We ate at Swadley's one time about a year ago and don't plan on returning. Food was subpar, expensive and the service was practically non-existent. Sleazy and overrated IMO

Saw this coming a mile away. IMO the messaging from the state unprofessional. At this point I'm going with the assumption both sides have probably overexaggerated their claims, and like most of the time, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Overall just a lose-lose situation and in the meantime what happens to the restaurants? Is the state taking over? Hiring someone else to run them? or are they just letting them rot while they figure out who is wrong?

Saw this coming a mile away. IMO the messaging from the state unprofessional. At this point I'm going with the assumption both sides have probably overexaggerated their claims, and like most of the time, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Overall just a lose-lose situation and in the meantime what happens to the restaurants? Is the state taking over? Hiring someone else to run them? or are they just letting them rot while they figure out who is wrong?

I believe it's the last 2 options - the restaurants are closed while the state finds somebody else to run them. No idea what will happen to all the fixtures, etc., though (if the new operator (if they find one) will just step into a newly fully furnished restaurant or have to pay for the equipment, ...).

I believe it's the last 2 options - the restaurants are closed while the state finds somebody else to run them. No idea what will happen to all the fixtures, etc., though (if the new operator (if they find one) will just step into a newly fully furnished restaurant or have to pay for the equipment, ...).

I was figuring it was definitely the last one, but hoping for the others, lol.

Swadley's has filed suit against their former EVP who they claim 1) extorted them; 2) had an affair with an employee; 3) stole company information; and 4) made false claims to the state as retaliation after quitting in a huff.

You can read the entire petition here:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/swadleys062222a.pdf

OMG what a soap opera this is turning into. Pass the popcorn.

OMG what a soap opera this is turning into. Pass the popcorn.

Good grief, what a **** show.

Swadley's has filed suit against their former EVP who they claim 1) extorted them; 2) had an affair with an employee; 3) stole company information; and 4) made false claims to the state as retaliation after quitting in a huff.

That may all be true, but it still looks like they defrauded the state out of a lot of money. This sounds like revenge on the whistleblower.

The fact that their product is mediocre doesn't help.

The hero we were waiting for

While reading more about the Swadley's countersuit it seems their defense is "Yes, we broke all sorts of bidding laws and committed fraud, but we had the help of corrupt state officials." Not exactly exculpating IMO. Their countersuit also implicates Stitt. I thought he was going to be able to stay out of this mess, but it looks like he was involved from the beginning.

Which OKC metro location would someone recommend to try for a 1st timer of swadleys?

Which OKC metro location would someone recommend to try for a 1st timer of swadleys?

They are all about the same. I'm sure the majority opinion here is none.

The only 2 we've ever eaten at were the one on NW 39th and Rockwell and the one in El Reno. Not much difference between those two except 39th and Rockwell was usually busier. It's been at least a year since since we've gone to any Swadley's. For chain BBQ we prefer Earl's.

They are all about the same. I'm sure the majority opinion here is none.
I would be of that opinion. And not for the State vs Swadley's thing. My wife and I tried them once a year or so hoping to like them but we never did. They just aren't very good.

Which OKC metro location would someone recommend to try for a 1st timer of swadleys?

Is your mind set on having mediocre BBQ?

Any updates on the lawsuits or investigations?

Any updates on the lawsuits or investigations?

I'd start by looking under the rugs at the governer's mansion... That's probably where they got swept.

I would be of that opinion. And not for the State vs Swadley's thing. My wife and I tried them once a year or so hoping to like them but we never did. They just aren't very good.

^^^this.

I tried it once a long time ago, and was never going to go back, until i worked with some people that this was the only BBQ they went to. after going a few times with them, i was able to at least convince them to move up slightly in quality to Earl's...

I have to admit that I'm super impressed just how impressively this story has disappeared from news coverage only two months before the election. It's totally bizarre. This is literally one of the most blatant corruption / incompetent government deals I've seen in recent state government history. It implicates not only the governor, but the lieutenant governor as well, because he is the one who signed off on the absurdly and what should be criminally inflated invoices. Literally no coverage in the Oklahoman or the local TV stations or even the NonDocs of the world in weeks. This state seems to be cursed in its ability to course correct. It's like a void. You can almost set your clock by its inability to dig out.

