Prism Cafe is closing its doors Sunday — at least for now.
Located in The Heights in north Tulsa, Prism Cafe has served customers for three years. But owner Aimee Hunter told The Eagle staffing issues and industry instability left her feeling like she needed a break.
“Things were getting challenging,” Hunter said Wednesday after announcing the closure on Instagram. “I think it’s natural when things get challenging for the vibe to change. And I think when the vibe changes, customers feel that.”
She said the decision has left her feeling a roller coaster of emotions.
Hunter, a Texas native, moved to Tulsa in 2021 after over two decades working in restaurants and as a personal chef. She opened Prism in 2023, sourcing from local farmers and launching a menu with items like the Melted Brie Apple, a sandwich influenced by her time living in New York City.
“When I arrived in Tulsa during the pandemic — just to visit — I kinda was like, ‘Tulsa might be the place where they would want a farm-to-table sandwich shop,’” she said. “And I think they still do. I just have to pause until I figure out how to do that.”
Hunter’s love of cooking started when she was a 17-year-old “troubled teen” sent by her parents on a mission trip to Guatemala.
That’s where she says she learned to see cooking and serving food as “a beautiful way to communicate gratitude and acceptance” towards other people.
For her, Prism Cafe was not only a place for people to eat and learn more about farm-to-table practices but a place to connect with neighbors.
“I wanted people to feel empowered to connect with food in the way that I had,” she said.
“We can grow our own herbs. We can grow our own tomatoes. We can work with the land,” Hunter continued. “There’s a lot of things we can do for our own health and our own community. That’s what I wanted people to take away from it.”
Ultimately, she’s thankful for the community support she’s seen over the years. She hinted at Prism making a return in the future. But, for now, she’s feeling like “there’s more to life than just work,” especially in an industry that’s drastically changing.
“I think it’s 70% up to me and 30% up to the community. And you know, maybe God or the universe,” she said. “I think supporting local is so wildly important. So, I’d love to see everyone continue to do that, whether it’s at the farmers’ market or with other restaurants who have similar values.” The cafe’s Instagram post shouted out CHOP Grocer, which opened in April.
Despite their doors shutting Sunday, Hunter said the restaurant will still host its Aug. 28 Summer Series dinner party the following Friday. She said after taking a hiatus she will shift to catering and hosting events at the space.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to show Hunter plans to focus on catering and event hosting after taking a hiatus.
