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The building two buildings to the west of Empire (on the corner) has temp signage that reads "Easy Slice Shop" with the same font as Empire and an Empire truck parked in the driveway. What's happening there? Apologies if I missed a previous post.
I believe it's going to be a quick grab-n-go slice shop, less of a sit-down establishment.

13780

The building two buildings to the west of Empire (on the corner) has temp signage that reads "Easy Slice Shop" with the same font as Empire and an Empire truck parked in the driveway. What's happening there? Apologies if I missed a previous post.

It's Easy E Slice Shop, Empire's pizza to-go (and I believe delivery) operation.

Easy E just to the west of Empire opens today.

Makes it much easier to do carryout pies and slices or there is some inside and outdoor seating as well.

Really a smart idea to expand the capacity at Empire which continues to boom.

Same menu as Empire and open 11A to midnight every day but Sunday, where it will be 11A to 10P.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/easye1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/easye2.jpg

Really smart idea. We went this past Saturday for dinner and it was a 2+ hour wait for 2. We've always been able to find a couple open seats at the bar, but I think that it's a great idea to open up more space. I assume they'll be able to serve drinks at Easy E as well?

Just limited beer selection at Easy E but entire food menu is available.

BTW, all to-go orders will now be channeled through Easy E

This is really cool:


Today we are rolling out “Empire for Education”! This means Oklahoma state teachers get a slice, salad, and drink FOR FREE anytime of the day, any day of the week. Flash that school ID and you’re set!

Yesterday the House passed a $5-7k pay raise for our educators (short of the 10k they asked for, but progress is good) by increasing taxes on cigarettes, oil and gas, etc. We stand with our educators and firmly believe that children are the future and deserve to get more than a 48th ranked education. We hope that others will join us in rewarding and supporting our teachers as we continue to push towards these goals! #pizzaislove #ellienewton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV0ozgSrFM0

This is really cool:

Pete, what is this from? I told my sister about it and she was wanting to know more information

It was posted on their Instagram.

Thanks, I checked FB and Twitter and couldn't find it haha

That is fantastic.

Pete, have you had Empire yet? I saw in another thread that as recently as 2017 you had not had it.

Pete, have you had Empire yet? I saw in another thread that as recently as 2017 you had not had it.

Yes but only by the slice but not the whole pie.

Empire Slice House set to move to new, expanded Plaza location (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=497-Empire-Slice-House-set-to-move-to-new-expanded-Plaza-location)

One of the Plaza District's first break-out successes is planning a move just down the street into new and bigger quarters.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire051418a.jpg


The new digs for Empire Slice House are currently under construction near the west end of the district at 1804 NW 16th, a two-story building where Empire will take the entire first floor plus a large patio area on the west side of the building. Empire's parent group, 84 Hospitality, will also take the entire 2nd floor as their corporate offices.

The popular pizza place and hangout first opened in its current location in September 2013, but proprietor Rachel Cope told OKCTalk the polarity and volume had caused them to out-grow their current space which had been cobbled together over the years, including enclosing a patio in an attempt to keep up with ample demand.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire051418c.jpg


As a partial solution the group opened Easy E Slice Shop where they had more cooking facilities and an outlet for their popular carry-out orders. Easy E will remain as it has proven to be a success story of its own.

Cope said there will be a high priority placed on maintaining the current Empire vibe, which has made the current location a local favorite. The existing posters, gold table tops and other items will make the move to the new space.

But Cope said she knows much more now than she did 5 years ago when Empire took what had been an old laundromat and transformed it into a big draw for the burgeoning Plaza District. Now, the opportunity comes to design the new space from the ground-up where there will be much more space developed to prep and cooking. The amount of pizza ovens will double and in general there will be the ability to better and more quickly serve the Empire patrons.

In keeping with their established formula for success, a large patio will located on the west side of the building shaded by a mature tree which developer Jeff Struble made sure to work around and preserve. The exterior west wall is also permitted as part of the Plaza Walls mural project with exact artwork yet to be determined.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire051418b.jpg

The final color of the brick for the completed building will be a light tan -- almost white -- which is different than shown in the first rendering. There will also be some other minor exterior changes.

The bar area will also be significantly larger and will be featured along the west wall of the interior space. Ellie the pink elephant will make the move as well to be displayed at the entrance along NW 16th Street.

If all goes to plan, there will be only a week down-time before the new opening this August.

The new brick-and-mortar location for Maples Barbecue (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=460-Maples-BBQ-to-open-in-the-Plaza-District) is currently under construction to the immediate east.

84 Hospitality Group also operates Goro Ramen, Revolucion and Ponyboy all in OKC's urban core.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire051418e.jpg

Yes but only by the slice but not the whole pie.

