With KD on their team and a Swedish Chef in the Test Kitchen, maybe that local burger chain could raise the bar on themselves and open a Super(b) Soniqué . . ? Perhaps with Imported Cheese Frenchies with Escargot Truffle Sauce? ($14.99) as an appetizer? And all of the entrees served ala carte from a robotic cart on roller skates?

Radical…that's some funny stuff right there!!!

From what I understand, there is little chance that a local outside of HSRG is going to take a shot at this. Though I've not been in, I know it's a massive space that is going to require some rehabbing to be a successful restaurant (kitchen is way too small from what I understand). There is at least one (very respected) local restauranteur in the area prodding Avis to go with HSRG.

Whatever the case may be, I think we need to see a restaurant go into this space with a PPA of $30 or higher, and Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao would easily be my number 1 choice.

Sounds like Ruth's Chris

How many high end steak houses can OKC support?

the rumor i heard was that there have been some informal talks with the johnnie's folks. -M

Ugh. Please anything but another steakhouse. Unless it's Texas de Brasil or something like that.

The Johnnies rumor is interesting. They are killing it at Urban Johnnies so perhaps they are looking to double down.

Are they killing it at Urban Johnnie's?

I would like to see a upscale fresh seafood restaurant go in there. We don't have anything like it downtown. The kind of place that flys in the catch of the day and offers a quality seafood dining experience. I am tired of Red Lobster being the option and not a very good one at that. I think it would be an awesome fit for the Nonna's space.

Ugh. Please anything but another steakhouse. Unless it's Texas de Brasil or something like that.

The Johnnies rumor is interesting. They are killing it at Urban Johnnies so perhaps they are looking to double down.

THIS ^^^^^ I am down with the Texas De Brasil idea.. but not another steakhouse!..

I would like to see a upscale fresh seafood restaurant go in there. We don't have anything like it downtown. The kind of place that flys in the catch of the day and offers a quality seafood dining experience. I am tired of Red Lobster being the option and not a very good one at that. I think it would be an awesome fit for the Nonna's space.

It's a perfect location for McCormick & Schmick's but I don't think they are giving it serious consideration.

I know a couple of regional Mexican chains have looked.

It's a perfect location for McCormick & Schmick's but I don't think they are giving it serious consideration.

I know a couple of regional Mexican chains have looked.

M&S would rock! Merry Christmas Pete.

How Bob Chinn's Crab House Became The Highest-Grossing Restaurant In The U.S. - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2012/07/18/how-bob-chinns-crab-house-became-the-highest-grossing-restaurant-in-the-u-s/)

"In Honolulu he has a company that scours the fish market every morning and overnights the best picks to Bob Chinn’s."

"Chinn has 3,000 pounds of fresh seafood flown in every day. Guests can check out the cargo bills while they wait for tables."

I hope that whatever it ends up as it's a destination restaurant. It will be extremely disappointing if it's something like a Ted's Cafe Escondido. McCormick and Schmicks or Texas de Brazil would be awesome. OKC doesn't need another high end steakhouse but Ruth's Chris wouldn't be the worst thing that could take that spot.

How many high end steak houses can OKC support?

That will make 5 downtown.

Mickey Mantle's
Red Prime
Broadway 10
Mahogany
Ruth's Chris

I don't know who I'm afraid for most, but I think it's all of them. I think Mickey's will hurt the most because with their longevity they've always been the de facto place to go downtown. Red Prime, as I understand, has always done well enough, but nowhere near the level of Mickey's. Mickey's has been far and away the highest grossing steakhouse in the city for a good time running. Broadway 10 may have to revamp their menu and look for more of an eclectic selection, but they've done good to not commit their brand entirely to a steakhouse, so I think they'll be fine in the long run, if not needing to make a few changes.

Meanwhile, The Ranch and The George can breathe a bit easier because Ruth's Chris at Classen Curve would have cut into their market share. Mahogany on Memorial is still sitting pretty with a solid location away from the competition.

That will make 5 downtown.

Mickey Mantle's
Red Prime
Broadway 10
Mahogany
Ruth's Chris

I don't know who I'm afraid for most, but I think it's all of them. I think Mickey's will hurt the most because with their longevity they've always been the de facto place to go downtown. Red Prime, as I understand, has always done well enough, but nowhere near the level of Mickey's. Mickey's has been far and away the highest grossing steakhouse in the city for a good time running. Broadway 10 may have to revamp their menu and look for more of an eclectic selection, but they've done good to not commit their brand entirely to a steakhouse, so I think they'll be fine in the long run, if not needing to make a few changes.