I have to admit that I'm super impressed just how impressively this story has disappeared from news coverage only two months before the election. It's totally bizarre. This is literally one of the most blatant corruption / incompetent government deals I've seen in recent state government history. It implicates not only the governor, but the lieutenant governor as well, because he is the one who signed off on the absurdly and what should be criminally inflated invoices. Literally no coverage in the Oklahoman or the local TV stations or even the NonDocs of the world in weeks. This state seems to be cursed in its ability to course correct. It's like a void. You can almost set your clock by its inability to dig out.
Unless there is something new to report, what would be the point in additional coverage? This was certainly covered extensively when it first came out. Rehashing the same information when getting close to the election would be seen as a political move by the media. It is being mentioned in new political ads against Stitt, however.

Unless there is something new to report, what would be the point in additional coverage? This was certainly covered extensively when it first came out. Rehashing the same information when getting close to the election would be seen as a political move by the media. It is being mentioned in new political ads against Stitt, however.

I don't know. What is going on with the investigation? Are there no new developments? Surely there are. The Epic investigation has lasted several years now. The OSBI must be very slow I guess, but why the sudden muteness about something impacting 18 million dollars of taxpayer money just set on fire? I don't really know why it is no longer newsworthy all of of a sudden, but, with people's short attention span it might as well have never happened.

https://nondoc.com/2022/09/06/tim-henderson-avoids-charges-dan-kirby-investigated-wreck/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=nondocmedia&utm_content=Roundup:%20OU%20prof%20charged,%20Dan% 20Kirby%20investigated,%20Henderson%20fallout%20co ntinues

OSBI serves search warrant on former Swadley’s VP

Also last week, an OSBI search warrant regarding the investigation into Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen’s now-terminated state contracts became public. The warrant seeks access to all communications sent and received by a phone number associated with Curt Breuklander, a former executive vice president at Swadley’s who has also been sued for defamation by Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen LLC.

----
It's the last segment of this Roundup article

https://okcfox.com/news/local/new-swadleys-foggy-bottom-first-criminal-proceeding-now-public-deputy-director-gino-demarco-kitchen-oklahoma-tourism-and-recreation-department-otrd-investigation-otrd-director-jerry-winchester-brent-swadley-swadleys-barbecue-restaurant-roman-nose-stitt

So the state park restaurants formerly run by Swadley's are now being taken over by Falcones Pizza? Falcones looks to have two and a half locations and a food truck? That's it? This is a business of the scale to take on six full service locations spread all over the state? This screams Stitt and Company all over again.

https://www.newson6.com/story/642db0ff34786075465093c0/oklahoma-tourism-dept-announces-new-restaurant-group-for-state-parks

https://www.falconespizza.com/locations

We went to Swadleys about a week ago on 39th and Rockwell for the first time in a couple of years. The place was packed as was the drive thru. So I guess people don't know about the scandal or just don't care.

We went to Swadleys about a week ago on 39th and Rockwell for the first time in a couple of years. The place was packed as was the drive thru. So I guess people don't know about the scandal or just don't care.

the "scandal" was not really much of a thing as of yet

the "scandal" was not really much of a thing as of yet

Only if you're not paying attention.

We went to Swadleys about a week ago on 39th and Rockwell for the first time in a couple of years. The place was packed as was the drive thru. So I guess people don't know about the scandal or just don't care.

Or the third option is the masses do not have an appreciation for a quality product. Similar to the billions and billions of Mickey D burgers sold.

Falcones pizza is an odd choice but maybe they are doing a new restaurant concept. Also I noticed they mentioned the restaurants were top notch and they’d be able to open by Memorial Day. Kind of makes me think Swadleys at least spent the money to make a good restaurant and puts a bit of a kink in the states case.

I eat at Swadleys from time to time. I won’t claim it’s the best BBQ but to me it’s reliable and a good product for the money.

I hope Falcones can make it work because having a decent restaurant at these parks is nice. I’ll give them a try next time I visit one,

Looks like it's the restaurant group that runs Falcones.
"La Ratatouille owns and operates Falcone's Pizzeria, Jonny Cakes Bakery, multiple food trucks and a catering business. The company has also served the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Zoo Amphitheater and other businesses in the state." - From the KOCO article. (https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-tourism-state-parks-restaurants-la-ratatouille-vendor/43520671)

We ate at the Foggy Bottom at Quartz Mtn just once. It was excellent !!! Way better than anything we've ever gotten at Swadley's.

