Gleaming hotrods and classic cars lined Christian Avenue and Cole Street June 10, but it wasn’t a car show.
Instead, it was a group of car enthusiasts who chose Moundridge as their monthly destination.
They were part of a Wichita-based R.O.M.E.O Club, which stands for “Retired Old Men Eating Out.”
Nearly 35 members of the club drove their show-worthy cars into town and ate at The Hub Brick Oven and Brewery.
The trip was organized by Mark Little, 69 of Wichita, though he claimed no leadership of the group as it has no membership dues or hierarchy.
“A lot of guys just have nice cars,” he said. “They aren’t car show guys. They want to get out and enjoy their cars. This club is an excuse to go do it.”
Little said each month the group picks a small town within 75 miles of Wichita to drive to and eat lunch or breakfast, depending on the town’s dining options.
The club makes its journeys on the second Wednesday of each month from April through November, and they go on Wednesdays because those days are typically less busy for local eateries.
“It’s a pretty good to their local economies,” Little said.
Each month, they go a different direction out of Wichita.
Prior to visiting The Hub, Little said he came to the restaurant to scout it out, just as he tries to do before every club outing.
This was not the first time the R.O.M.E.O Club came to Moundridge’s pizzeria.
“They’re good to us here,” Little said. “Everybody in town seems to like it.”
Little has been involved with the club for about nine years, after retiring from Cessna Aircraft. At first, he said, there were seven cars and 11 members. Now the group boasts 50-60 cars with 80-90 members, though they all don’t get to attend each monthly trip.
Getting involved was natural for Little.
“I grew up around cars and motorcycles,” he said. “I’ve been around it my whole life.”
The same goes for other R.O.M.E.O Club member Fred McColpin, 78 of Wichita, who said he’s always been into cars.
He retired from Boeing and builds cars. He said he has four children, and he’s building each of them their own custom car. So far, he has finished two and is working on the other two.
McColpin said staying busy in retirement is crucial.
“Just don’t sit down,” he said. “Keep moving.”
That is why he likes being part of the R.O.M.E.O Club.
“It’s fun to go,” he said. “You try to do things and see things. It’s just nice to have some excuse to go as a group.”
McColpin said going once per month during times when the weather is typically better helps too because it isn’t too much of a commitment and ensures the cars aren’t subjected to unfavorable conditions that could potentially damage the nice cars everyone has.
“People like day trips,” he said. “It’s nice because there are always new places to see and visit.”
According to an April 24, 2025, report by NPR, other R.O.M.E.O Clubs exist around the country.
In some cases, the groups focus on riding motorcycles, or, in other instances, there is no set type of vehicle involved at all, focusing instead on the camaraderie.
No matter the conveyance, men socializing can decrease adverse health outcomes associated with the loneliness epidemic, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
As for Moundridge, Little said he and his fellow R.O.M.E.O Club members enjoyed the drive to town and their visit to the community.
“Everyone had a good time and great food and service,” he said. “The people there are always so welcoming and make it an easy choice for one of our cruises.”
