06/03/2026
Dear Corpus Christi,
June 2, 2023 was our grand opening. The two years of construction/renovation that it took to open, was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever experienced. It was brutal.
Little did I know that I was about to embark on an even harder, tougher, and more challenging task of owning a bar. It sounds easy, glorious, and dazzling. Well, it’s not. (To me)
The fact is, I never intended or desired to own a bar; all I wanted was to own the building and lease it out. But God & the universe had other plans, so I went along with it and here I am.
I could have flipped the building or have done another project in Houston, but I chose Corpus because I’m from here (Molina) and I wanted to contribute to the growth of Downtown. Why? Because it needed it then; and it still needs it today more than ever.
Fast forward to today, June 2, 2026, and I woke up to a whole fresh set of challenges.
At 9 am, I realized I had no more bartenders & servers. (Why? It’s a long story that I won’t waste time explaining) It was an “oh s**t, what am I going to do now?) moment. Especially knowing that the NBA Finals start tomorrow, Art-walk & our 3-year Anniversary party is scheduled for Friday, entertainment scheduled for the weekend, etc.
By 8 pm, I had enough new staff members on board to continue operations, come 5 pm tomorrow.
The Lessons:
Don’t give up. Don’t give in to adversity. Don’t quit on yourself. Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t stop betting on yourself. Don’t stop giving the naysayers, haters, and rediculers reasons to stop hating you. The bad things that happen usually lead to better things. Keep on keeping on and get s**t done. No excuses. Just solutions.
The reason I’m writing all this is because I hope someone can relate to this story and use it as a reminder when things get tough.
The feeling of being burnt out, frustrated, angry, betrayed, sad, confused, lonely, and lost can all seem to hit you at the same time, many times, over & over.
Well, that’s life.
Life is hard and it will throw punches at you whenever it wants; while you’re awake during the day and even in your dreams while you sleep. It’s f-ing tough, but you have to deal with it because there’s no way around it.
I’m ok with losing. But, I’m not ok with not trying. Losers don’t even try and winners lose more often than losers lose: that’s why they win.
Where am I going with this?
Well, I’ve been making changes for 3 years straight, to this very day. I didn’t come this far, just to come this far. So, don’t even think about counting me out because I’m not built that way. I’ll find a way and you will too.
Retro has been improving & evolving since it opened and the laser focus now will be on improving service & hospitality, by people who want to win and work as a team.
If you don’t experience a welcoming face, positive attitude, and great service, I want to know about it. If any staff member disrespects or mistreats you in any way, I want to know about it. Every business owner should know about problems, so they can take corrective action.
I want you to have the best…the best service, the best venue, the best food, the best experience and the best version of ourselves we can offer. And if you aren’t getting that, I want to know about it.
Lastly, if you’re someone who works in this industry and looking to be a part of team of winners who get s**t done without excuses, I would like to meet you.
Thank you.
-Freddy Rodriguez