The sandwiches were so big we could have split just one and been fine. They served apple fritters on the side at no extra cost. Shame to see them go.

Only if you're not paying attention.

there is a better chance that the state is going to have to cut Swadleys a check

there is a better chance that the state is going to have to cut Swadleys a check

Doubt Gentner Drummond will let that happen.

Doubt Gentner Drummond will let that happen.

Is that dude related to pioneer woman?

Like second cousins by marriage

Is that dude related to pioneer woman?

You should look up the Drummond family. They are one of the largest landowners in the entire country. They own a good deal of Osage County.

This seems rather puzzling. I'm not familiar with Ratatouille group but I talked to Mr. Falcone several times back in 2019/2020 after he moved back looking to buy a house. Interesting fella for sure, hopefully this turns out well. Can't really turn out any worse than Swadley's debacle but Swadley's was also flush with cash before all of this. I guess if the state is picking up the tab on everything it really doesn't matter who the operator is.

You should look up the Drummond family. They are one of the largest landowners in the entire country. They own a good deal of Osage County.

And southern Kansas as well.

They also own a couple dozen Headrights of the Osage Nation.

And southern Kansas as well.

They also own a couple dozen Headrights of the Osage Nation.

Gosh, I wonder how that happened.

We ate at the Foggy Bottom at Quartz Mtn just once. It was excellent !!! Way better than anything we've ever gotten at Swadley's.

The sandwiches were so big we could have split just one and been fine. They served apple fritters on the side at no extra cost. Shame to see them go.

You tend to get pretty good food when you buy a $12 sandwich and the state chips in $50.

We went to Swadleys about a week ago on 39th and Rockwell for the first time in a couple of years. The place was packed as was the drive thru. So I guess people don't know about the scandal or just don't care.

"Scandal"

Fixed it for you

"Scandal"

Fixed it for you

How many millions of dollars do they have to defraud OK taxpayers would it take before it became a scandal for you?

-“This case includes allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds,” Drummond said

https://kfor.com/news/local/drummond-to-work-with-osbi-investigating-foggy-bottoms-scandal/

How many millions of dollars do they have to defraud OK taxpayers would it take before it became a scandal for you?

-“This case includes allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds,” Drummond said

https://kfor.com/news/local/drummond-to-work-with-osbi-investigating-foggy-bottoms-scandal/

there is currently only allegations there is currently no proof ..

there is currently only allegations there is currently no proof ..
Never fails to amuse me how you constantly play the devils advocate for one side and one side only.

there is currently only allegations there is currently no proof ..

There is plenty of proof in the public record. It just hasn't been litigated yet.

. . . betting those allegations are based on something more than "thin air". . .

How many millions of dollars do they have to defraud OK taxpayers would it take before it became a scandal for you?

-“This case includes allegations of fraud involving millions of dollars in taxpayer funds,” Drummond said

https://kfor.com/news/local/drummond-to-work-with-osbi-investigating-foggy-bottoms-scandal/

allegations

It is all politically motivated. Everybody and their mothers are trying to get Stitt out anyway they can. It is a microcosm of what is happening on the national level

It really scares me how people just take headlines and biased articles as facts. Maybe there was wrong doing. If there was, then you have to find out if it was intentional or not. and then who was really the instigator.
But to paint with wide strokes using deceptive biased sources is how we get into the political environment we are in

It really scares me how people just take headlines and biased articles as facts. Maybe there was wrong doing. If there was, then you have to find out if it was intentional or not. and then who was really the instigator.
But to paint with wide strokes using deceptive biased sources is how we get into the political environment we are in

That’s what the litigation is doing.

allegations

It is all politically motivated. Everybody and their mothers are trying to get Stitt out anyway they can. It is a microcosm of what is happening on the national level

They are investigating these "allegations" for a reason. Jerry Winchester the Director of OTRD resigned for a reason. Many news organizations across Oklahoma have done in depth reporting on this shady deal. If you haven't followed this closely I can see where you would downplay this scandal and fit it into a conspiracy theory about "getting Stitt out", but Stitt himself said,

“We are committed to getting to the bottom of this. There are a lot of different investigations going on right now,” Stitt said. “And I think we can all agree that the most important things are protecting the taxpayers and shining the light on any corruption and any bad actors.”