If you get the whole pie...make sure you have friends over or plan on leftovers for a week. It ain't no small pie (which isn't a bad thing!)

I have found myself going to Empire a lot less recently due to the tremendously long wait times every time I try to go. This should really help out with that.

I will be nostalgic though for their current location. A lot of great memories there.

I'm sure a new restaurant / bar operator will take over the existing space.

Whaaaat that's crazy, so the house they demo'd right next to it (right edge of Pete's picture) will be the patio I assume? Or will that be a parking lot?

My picture is from Sunday. I don't think that house has been demoed since and it's under separate ownership.

My picture is from Sunday. I don't think that house has been demoed since and it's under separate ownership.

Ah, my bad I thought it was an older picture. I was thinking I saw dirt moving directly west of this building but that would have been a week or two ago, I must have gotten that memory mixed up with the patio at the Press or something.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire090918.jpg

That is so bad ass!

I am in the minority because I never liked their last location. Far too crowded... Tiny, cramped bar, etc.

I'm sure I'll go to this new version more often. And it will be way better for getting pizza's out quicker, easier on their staff, etc.

I am in the minority because I never liked their last location. Far too crowded... Tiny, cramped bar, etc.

I'm sure I'll go to this new version more often. And it will be way better for getting pizza's out quicker, easier on their staff, etc.

Their current location was great until they expanded into the patio. I was seated in the walled-in-patio for lunch the week before last and it was a terrible experience of sound and stuffiness. Sometimes places should remain small.

I’m sure the new space will be much better in that regard.

Is that mural new, or has it always been there and I've just missed it?

Is that mural new, or has it always been there and I've just missed it?

New.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empire090918.jpg

Good lord, that art. That might be the best mural in the city, or at least the most dynamic.

I am in the minority because I never liked their last location. Far too crowded... Tiny, cramped bar, etc.

I'm sure I'll go to this new version more often. And it will be way better for getting pizza's out quicker, easier on their staff, etc.
I liked the original a lot but I’m with you in that I didn’t go as often as I would have liked to due to the cramped quarters combined with big crowds. When I went it was usually off-peak, like a super-late weekday lunch.

Once Easy E was opened I never went back in Empire... It was easier to grab a slice and a beer there and they had the picnic tables out front.

Once Easy E was opened I never went back in Empire... It was easier to grab a slice and a beer there and they had the picnic tables out front.

I was picking up a pizza to go the other day on a Wednesday and I heard a woman try to order a beer and she was informed that they didn't have beer. She asked "didn't you used to have beer?" but I was already halfway out of the door before I could hear the staff's answer.

Well it's been 6 months or more since I was there last... I suppose things could have changed... Last time I was there I had two beers though.

Yeah, they definitely started with beer, but I do think it was all 3.2 at the time. So possibly they are presently caught up in the switchover to strong beer..?

Any news on what will move into Empire's current location after they relocate?

Cope is also opening "burger Punk" in paseo where the old Craigs emporium once was.

Cope is also opening "burger Punk" in paseo where the old Craigs emporium once was.

Do we really need another burger joint? I guess Paseo doesn't have one yet, though, and burgers are the new chicken strips...

BTW, drove by Craig's new location on the way to the Gary Numan show at the Tower last night and they're now open, be interesting to see how he does with no "oh, that looks cool, let's go in" wandering foot traffic there...

Oh, and to keep on topic - it looks like part of the new (very cool) mural will be obscured by trees - is that just the angle of the pic or is it that way in real life (haven't been to the Plaza in a while, so haven't seen it in person)?

Cope is also opening "burger Punk" in paseo where the old Craigs emporium once was.

Burger Punk will be a food truck.

The old ACLU / Craig's space in the Paseo will be another concept by the 84 Hospitality Group.

Their logo screams something more like Burger-182

Do we really need another burger joint? I guess Paseo doesn't have one yet, though, and burgers are the new chicken strips...

In fairness the sliders at Scratch are ridiculously good.

Also, you know who needs a burger-centric place? Bricktown. Amazing that there is not one.

Some pretty great burgers at the brewery, but yeah, agree. Maybe Steelyard can score something.

In fairness the sliders at Scratch are ridiculously good.

Also, you know who needs a burger-centric place? Bricktown. Amazing that there is not one.

Haven't been to Scratch yet, it's on our 80+ list of new places to try, but soon since it's so close to us... And yeah, very surprising there's not a burger place in Bricktown, very odd, seems like it would make a killing!

Some pretty great burgers at the brewery, but yeah, agree. Maybe Steelyard can score something.

