diff --git a/lib/byebug/runner.rb b/lib/byebug/runner.rb
index 11ae6ad66..81af46583 100644
--- a/lib/byebug/runner.rb
+++ b/lib/byebug/runner.rb
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ def interface
     # Processes options passed from the command line.
     #
     def option_parser
-      OptionParser.new(banner, 25) do |opts|
+      @option_parser ||= OptionParser.new(banner, 25) do |opts|
         opts.banner = banner
 
         OptionSetter.new(self, opts).setup