Firebirds to open first OK location in Chisholm Creek (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=448-Firebirds-to-open-first-OK-location-in-Chisholm-Creek)

Already well under construction, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill will bring its first Oklahoma location to Chisholm Creek later this year.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds7.jpg


Operating almost 50 locations in 19 states, the Charlotte-based company is building a 7,325 square foot reastaurant on the lake at The Pointe at Chisholm Creek.


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

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds12.jpg


OKCTalk had previously reported the state's first Uncle Julio's (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=373-Uncle-Julio-s-BURN-Cigar-Lounge-Midici-Pizza-and-more-coming-to-Chisholm-Creek) will be part of the same development, as will be Hopdoddy (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=436-Hopdoddy-Burger-Bar-coming-to-Chisholm-Creek-and-Nichols-Hills) and Birra Birra (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=435-Proprietors-of-Hatch-Sidecar-and-Broadway-10-to-open-2-level-pizza-restaurant), a new Italian concept by the purveyors of Hatch, Sidecar and Broadway 10.

Firebirds has a heavy emphasis on fire-grilled items such as steaks and seafood and other American classics.

The Oklahoma City location will feature a large patio facing the lake, and open main dining area with vaulted ceilings and FIREBAR with craft beer, private label wine and artisan cocktails.

Construction is by Smith & Pickle and Beck Designs is the architect.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds6.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds3.jpg


Chisholm Creek – a massive mixed-use project between Penn and Western just south of Memorial Road – is already host to Top Golf, Cabela's, iFly and in Tract 30 RePUBlic, Fuzzy's Taco, Yokozuna, Sidecar and soon Hatch will be opening its second location.

At the far western edge of the development, Torchy's Tacos, Potbelly Sandwiches and Starbucks recently opened. In addition, Argon apartments opened last year.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds9.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds4.jpg

Awesome! Chisholm Creek is really turning out much better than I expected.

I had forgotten about Firebirds. I ate there pretty regularly when I lived in Charlotte. It's not mindblowing but it's a decent choice for upscale/casual dining.

Their new concept is really nice and the lake setting should be great.

I had forgotten about Firebirds. I ate there pretty regularly when I lived in Charlotte. It's not mindblowing but it's a decent choice for upscale/casual dining.

I feel like you just described most of Hal Smith's restaurants lol.

I feel like you just described most of Hal Smith's restaurants lol.

HAHA.... Very astute observation!

I ate at Firebirds in Nashville for a business dinner, and I really enjoyed it. Was hoping Oklahoma City would eventually get one. It’s a win in my book!

I'm certainly not disparaging this or any new restaurant that can make business happen, and I love going out to eat as much as anybody I know, but am I the only one that scratches my head at the percentage of new development that is taken up by eating and drinking places? I haven't counted, but it seems like we're up to 8 or 10 in Chisholm Creek alone. Shouldn't developers be aiming for more of a mix between retail and dining? Or are they trying, and just not getting the same level of interest from retailers? I feel the same way about Downtown OKC (as much as I stand and applaud everything's that happening there)

This seems a lot like Red Rock. Wonder if there will be a mass migration of Cougars on Thursday nights in the near future.

I'm certainly not disparaging this or any new restaurant that can make business happen, and I love going out to eat as much as anybody I know, but am I the only one that scratches my head at the percentage of new development that is taken up by eating and drinking places? I haven't counted, but it seems like we're up to 8 or 10 in Chisholm Creek alone. Shouldn't developers be aiming for more of a mix between retail and dining? Or are they trying, and just not getting the same level of interest from retailers? I feel the same way about Downtown OKC (as much as I stand and applaud everything's that happening there)

The have Cabela's, Top Golf, iFly, Scissors & Scotch, BancFirst, Jerky.com, a nail salon, a spa, blo Beauty Bar, Haus de Lux and several office tenants.

Plenty more retail to follow.

I'm certainly not disparaging this or any new restaurant that can make business happen, and I love going out to eat as much as anybody I know, but am I the only one that scratches my head at the percentage of new development that is taken up by eating and drinking places? I haven't counted, but it seems like we're up to 8 or 10 in Chisholm Creek alone. Shouldn't developers be aiming for more of a mix between retail and dining? Or are they trying, and just not getting the same level of interest from retailers? I feel the same way about Downtown OKC (as much as I stand and applaud everything's that happening there)

I agree with this completely. When Chisholm Creek was announced I was expecting more of a mix but so far it's been almost entirely eating/drinking establishments. While there are a few locals, I am surprised that there hasn't been more new-to-market national retailers interested in Chisholm Creek or downtown for that matter.

