Restaurants
Plaza District
Current

no



Address: 1734 NW 16th
Phone: (405) 557-1760
Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 12 pm - 2 am
Sun 4 pm - 2 am
Development: Old Coin Laundry
Status: Opened Summer 2013
Links:
Official Website (http://empireslicehouse.com/)
Menu (http://empireslicehouse.com/?page_id=17)
Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/EmpireSliceHouse?fref=ts)
Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/empire-slice-house-oklahoma-city)
Urban Spoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1773306/restaurant/Inner-City-Northside/Empire-Slice-House-Oklahoma-City)


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/empirewiki1.jpg


Information & Latest News
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R062622860)
Gallery

That's cool. I've been to The Parish several times directly across the street.

Who are the proprietors?

They should leave the Plaza Mom's mural-proposal up there, unless she isn't cool with that.

I love that spot. I always thought it would make a cool little bar called Coin Laundry. It's the way it's written that attracts me.

Not crazed about the name. Hopefully they can make decent pizza.

I wonder if it has anything to do with this: Kilroy was here - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilroy_was_here)

Maybe the operators are really big Styx fans?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjcT4nKToIQ

It's very interesting that even with lots and lots of new places in central OKC, very few can be characterized as bars.

Almost all devote most their space to food service with a small bar area.

I'd really like to see more bars with limited food service versus yet another pizza or burger place that has some beers on tap.

I agree wholeheartedly, Pete. OKC could stand to have a few more upscale bars, as opposed to the metal sheds in the middle of gravel parking lots. Something like the Barrelhouse flat in Chicago if you've been to that.

McNellie's has been a smash success and it appears Grandad's is doing very well...

Why can't we have more of these places?

The areas that are most attractive from a profitability standpoint to start a business in are not zoned for owners to open "just a bar". Most of the zoning requires that owners try and sell 50% food-50% booze. Oklahoma's unfortunate liquor laws make it difficult for people to open a place that even serves liquor within 100 yards (hell, maybe it's feet?) of a school, church, etc. I definitely think that OKC needs more bar-bars. I have a feeling things will only continue to grow...

PS. McNellie's serves food. Lots.

I really wish some of the cooler concepts coming out of Tulsa would make their way to OKC. I know there's been rumors from time to time, but Tulsa has a lot of very cool bars that could set up the same, or at the least similar, concepts here in OKC and do very, very well.

The areas that are most attractive from a profitability standpoint to start a business in are not zoned for owners to open "just a bar". Most of the zoning requires that owners try and sell 50% food-50% booze. Oklahoma's unfortunate liquor laws make it difficult for people to open a place that even serves liquor within 100 yards (hell, maybe it's feet?) of a school, church, etc. I definitely think that OKC needs more bar-bars. I have a feeling things will only continue to grow...

PS. McNellie's serves food. Lots.

Yet Tulsa seems to have more bars and more bar districts, something OKC distinctly lacks outside of Bricktown.

And while I realize McNellies serves lots of food, it is unquestionably a bar first as opposed to a restaurant first. I would like to see more places in OKC with that sort of shifted balance, as we've added dozens and dozens of restaurants in just the last year or two and precious few bars.

The lack of bar districts compared to Tulsa has something to do with lack of density and walkability. No one wants to do a "Skip Kelly".

If you replaced a fraction of all the new restaurants built in the last few years in Midtown, Automobile Alley, Deep Deuce, Film Row or the Plaza District, any of them would have a pretty good massing of bars.

Just for some insight, Plaza District ABC III zoning does not allow bars or clubs that do not serve food. The zoning was changed early on in revitalization efforts to limit any more bars from moving in. At that time, the sort of bars and clubs in the neighborhood were not having a positive impact. It is still possible for an operator to receive a SPUD for special zoning to allow it, but it would require approval from a majority surrounding the address. We've had a circumstance were an operator was interested in applying for a SPUD, but did not pursue it because it was discovered that with ABC III license, they would need to install a sprinkler system. This added another 30K or so to the renovation.

^

Thanks so much for that insight. Very interesting.

