event room, equipped with a 21-foot conference table, private restroom, and separate entrance, hosts everything from Lions Club meetings to holiday parties. The space is also a favorite for TikTok creators, photographers, and families looking for a festive backdrop.
“We decorate for every season and holiday,” Roxanne shares. “Our customers love it—they say it feels like being in a Hallmark movie.”
Family at the Core
What truly sets The Shack 2.0 apart is the family behind it. The Robertsons work alongside their children, grandchildren, and extended family to keep the business thriving. Whether it’s preparing meals, greeting guests, or decorating for the holidays, their teamwork shines through.
“The best part is that we get to do it with family,” Roxanne says. “It’s a team effort, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A Bright Future
While customers often suggest expanding, the Robertsons are content with their current operation. “We’ve outgrown this place, but we don’t have any desire to go bigger right now,” Roxanne explains. Balancing the restaurant with her full-time job, she cherishes the time spent with family and their growing community of loyal patrons.
With dreams of one day passing the business to the next generation, The Shack 2.0 is poised to remain a beloved fixture in Henryetta for years to come. For now, Reese and Roxanne are focused on doing what they love: serving great food, decorating with flair, and welcoming everyone who walks through their doors like family.
So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to The Shack 2.0 is more than a meal—it’s an experience filled with warmth, tradition, and a little slice of Henryetta’s heart.