If you haven't noticed, most retail is struggling.

Plus, note the places I listed as already signed up.

I feel like you just described most of Hal Smith's restaurants lol.

I can only hope that it'll turn out a bit better than that.

Pete. I'm certainly not down on Chisholm Creek. Please don't misunderstand. I drove through there when I was home for my high school reunion in October and was impressed. I agree that the businesses you mentioned do represent a variety of things, but with respect, nail and beauty salons and banks are not what I would consider huge draws for casual "let's roam around for an hour or two in the sunshine and then get a drink" shoppers, which is what I think Chisholm Creek is going for. I do realize that we are extremely early in the development, and since restaurants are larger operations with larger budgets they can take more risk. I also would say Top Golf and IFly represent home runs!

And maybe this is all OK. Actually there's a point to be made that mixed use can mean lots of things. I just hope that as it continues to build, it evolves into the type of place where someone can park a car and meander around for a while.

If you haven't noticed, most retail is struggling.

Plus, note the places I listed as already signed up.

My biggest concern with all the chains moving in is that eventually the restaurant bubble has to burst. So many new places in the last few years. I just hope when it does that the locally owned groups and individuals survive it because they have really been going above and beyond on a lot of their concepts recently.

People are always going to eat out so the good will survive. I don't think it's a matter of a bubble bursting, more that the strong will thrive and those who aren't good or don't know how to run a business will fall away. IMO, this is generally a healthy thing.

For the longest time, there was such pent-up demand in OKC that almost anything new and decent did well. Not the case any more... The bar is being raised.


As far as salons and banks at Tract 30, remember they have multiple levels and much was not designed for walk-in retail.

People are always going to eat out so the good will survive. I don't think it's a matter of a bubble bursting, more that the strong will thrive and those who aren't good or don't know how to run a business will fall away. IMO, this is generally a healthy thing.

The strong will survive but that doesn't guarantee the good will..... Seen it happen too many times.

Is Chisholm Creek the hottest development area in the Metro?

I'm certainly not disparaging this or any new restaurant that can make business happen, and I love going out to eat as much as anybody I know, but am I the only one that scratches my head at the percentage of new development that is taken up by eating and drinking places? I haven't counted, but it seems like we're up to 8 or 10 in Chisholm Creek alone. Shouldn't developers be aiming for more of a mix between retail and dining? Or are they trying, and just not getting the same level of interest from retailers? I feel the same way about Downtown OKC (as much as I stand and applaud everything's that happening there)

I'm with you. Chisholm Creek is a great development. But I do wish there were more retail. And that has long been the knock against Bricktown. Lots of places to eat but not much to do after you're done eating. And I do think Pete brings up a valid point that retail is struggling everywhere. But Amazon has only been killing brick and mortar retail for 5-7 years. Bricktown could've gotten more retail in there long before that.

To be fair, they haven't even began working on any of the predominantly retail buildings. That is in a later phase.

For the longest time, there was such pent-up demand in OKC that almost anything new and decent did well. Not the case any more... The bar is being raised.


I think it was as recent as the early 2000s that chains like Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster were voted as the best restaurants in OKC in the Gazette. That is mindnumbing for a city this size. It goes to show how far the city has come and also how much demand there was for better.

I think it was as recent as the early 2000s that chains like Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster were voted as the best restaurants in OKC in the Gazette. That is mindnumbing for a city this size. It goes to show how far the city has come and also how much demand there was for better.

Not sure where you're coming up with that info. We've definitely grown recently in the restaurant department, but there were still high quality options 15-20 years ago.

http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-2000/

Not sure where you're coming up with that info. We've definitely grown recently in the restaurant department, but there were still high quality options 15-20 years ago.

http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-2000/

Dang! I did not know that info like this was available! Good find.

Not sure where you're coming up with that info. We've definitely grown recently in the restaurant department, but there were still high quality options 15-20 years ago.

http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-2000/

You're right. I'm thinking the '90s, which were like I described. By the 2000s there were a lot more quality options.

1990: http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-1990/
1995: http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-1995/

You're right. I'm thinking the '90s, which were like I described. By the 2000s there were a lot more quality options.

1990: http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-1990/
1995: http://okgazette.com/2014/08/01/best-of-okc-1995/

I get a kick out of Howard Schnellenberger being named the "Best Newcomer" in 1995.

The shell has been complete for a while but not much going on inside.