So what is it? Is Stitt concerned about the shady, grifty, fraudulent deal or is he just looking for a scapegoat?

What amazes me is the people defending Swadley's. What is in it for them? A quick Google search will find how corrupt their deal with the state was. But, for some reason, they choose to die on Swadley's Hill.

It really scares me how people just take headlines and biased articles as facts. Maybe there was wrong doing. If there was, then you have to find out if it was intentional or not. and then who was really the instigator.
But to paint with wide strokes using deceptive biased sources is how we get into the political environment we are in

RIP Irony. Nothing shows a bias like calling articles and sources "biased" without any proof. Articles and sources aren't automatically biased just because they don't support your side.

They are investigating these "allegations" for a reason. Jerry Winchester the Director of OTRD resigned for a reason. Many news organizations across Oklahoma have done in depth reporting on this shady deal. If you haven't followed this closely I can see where you would downplay this scandal and fit it into a conspiracy theory about "getting Stitt out", but Stitt himself said,

“We are committed to getting to the bottom of this. There are a lot of different investigations going on right now,” Stitt said. “And I think we can all agree that the most important things are protecting the taxpayers and shining the light on any corruption and any bad actors.”

So what is it? Is Stitt concerned about the shady, grifty, fraudulent deal or is he just looking for a scapegoat?

What amazes me is the people defending Swadley's. What is in it for them? A quick Google search will find how corrupt their deal with the state was. But, for some reason, they choose to die on Swadley's Hill.

Lol at news stations. I don't even watch them anymore because of how they aren't even local anymore and how left leaning they are now.

RIP Irony. Nothing shows a bias like calling articles and sources "biased" without any proof. Articles and sources aren't automatically biased just because they don't support your side.

I never said they were

I don't have to prove anything. It is pretty obvious the bias in the news

Lol at news stations. I don't even watch them anymore because of how they aren't even local anymore and how left leaning they are now.

Another poster not to be taken seriously.

Another poster not to be taken seriously.
Has to be trolling. No way they are serious. Where do you get your information from if you don’t watch the news? How do they even know Stitt is governor if the news can’t be trusted? How do we know Swadleys is even real? Christ….

This is a perfect example of the left and society in general. If someone disagrees or questions sources, they are dismissed. How dare I not fall in line and accept everything that comes from the news!

Y'all continue to have your fun and live in a fantasy land.

This is a perfect example of the left and society in general. If someone disagrees or questions sources, they are dismissed. How dare I not fall in line and accept everything that comes from the news!

Y'all continue to have your fun and live in a fantasy land.
You just outright stated the news can’t be trusted. So where do you get your information?

This is a perfect example of the left and society in general. If someone disagrees or questions sources, they are dismissed. How dare I not fall in line and accept everything that comes from the news!

Y'all continue to have your fun and live in a fantasy land.
It’s not that you disagree or question, you’re talking about how left leaning the local news in OK is. You can’t be taken seriously when you’re acting like such a simpleton.

If someone disagrees or questions sources, they are dismissed.

Project much? You are the one here who is dismissing articles, sources and now news stations.

This is a perfect example of the left and society in general. If someone disagrees or questions sources, they are dismissed. How dare I not fall in line and accept everything that comes from the news!

Y'all continue to have your fun and live in a fantasy land.

The LEFT? You are funny and probably blind if you don't see the lies coming out of the right wing "press/propaganda machines". Just follow the Dominion Fox lawsuit and it ought to tell you which ideology is blatantly using their press cover to lie to the public. This mindless pointing to the "left" to try to keep people from looking to the right is perverse.

Lol at news stations. I don't even watch them anymore because of how they aren't even local anymore and how left leaning they are now.

KFOR and KAUT are owned by Nexstar Media, who is considered conservative and also owns NewsNation cable network. KWTV is owned by the Griffin family of Oklahoma. KOKH and KOCB are owned By Sincliar, who is considered among the most conservative broadcasting groups in the US. KOCO belongs to Hearst Communications, who I don't recall anyone saying they're a bunch of Pinkos.