Openings, closures, menu changes and sales mark spring in Oklahoma food and dining
As ever, Oklahoma food and dining is on the move. New restaurants and menu changes are underway and relaunches of favorite promotions are back for spring.
However, despite recent successes, growth and the celebration of milestones by some local restaurants, the stress of closures continues to ruminate in the Oklahoma food industry.
We've seen a number of local spots, like Stella Modern Italian, The Ambassador Hotel and more announce big plans for concept changes or new leases on additional properties and there is more of that coming in Oklahoma City. However, with the good also comes the heavy — closures, retirements, sales and other forms of attrition. Read on for more of the latest happenings in food and dining for Oklahoma City and beyond.
Downtown OKC hotel opens pet-friendly patio
Just in time for patio season, the Colcord Hotel, 15 N Robinson Ave., is introducing its new pet-friendly patio space FLORA, a spot for everything from intimate date nights to group gatherings, it will feature live music Thursday through Saturday evenings, local beverage options, cocktails on tap and wines by the glass alongside a menu of light bites. Open 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Jones Assembly to host live music series
In keeping with patio culture, The Jones Assembly's, 901 W Sheridan Ave., annual Lively Music Concert Series is officially back in action. Weeknights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests can enjoy free live music on the patio and dine on the full Jones Assembly menu. Nights with prescheduled full venue shows will require tickets for entry.
Upcoming artists for the Lively Music Concert Series include:
April 30: Brandon Birdwell
May 1 and 22: Rocky Kanaga
May 2 and 10: Kenny Pitts
May 3: Carter Sampson
May 7 and 16: Max Sise
May 9 and 29: Brantley Cowan
May 14: KALO
May 17 and 28: Stephen Salewon
May 23: Will Gaines
May 24: Kennedy Fine
May 31: Sorry Darlin'
Myriad Gardens' summer movie series kicks off with Spark
Looking for a summer dinner and a movie option? Spark at Scissortail Park is sponsoring Myriad Botanical Gardens' Summer Movie Series. Order your dinner of delicious burgers, fries and custard shakes to-go from Spark and then head to the Gardens or visit one of the onsite food trucks beginning at 7 p.m. Enjoy other activities before you settle in for the night's movie at 9:15 p.m.
Scheduled movies are:
May 22: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" (2023)
May 29: "Barbie" (2023)
June 5: "Wall-E" (2008)
June 12: "Bob Marley: One Love" (2024)
June 19: "Soul" (2020)
June 26: "Twister" (1996)
New Indigenous-owned restaurant creates buzz
If you're willing to make a bit of a drive outside the city and head up to the Osage Reservation, you'll find a new Indigenous-owned restaurant called Saucy Calf, 205 E Main Street in Pawhuska, that's generating quite a buzz for a place that's been open for less than a month. The menu is simple, you'll find fry bread, Indian tacos, grape dumplings and a handful of other items being made fresh and served up. You might also spot some one of a kind memorabilia from recent films and television shows decorating the space.
International bakery chain lands in OKC
Oklahoma City is also home to a new store for international bakery chain, TOUS les JOURS, 1841 Belle Isle Blvd., which offers up a wide variety of both sweet and savory baked goods, coffee and other beverage options. One of TOUS les JOURS signature items is its Cloud Cake, a fluffy, homemade sponge cake layered with signature cloud cream and topped with fresh fruit. Stop in to try the cake or one of the bakeries other treats.
Added to the menu
Chicago-style pizza is actually not deep dish. At least not if you go talk to the locals, and that's exactly what Rendezvous Pizza did before bringing their newest pizza style to life. Chicago Tavern-Style thin crust pizza is now available at either of Rendezvous pizza's OKC metro-area locations — 27 E Sheridan Ave. and 14020 N May Ave. —and these pies are delicious. Build your own, or opt for one of the signature pies on the Rendezvous menu — my top three are the fire & honey sopressata, the chi-town chicken rancher and the shredder — and don't forget to ask for the special blend shaker seasoning for on top.
Coolgreens shutters Oklahoma locations
Despite posting to Facebook as recently as April 13, the latest casualty of the restaurant closure cycle is Coolgreens. All of the restaurant's Oklahoma locations — two in the Oklahoma City area and one in Tulsa — are listed as permanently closed and have been removed from the company website. However, there are still active locations listed in Nebraska and Texas.
According to posts in the r/okc subreddit, the closures happened in February, and while there is no definitive explanation for why the Oklahoma locations of the company shuttered, The Oklahoman did confirm that ownership was transferred to a new company called Taste Buds Brands, with attorney Thomas Wolfe, the registered agent for the business on the Oklahoma Secretary of State's website.
Vegan restaurant closes
Another restaurant that closed its doors is Nabati Vegan Kitchen, 7101 Northwest Expressway. The restaurant had its final service day April 27.
While an online post by the restaurant does not give a reason for the closure, it does hint at a takeover of the space already in the works: "We think you'll be happy with who might acquire our space."
Investment opportunities in the restaurant industry
In addition to the closure of Coolgreens and Nabati, two other area restaurants have announced plans for ending operations. However, they are looking for interested buyers so if you've ever considered owning a restaurant, these turn key opportunities could be your chance.
Pinocchio's, 2627 Classen Blvd. Suite 104 in Norman, owners announced via Facebook recently that they would be forced to close. However the restaurant's Facebook post also said the current owners are hoping that someone will come forward to purchase the restaurant and take over operations.
"This restaurant is now for sale. We're looking for someone with the passion and resources to continue what we've restarted. You would be stepping into a fully operational establishment with a dedicated staff, a strong customer base, and a celebrated reputation," the post stated.
The restaurant stated in the post that it is not currently able to maintain rent and "circumstances demand that we pass the torch to keep the dream alive."
"Time is of the essence, and we are open to considering any fair offer," the statement continues.
Interested parties are asked to contact Pinocchio's owners via text message at 405-589-6425 or by visiting the restaurant for more information.
Additionally, the owners of Jigg's Smokehouse, 22203 N Frontage Road in Clinton, a barbecue restaurant with over 45 years of history, have decided to hang up their hats and head for retirement.
However, rather than just shutting down their beloved Route 66 stop, the owners are hoping someone will but the property and with it their recipes, including the one for their nationally-known beef jerky, which the business ships around 4,000 pounds of to customers annually. Parties interested in Jiggs can contact broker contact Corky Heard with United Country, Heard Auction & Real Estate directly at 580-331-9156 or corky@heardauction.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC restaurant news: Openings, closures and new dining deals