They are probably waiting for Birra Birra next door to get to a greater state of completion, because the whole are is quite a mess right now.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds042918.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds051818.jpg

https://kfor.com/2018/08/17/new-oklahoma-city-restaurant-looking-to-hire-120-employees/

https://kfor.com/2018/08/17/new-oklahoma-city-restaurant-looking-to-hire-120-employees/

Ouch...100+ people...that restaurant is going to be understaffed for over a year.

If anyone ever needs a job they will be perpetually hiring! That is quite a large staff though, much bigger operation than I thought it would be.

Opens Sept. 12th.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds090318a.jpg

My wife and I went here last night. The food was very good, as was the service. We did have one issue with one of my wife's sides (they forgot to give her the correct side dish and then it took forever for the correct side dish to be prepared). In return, they gave us a complimentary dessert which was more than a $8 value (of course the side dish was LESS than $8). Even though this place has only been open about a month, I can see it only getting better. Firebirds is a national chain, and they do have their act together. My wife and I will definitely return.

Press release:

*****

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill offers an array of seasonal cocktails and craft beer

OKLAHOMA CITY – Known for its scratch kitchen, warm hospitality and classic American cuisine infused with bold flavors, fresh herbs and spices, the newly opened Firebirds Wood Fired Grill unveils an exclusive craft cocktail menu, featuring seasonal cocktails and craft beer at the Chisholm Creek development just south of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and West Memorial Road in Oklahoma City.

The restaurant’s award-winning FIREBAR® boasts an extensive selection of wines, including two private Firebirds’ labels, craft beer and specialty cocktails, such as the Double Black Diamond Martini® infused with fresh pineapple. Firebirds offers unique and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks as well, such as the Strawberry Basil Cooler and Wild Berry Ginger Craft Soda.

MOST POPULAR DESSERT: OOEY GOOEY PUMPKIN SPICE BUTTER CAKE
Beyond the restaurant’s decadent Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Spice Butter Cake (available for a limited time) Firebirds offers a wide variety of menu selections, including its signature Aged Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Wood Grilled Salmon, Durango Burger, Grilled Shrimp & Strawberry Salad, Lobster Spinach Queso and Creme Brulée Cheesecake. The Kids Menu offers healthy options certified by the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program. Firebirds also offers gluten-sensitive menu items, such as Grilled Tenderloin Salad, Beef Filet Kabob, Wood Grilled Salmon and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.

Year-round, the new Firebirds OKC restaurant will donate $1.25 for every glass of lemonade ordered in the restaurant to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help fund childhood cancer research. Additionally, each June, the restaurant will participate in ALSF’s fundraiser, Lemonade Days, in which it will donate to the cause all proceeds from the sale of house-made lemonade at a stand by the front door. Nationwide, Firebirds has already raised more than $1.2 million for ALSF, one cup of lemonade at a time.

VISITING FIREBIRDS
Firebirds is open Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Additionally the restaurant offers banquet services, catering, gift cards and online ordering for ToGo. Guests who register for Firebirds’ Inner Circle will be the first to hear about upcoming events, promotions, new menu items and exclusive offers. Members will also receive a gift for joining and a gift on their birthday.

Reservations for lunch or dinner can be made by calling the restaurant, visiting Firebirds’ website or using the OpenTable App. Firebirds is regularly included on OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice lists, where diners vote for their favorite restaurants in various categories.

The recipient of multiple TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence, Firebirds also made Yelp’s top 10 most popular casual restaurants in terms of average page views per location and Fishbowl’s Emerging Brands Report’s top 10 restaurants in terms of expected growth. Fishbowl is the leading data, marketing and analytics solutions provider to restaurants. Additionally, Firebirds was named one of America’s Top 50 Emerging Restaurant Chains by FSR Magazine and one of Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Next 20.”
###

About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a contemporary-polished restaurant, is an energetic twist on the traditional grill featuring a boldly flavored, classic American menu in an inviting, fire-centric atmosphere. Signature menu items include hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood hand-fileted in-house and seared over locally sourced hickory, oak or pecan wood in Firebirds’ scratch kitchen and exposed wood-fired grill. The open, stylish, enticing décor incorporates wood-fired themes and entertaining spaces, such as the outdoor patio with seasonal comforts and the award-winning FIREBAR®. Popular specialties include Wine Down Mondays, happy hour, artisan cocktails, craft beer, bourbon, after dinner drinks and Firebirds’ private label wine. In keeping with its mission, “To Serve, Enrich and Exceed,” Firebirds supports ever-growing sustainability efforts throughout its restaurants and partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, with more than $1.2 million raised for childhood cancer research through the sale of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Visit firebirdsrestaurants.com to become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle, make an OpenTable reservation or order ToGo online.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/firebirds101018.jpg

I celebrated a friend's birthday at Firebirds last night and had a really good experience.