Is the requirement just that they serve food or is there a percentage of food to alcohol sales that must be maintained?



And it reminds me that Grandad's had to go through an incredible amount of time, effort and money to get a sprinkler system installed in their space on 23rd.

Not that I'm opposed to fire suppression, but it seems odd that businesses without kitchens (you know, where fires start) have stricter requirments than businesses with kitchens. I'm sure the thinking is bars are more crowded, but couldn't that be resolved with maximum occupancy limits, or limiting the percentage of square footage that is open floor (and require the rest to be seating)?

^

Thanks so much for that insight. Very interesting.

Is the requirement just that they serve food or is there a percentage of food to alcohol sales that must be maintained?



And it reminds me that Grandad's had to go through an incredible amount of time, effort and money to get a sprinkler system installed in their space on 23rd.

You know, I've always been told the 50% rule is applied, but I'm not seeing it stated in the code. Perhaps it's a county requirement, or buried deeper in code than I can find.

Code:
13200.4. ABC-2 Alcoholic Beverage Consumption, Restaurant-With-Alcohol District.

A.General Description. This overlay district allows for the serving of all types of beer and alcohol in a restaurant setting. The overlay district provides for uses in such a way that compatibility with adjacent uses is enhanced.

B.Underlying Districts over which ABC-2 May Be Requested. The following zoning districts may be overlain by the ABC-2 Overlay District:

(1)The O-2 District, subsequent to the approval of the conditional use permit for an eating establishment.

(2)All commercial zoning districts.

(3)All industrial zoning districts.

(4)Any portion of a PUD specifically allowing for a restaurant use.

(5)Tracts 4G and 5 of the NC District.

C.Use Regulations. In addition to the uses allowed by the underlying zoning district, Eating Establishments: Sitdown, Alcohol Permitted (59-8300.38) shall be permitted in the ABC-2 Overlay District.

D.Development Regulations.

(1)General Provisions. The provisions of Section 13200.2 (General Provisions) shall apply to the ABC-2 Overlay District.

(2)Hours of Operation. The sale and consumption of alcohol is permitted at establishments in this district between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.

I really wish some of the cooler concepts coming out of Tulsa would make their way to OKC. I know there's been rumors from time to time, but Tulsa has a lot of very cool bars that could set up the same, or at the least similar, concepts here in OKC and do very, very well.

No doubt. Tulsa seems to get the non-dive bar concept a little better. They also get the restaurant and bar concept better as well. Okc places seem to be all dive bar or mostly all restaurant. We have lacked places that know how to weave restaurant and bar into a cool place.

Just for some insight, Plaza District ABC III zoning does not allow bars or clubs that do not serve food. The zoning was changed early on in revitalization efforts to limit any more bars from moving in. At that time, the sort of bars and clubs in the neighborhood were not having a positive impact. It is still possible for an operator to receive a SPUD for special zoning to allow it, but it would require approval from a majority surrounding the address. We've had a circumstance were an operator was interested in applying for a SPUD, but did not pursue it because it was discovered that with ABC III license, they would need to install a sprinkler system. This added another 30K or so to the renovation.

Correcting myself here, we have ABC 2 zoning

No doubt. Tulsa seems to get the non-dive bar concept a little better. They also get the restaurant and bar concept better as well. Okc places seem to be all dive bar or mostly all restaurant. We have lacked places that know how to weave restaurant and bar into a cool place.

Which Tulsa bars do you like and what about them would you like to see in OKC? From Tulsa. Went there recently and visited a few new spots. Interested in your take on it.

Cool! This looks quite promising. I'll be happy to have a (hopefuly) high quality pizza place down the street.

Cool! This looks quite promising. I'll be happy to have a (hopefuly) high quality pizza place down the street.

Any chance we'll see your breakfast concept resurface elsewhere??

Which Tulsa bars do you like and what about them would you like to see in OKC? From Tulsa. Went there recently and visited a few new spots. Interested in your take on it.

I may have meant more restaurant & bars than just bars but Ill list some out.