Yes, agreed. It’s not at all to say that you can’t GET a good burger in BT. Earl’s actually has a really good burger. The Brewery does, as you point out. Mickey’s often has Wagyu sliders and other similar bar-oriented specials that are unreal. Hudson’s has burgers (I’d rebrand as S&B though, since they own both brands and that Hudson’s location is way under-appreciated). There are burgers on the menu at places like IHOP, hotels and such. Urban Johnnie is of course right up the bridge in Deep Deuce. And of I suppose you could say BT does have burger-centric places in Sonic and McDonalds.

I just think it’s a big miss that someone hasn’t put a Tucker’s/Garage/S&B/whatever there. I’d expect it to immediately become one of the top if not THE top location in the metro for the brand that does it. Ask Fuzzy’s how that location compares to others.

Agree. Somewhere not otherwise represented DT preferably (e.g. no garage or SB). A Fuddrucker's would fit well in BT IMO, but something more local would be great as well.

I just think it’s a big miss that someone hasn’t put a Tucker’s/Garage/S&B/whatever there. I’d expect it to immediately become one of the top if not THE top location in the metro for the brand that does it. Ask Fuzzy’s how that location compares to others.

This idea is gold.

For it's off the beaten path location Bricktown Burger was always packed all the years it was down there. So I would definitely think it would work.

Too bad Justin didn't try duplicating his Nic's Grill in Bricktown instead of trying to go more upscale in Midtown with the diner/lounge... I think it would have been a hit there.

I wouldn't mind being able to have a hole in the wall type place that only serves burgers and fries/chips... But they should serve burgers on the same level as Nic's, Lipsmackers, or La Baguette. I like Garage, Tuckers, or S&B but lately I haven't been having as much success at these places.

TIL La Baguette serves burgers. The more you know.

TIL La Baguette serves burgers. The more you know.

Huh? I order a burger every time I go to La Baguette, in fact that is the only thing I have ever ordered there, except for desserts. They also sell the same burger meat at their deli counter.

Huh? I order a burger every time I go to La Baguette, in fact that is the only thing I have ever ordered there, except for desserts. They also sell the same burger meat at their deli counter.

TIL = Today I Learned. I think TV was saying today he learned La Baguette served burgers, not saying he would wait until La Baguette served them.

They are my wife's favorite burger in town. Excited for the Maywood location to open.

TIL = Today I Learned. I think TV was saying today he learned La Baguette served burgers, not saying he would wait until La Baguette served them.

They are my wife's favorite burger in town. Excited for the Maywood location to open.

Wow... I guess I learned something as well, haha. I am still in my twenties and I constantly miss the internet shorthand...

^^^^^^^
Which La Baguette burger is the one you like? The Deep Deuce La Baguette will be owned and operated by the owner of the Norman La Baguette, along with Chef Andrew Black. The La Baguette on May has different owners and a menu that's a bit different, not to mention that the new one will even be taking a new twist on some things vs Norman.

someone skipped the franchising lesson in franchising school...

Agree. Somewhere not otherwise represented DT preferably (e.g. no garage or SB). A Fuddrucker's would fit well in BT IMO, but something more local would be great as well.

Is fuddruckers even still in business?

someone skipped the franchising lesson in franchising school...
The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

Is fuddruckers even still in business?

I went to Fuddruckers when I was in the bay area in August.

The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

thanks for the background

Of course! You're welcome.

^^^^^^^
Which La Baguette burger is the one you like? The Deep Deuce La Baguette will be owned and operated by the owner of the Norman La Baguette, along with Chef Andrew Black. The La Baguette on May has different owners and a menu that's a bit different, not to mention that the new one will even be taking a new twist on some things vs Norman.

I only go to the May location. Never have had the Norman location. As for which burger on the menu, I get the Smokey Mountain burger but I only get it with bacon, cheese, and onions. Then I ask for their brown and deli mustards on the side.

The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

I look forward to this opening so I get an idea of their Norman location.

^^^^^^^
Which La Baguette burger is the one you like? The Deep Deuce La Baguette will be owned and operated by the owner of the Norman La Baguette, along with Chef Andrew Black. The La Baguette on May has different owners and a menu that's a bit different, not to mention that the new one will even be taking a new twist on some things vs Norman.

Well my wife is from Norman but we live by the one on May, so it's anyone's guess. I've never actually had the burger, but I have been to both locations, and like them, so whoever is running the Maywood space should be good to go in my book.

And now back to Empire Slice! I love that mural. I love all the murals.

And now back to Empire Slice! I love that mural. I love all the murals.

Agreed! It looks awesome. The Plaza continues to impress. It is often my first stop when taking visitors around OKC. Empire is a wonderful anchor and I believe having them as the westernmost tenant will only bring positive growth.