Meanwhile, The Ranch and The George can breathe a bit easier because Ruth's Chris at Classen Curve would have cut into their market share. Mahogany on Memorial is still sitting pretty with a solid location away from the competition.

I've seen nothing to indicate that Ruth's Chris is going to that location other than your speculation. Do you know something more?

I've seen nothing to indicate that Ruth's Chris is going to that location other than your speculation. Do you know something more?

It's just what I've heard from some sources that are very active in the industry.

Also it makes a TON of sense. Ruth's wanted Classen Curve, Glimcher is taking their sweet time, and they want to open. It's a great spot and Ruth's has the money to remodel the place into exactly what they need. One of the biggest problems with this restaurant from what I understand is that the kitchen is way small for the size of the space and it needs serious updating/reconfiguring.

Anyone that takes over Nonna's -- especially a chain -- is going to completely gut the place.

There is also zero chance any of the interior work will be saved.

Ruth's Chris and Mickey Mantel right next to each other... Now all we need is a steak place in the old Coach's location for the trifecta. :-P

please bring in something NEW rather than Mexican or Steak. Bricktown needs a little more diversity, I agree that a fine dining seafood restaurant would do fantastic at this spot and achieve the goal of adding diversity to the district.

I'm currently seeking investors for a fairy tale-themed restaurant / asian massage parlor called "Happy Endings". I think it would be a great fit here.

I ponder if that might rub a few folk the wrong way

I wouldnt mind a Bubba Gumps here

Longtime employees and customers share a final night at Nonna's Euro-American Ristorante in Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/bricktown-restaurant-closes-up-shop/article/5381358)

I am hearing West from the Johnnies group.

I am hearing West from the Johnnies group.

I hope they would do a different concept than west, but regardless, that would be great!

I like the food at West far better than Urban Johnnies. And it's a local restaurant. I'd be fine with that. This also wouldn't be a terrible place for RePublic either, since the bus station isn't an option.

Not sure whether or not it's West, but I am certain an operator is in place (still requiring some paperwork), and that it is definitely a local operator.

Two things regarding RePUBLic:


I'm afraid A Good Egg (unfortunately) has little interest in Bricktown currently
The proximity of that particular space to TapWerks could prove tough on Tapwerks, which is a good, local operator and an important asset to Bricktown

That said, it could also prove beneficial to TapWerks by drawing more net customers to the area; who knows?

Two things regarding RePUBLic:


I'm afraid A Good Egg (unfortunately) has little interest in Bricktown currently
The proximity of that particular space to TapWerks could prove tough on Tapwerks, which is a good, local operator and an important asset to Bricktown

That said, it could also prove beneficial to TapWerks by drawing more net customers to the area; who knows?

I'd rather AGE take the restaurant space in aloft.

Pending final negotiations, it will be another West.

Since it's a local, I suspect they will make use of some of the existing interior build-out, rather than ripping everything completely out as a national chain would surely do.

Pending final negotiations, it will be another West.

Since it's a local, I suspect they will make use of some of the existing interior build-out, rather than ripping everything completely out as a national chain would surely do.

Good to hear. I wasn't too thrilled about it being a major chain unless it was bringing something new to the market. Will be interested to see how this turns out.

Will be interested to see how they treat the bar and patio

Will be interested to see how they treat the bar and patio

West has a nice bar and patio at their current location, I would assume they will make good use at the new one. In addition, it will be nice to have another brunch place nearby, assuming they will have it.

Pending final negotiations, it will be another West.

Since it's a local, I suspect they will make use of some of the existing interior build-out, rather than ripping everything completely out as a national chain would surely do.

This is fantastic news if I do say so myself.

I wonder if a Bonefish Grill would work in this space?

Personally, I think Bonefish Grill is fairly mediocre food. West is local and they actually have good food. I pretty much avoid eating in Bricktown, but I would eat at West. I think it's a good choice for that space.

The food at West is awesome. Minus their salads, those are just strange.

Personally, I think Bonefish Grill is fairly mediocre food. West is local and they actually have good food. I pretty much avoid eating in Bricktown, but I would eat at West. I think it's a good choice for that space.

I ate at Bonefish Grill last time I was in Tulsa and I really enjoyed it. OKC needs a good seafood restaurant that isn't focused on the fried variety. I'll be interested to see how the Drake compares. I think a McCormick & Schmicks would be a lot more appropriate for a space like this than Bonefish Grill though.

