Elliot Nelson – Restaurateur, real estate developer and future mayor of Tulsa

Elliot Nelson is the founder and CEO of McNellie’s Group, a hospitality company that has reshaped the dining scene in Tulsa and beyond. A visionary entrepreneur, Elliot has grown from opening one Irish pub in 2004 to overseeing dozens of restaurants and development projects.

McNellie’s Group operates a diverse portfolio of pubs, restaurants, and concepts across Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and beyond. With a focus on revitalizing neighborhoods, historic renovations, and community-driven development, the company now includes more than 25 units and multiple large-scale real estate projects.

Elliot’s journey started with a college business plan for a fictional pub, which eventually became the foundation for McNellie’s. From restoring century-old buildings to developing multi-million-dollar mixed-use projects, he has played a central role in the transformation of downtown Tulsa. Beyond restaurants, his work emphasizes placemaking, employee care, and creating spaces that serve as the backdrop for community life.

Elliot abandoned plans for law school after realizing he wanted to build something tangible and people-focused.

His first pub in 2004 became Tulsa’s destination for craft beer and helped spark downtown’s restaurant renaissance.

He emphasizes that a great pub should feel like “Tulsa’s living room,” welcoming all generations.

Development projects like Santa Fe Square and 36 Degrees North have redefined downtown, blending restaurants, apartments, and office space.

COVID-19 reshaped habits—lunch sales are still down, but outdoor dining saved his flagship pub.

Elliot believes in putting employees first, offering benefits and even personal support during tough times.

Success stories include staff rising from entry-level roles to ownership and executive leadership.

He sees his larger purpose as making Tulsa a better place to live—and may even consider running for mayor one day.

 

QUOTES

“After spending a summer in a law office, I was like, man, there’s no @#$%ing way I can do this for my life.” (Elliot)

“When we opened in 2004, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d waited tables for nine months to try to figure out how a restaurant worked.” (Elliot)

“We instantly became the destination in town for beer. At one point, we were named one of the 100 best places in the world to drink beer.” (Elliot)

“More than anything, we’ve just tried to make our hometown a better place to live. Restaurants were the vehicle in the beginning.” (Elliot)

“All those other people make a bunch of money. I just like to do cool shit.” (Elliot)

“A really good pub should be everybody’s place—where you can bring your kid, or your 80-year-old parent, and all generations feel welcome.” (Elliot)

“I think my purpose is to make my hometown a better place to live. That clarity really helps give direction and meaning to what I do.” (Elliot)

“We used to be the 11th or 12th place to get a drink downtown. Now there are about 150, and we helped create that momentum.” (Elliot)

“We realized in this industry you might be the most stable force in someone’s life. It’s a responsibility I take to heart.” (Elliot)

“We’re not chasing awards—we’re trying to be the place where people make their memories.” (Elliot)