Restaurant & bars: White Owl, Leons, Yokozuna, Smoke, Mi Cocina, R Bar, Docs, Cosmos, Wolfgang Pucks Bistro.

Bars: Vintage 1740, The Max, Cellar Dwellar (more of a dive)

Tulsas places just seem to be a little cleaner, nicer and definitely less smokey.

Any chance we'll see your breakfast concept resurface elsewhere??

I'd love to say yes, but am unsure as of now. I have a rather large tumor in the shape of a recording studio sucking all of my money up at the moment. But, I'm kind of insatiably entrepreneurial, so I surely wouldn't count it out, I still think it'd be a terrific fit in our inner city.

There is absolutely need for more breakfast options in the central city.

Good luck with your other venture(s).

I've been following some of these threads for awhile and this is my first post. Thought I'd like to update you guys on Coin Laundry, if it's not already on another thread here. The official name of this place is called Empire Slice House. Brooklyn style pizza by the slice. Here's their twitter handle I found.

https://twitter.com/CoinLaundryOKC

:Welcome: chan2754! Thanks for the information -- hope you'll post frequently.


Found this Journal Record article that provides more details:


Popping up in the Plaza District
Neighborhood continues to gain business
Friday, February 22, 2013

by Molly J. Fleming

The Journal Record

It’s been nearly five years since Kristen Vails started work as the executive director of the 16th Street Plaza District, and the district is almost unrecognizable from when she took the reins.

“From what it was when I started, it’s just changed dramatically,” Vails said. “It’s hard to remember how it was, even though it was only five years ago.”

The district has gone from six businesses in 2007 to more than two dozen businesses this year, with more in the works.

Three more businesses have moved in through the work of investors Steve Mason, Aimee Ahpeatone and the rest of their investing team. The businesses have taken over three pieces of property that Ahpeatone and her team of investors purchased, with the last property still to be renovated.

The property is the former home of a coin laundromat, but will soon be the home of Empire Slice House, which will sell pizza by the slice and have a bar atmosphere at night. The restaurant idea was chosen through a website called popularize, where entrepreneurs submit their ideas and then the investors choose which businesses they want to have on their property.

Mason said he thinks the district will continue to be an area for people looking for that neighborhood atmosphere.

“I think if you look at the parts of town for 25- to 45-year-olds, this is their district,” Mason said. “What this area is attracting is a lot of really good people who want to bring back that Main Street attitude.”

He said he looks at his role in the area as more than a mere monetary investment.

“I think a really good investor is someone who invests for not only a good return, but you also invest for a good community,” he said.

Vails said she hopes this growth over the last five years will continue for the next five years, though there is not any property for sale. However, the property that Mason and Ahpeatone invested in wasn’t for sale, either – they approached the property owners with an offer.

She said the Friends of the Plaza plans to work on improving the neighborhood as the district grows.

“The strength of the neighborhood is important in progressing the district,” Vails said.

This spot is getting close and is having a sneak preview:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/993294_552173841511442_295857786_n.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/c87b94735a990c9350472e44345d9fb6.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/48edc5a4ebc9facc68220b0325a943bc.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/null.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/null-1.jpg

They have a new website:

Empire Slice House * Coming Soon to the Plaza District of Oklahoma City (http://www.empireslicehouse.com/)

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/empire1.jpg

If their pizza is even an 85% facsimile of New York, I'm going to freaking love it.

7/24

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9407938920_e194f6a45d_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9407939898_fd52a3cdc7_b.jpg

So, is this place open? Ther Facebook page shows they are, but their official website doesn't indicate that and they haven't Tweeted in a long time. I hate when companies mind all the details except their social media presence!

Their new twitter handle is @EmpireSliceOKC instead of @CoinLaundryOKC.

Yeah, it's open, I had a slice there Friday night at Live on the Plaza and it was great. It is NY style so be prepared for big slices, with some grease. It reminded me of the pizza from Italia Express at Penn Square Mall which I love. I walked up to the window at the outdoor area and got a slice for $2. I am not sure what it will cost in the future. It may have only been fpr that night for trianing. They only had cheese and pepperoni because it was kind of a soft opening. I am ready to go back and sit down inside when they are officially open.