Personally, I think Bonefish Grill is fairly mediocre food. West is local and they actually have good food. I pretty much avoid eating in Bricktown, but I would eat at West. I think it's a good choice for that space.Betts, I think I mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. . . all chains started out local. I saw an article where Orange Leaf Yogurt is planning on opening 1,000 stores by 2020 across the US. They are going to be a chain. Is that bad?

Betts, I think I mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. . . all chains started out local. I saw an article where Orange Leaf Yogurt is planning on opening 1,000 stores by 2020 across the US. They are going to be a chain. Is that bad?

Orange Leaf has been a chain for a while. It was already pretty significant in Charlotte when I lived there back in 2011.

Orange Leaf has been a chain for a while. It was already pretty significant in Charlotte when I lived there back in 2011.I have not heard of them. I thought it was a local chain. I guess not. Either way, my point still remains valid. Chains are just successful concepts that the owner built more of because he/she was bold enough to take on the risk.

I have not heard of them. I thought it was a local chain. I guess not. Either way, my point still remains valid. Chains are just successful concepts that the owner built more of because he/she was bold enough to take on the risk.

Orange Leaf IS locally owned, and they franchise out all of the locations...

Back to Nonna's.

Orange Leaf IS locally owned, and they franchise out all of the locations...

Back to Nonna's.

And to confuse it even more, the "Local" owners purchased it and moved the headquarters from San Francisco to Oklahoma City, near Qual Springs Mall.
C. T.

Orange Leaf IS locally owned, and they franchise out all of the locations...

Back to Nonna's.I thought it was based in OKC as in started here.

Betts, I think I mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. . . all chains started out local. I saw an article where Orange Leaf Yogurt is planning on opening 1,000 stores by 2020 across the US. They are going to be a chain. Is that bad?

Yes agree. I eat at Louie's from time to time and like it. But I also like keeping my money local, if possible, and most chains were best when they first opened as a single store. I can't think of many chains I like very well, and I happen to think Bonefish Grill is fairly mediocre personally. The Corner Bakery is pretty good. I think Orange Leaf is just OK, but that's more because I like my yoghurt au naturel and eat it with fresh fruit. Whereas Jenni's ice cream is excellent and I'd be happy to have a store/franchise here and I buy their ice cream at Native Roots.

When we have the excellent local restaurants that we do, I see very little reason to get excited about a chain that likely mass produces and mass ships their food. I'll be dining at the Drake when I want seafood, and I'm guessing it will be excellent.

Yes agree. I eat at Louie's from time to time and like it. But I also like keeping my money local, if possible, and most chains were best when they first opened as a single store. I can't think of many chains I like very well, and I happen to think Bonefish Grill is fairly mediocre personally. The Corner Bakery is pretty good. I think Orange Leaf is just OK, but that's more because I like my yoghurt au naturel and eat it with fresh fruit. Whereas Jenni's ice cream is excellent and I'd be happy to have a store/franchise here and I buy their ice cream at Native Roots.

When we have the excellent local restaurants that we do, I see very little reason to get excited about a chain that likely mass produces and mass ships their food. I'll be dining at the Drake when I want seafood, and I'm guessing it will be excellent.

Would you be in favor of something like a Boston Market downtown or possibly Deep Deuce/Bricktown?

Nope. I think it's overrated too. They can all stick to Memorial Rd. I pretty much strictly eat at local restaurants. I'm happy with West. I really like their menu.

Maybe the Barking Crab would get me excited but the lobster wouldn't be fresh like it is in Boston.

Can Local move to this spot since they're closing up shop in Norman? Their food and drinks were outstanding, but their location was terrible. They'd kill it on this corner.

I had heard the Melting Pot initially wanted that space, but Avis preferred West.

Can Local move to this spot since they're closing up shop in Norman? Their food and drinks were outstanding, but their location was terrible. They'd kill it on this corner.

They are closing to devote more time to family. Given that reasoning, which I certainly respect and can easily relate, there is no reason to think they'd want to launch a bigger version in OKC.

Sounds like there is hangup with the negotiations with the top floor space & patio for West.

OKCTalk - West Restaurant to occupy former Nonna's spot in Bricktown (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=125-West-Restaurant-to-occupy-former-Nonna-s-spot-in-Bricktown)

Nice choice, IMO. I always thought those two places had a similar feel. And this way it's not yet another steak place downtown.

Anyone know what the status of this is? Seems like it's been sitting there empty for some time now. Is West still going to occupy? The Nonna's sign is still up. Seems like a waste of beautiful space.

A new location of West is going in and they are making great progress to the inside; should be open in about a month:

Bricktown West - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Bricktown+West)