The three of us sat at the bar, ordered drinks, starters, and mains.

Were there for about 2.5 hours and the place -- including the open seating at the bar and in the bar area -- was very full the entire time. The bar itself is quite nice and they have a great specialty drink: Black Diamond Martini that is pineapple infused vodka. It was very, very good but sneaky strong.

I had a chicken pasta dish which was good but next time I will definitely try one of their many other entrees, such as a steak or seafood.

They seem to have a pretty solid happy hour and when I arrived around 5:30 the bar area was pretty full already.


Seems to be a nice addition to the OKC dining scene. I'd say it was a notch above Charleston's or Red Rock Canyon in terms of setting and general execution.

I finally got around to trying this place last night.

Overall impressions:
Food quality & taste: 8/10
Overall Service: 8/10
Bar Service: 2/10

I had the wood fired salmon and my wife had the filet. Both of us loved our dinners. The place wasn't completely packed, but was busy. I'm thinking this is why the bar service was incredibly slow. I don't know if they need more people working the bar or what, but we waited for that seemed like forever after ordering our initial drinks for them to come out - like 10-15 minutes. We went ahead and ordered a second round when they brought the first round and our glasses still ran dry before getting the 2nd drink. That said, the drinks were very good. I had their signature Manhattan and my wife had the Black Diamond martini.

Other than that, the experience was a good one. I like the decor and the atmosphere and like I said the food was delicious. I'm adding this place to my rotation and hopefully they get the bar service up to speed.

I finally got around to trying this place last night.

Overall impressions:
Food quality & taste: 8/10
Overall Service: 8/10
Bar Service: 2/10

I had the wood fired salmon and my wife had the filet. Both of us loved our dinners. The place wasn't completely packed, but was busy. I'm thinking this is why the bar service was incredibly slow. I don't know if they need more people working the bar or what, but we waited for that seemed like forever after ordering our initial drinks for them to come out - like 10-15 minutes. We went ahead and ordered a second round when they brought the first round and our glasses still ran dry before getting the 2nd drink. That said, the drinks were very good. I had their signature Manhattan and my wife had the Black Diamond martini.

Other than that, the experience was a good one. I like the decor and the atmosphere and like I said the food was delicious. I'm adding this place to my rotation and hopefully they get the bar service up to speed.

it's good and all, but it's basically just a less basic Charleston's. which isn't necessarily a bad thing, by any means. but not earth shattering, either.

I would say that Firebirds is maybe on par with Charleston's but does offer more options on it's menu.

Wife and I had dinner here last night and it was fantastic. I had the strip and it was one of the best restaurant steaks I've had in a very long time. Wife had the fillet and shrimp. All wood fired and fantastic. Definitely a nice addition for OKC.

The strip there is pretty good, and so is the ribeye. Last time I was there I had the sliced sirloin in brandy peppercorn sauce, with mashed potatoes. Great meal!

Ate there tonight with a group for a friend's birthday. Honestly I think the overall consensus was "average at best."

Parking was a huge PITA with most everyone parking at Cabela's. Thought the place was really nice inside and the staff was very friendly. There was some sort of a mixup and the staff didn't realize nobody was assigned to our table. We finally had to find someone to bring us drinks. The manager came over and provided a couple of free appetizers to make up for the delay.

Wife said her salmon salad tasted "off" and my burger came with an inedible bun (rock hard). The steak fries were undercooked. A couple of the sides were pretty good, but the salmon was dry and the rest was just average. I definitely get the comparison to Charleston's - but honestly, I really like Charleston's and eat there often. I doubt I'd go back to Firebirds unless I was with a group that insisted. $13+ burgers/sandwiches that were below average and $26 salmon that can be beat at Charleston's, Metro and probably half a dozen other places.

That said, the place was packed, so obviously other people love the place.

Regarding parking, a tip for Firebirds, Chalk, Birra Birra and everything on the east side of the small lake: Park south of Uncle Julios on the west side. Huge lot over there and far less congested.

Having said that, all that will change once they build out Razoo's and the other restaurants on that side.

That said, the place was packed, so obviously other people love the place.

No one goes there anymore. It's too crowded. - Yogi Berra

My two experiences at Firebirds have been excellent.

I also really like the atmosphere.

I ate at Firebirds in Montgomery a couple months ago and had one of the better Sirloin steaks I have ever had. I didn't realize they had a location in OKC until I found it this weekend. Again, an excellent Sirloin steak!

They need a better selection of Oklahoma craft beers. And for a chain started in the South, it's hard to believe they don't have Chicken Fried Steak on their menu.