Their new twitter handle is @EmpireSliceOKC instead of @CoinLaundryOKC.

And yet, when you click on their Twitter link on their own website it takes you to @CoinLaundryOKC (like I was saying - details)

And yet, when you click on their Twitter link on their own website it takes you to @CoinLaundryOKC (like I was saying - details)

I'm sure they will get around to it when they can.

Takes a lot to run a small business I am sure, and focusing on the actual product should take priority over their web presence.

I'm sure they will get around to it when they can.

Takes a lot to run a small business I am sure, and focusing on the actual product should take priority over their web presence.



I'm not talking about having some 24/7 active social media presence.

It took just as long to make the Twitter link go to the wrong Twitter account as it would to have made it point to the correct one.

Additionally, they had to actually set the Facebook page to indicate they are currently open - when in fact they are not. So, they actually spent more time getting it wrong than right.

I don't really care either way, but you can't really argue that social media is not critical to many small businesses like restaurants and its very confusing when you make an effort to create a Facebook page and when potential customers go there it indicates they are open, when in fact they are not.

Sounds like I'm really knocking them - when I'm not. I'm actually just pretty anxious for them to open and since my background is marketing these things tend to be a pet peeve for me.

According to their Facebook page, they open tomorrow (Sept. 5th).

Open today at 4PM.

Otherwise:

Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Sun: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am


Love the late hours!

Yes!!! I will try it today.

Open today at 4PM.

Otherwise:

Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Sun: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am


Love the late hours!

I like the late hours too. A bit of a drive, but if the pizza is good, could make a decent dang fix for the it's 1 am and I'm hungry times. I'll be dining solo though. My lovely wouldn't much like it if I woke her up and said hey, wanna go on a pizza run to the city with me?

I drove by last night and there were people inside and on the patio. I think they had some soft openings this week with an official opening today.

I like the late hours too. A bit of a drive, but if the pizza is good, could make a decent dang fix for the it's 1 am and I'm hungry times. I'll be dining solo though. My lovely wouldn't much like it if I woke her up and said hey, wanna go on a pizza run to the city with me?

If you decide to make a run let me know and I'll be the guy waiting for you under the 12th Street bridge on I-35 in Moore. :wink:


I drove by last night and there were people inside and on the patio. I think they had some soft openings this week with an official opening today.

The sign out front said Private Event.... I almost stopped anyway to see how private it was. ;)

With The Mule, Saints and now Empire, the Plaza now has a nice little bar district.

I'll be testing out their late night scene when there in early October.

If you decide to make a run let me know and I'll be the guy waiting for you under the 12th Street bridge on I-35 in Moore. :wink:

...

nah, for you I'll even pull off the interstate. We could meet at the Mazzio's parking lot. Shoot, they'll be closed so they won't even know.

The sign out front said Private Event.... I almost stopped anyway to see how private it was. ;)

That makes more sense. Thanks for clearing that up.

Via Facebook

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/d2b05806d0ebebe185ba27b4c85564fa.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/2b52a4b0bf77bd64dff97ab0a89b8c0f.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/571793b29f6f88a50cd8b85c85767a16.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/d60ace616636f5472401fd5730580fd1.jpg

Open today at 4PM.

Otherwise:

Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Sun: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am


Love the late hours!

WHAT!?!??! You mean they're open Sunday too? Truly uncharted territory in OKC! Can we say progress?

WHAT!?!??! You mean they're open Sunday too? Truly uncharted territory in OKC! Can we say progress?

hardly uncharted

hardly uncharted

Yeah, I agree. More of my favorite haunts are closed on Mondays than Sundays.

They have their menu up but no prices as of yet:

http://empireslicehouse.com/ESH_Menu.pdf

The names alone are worth a visit. Sounds yummy.

They are opening at 6pm now.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/null_zps3f8b3611.jpg

All that and a pink elephant. Gotta go.

Power outage is delaying things... they are doing their best. No credit/debit cards.