High-end sports bar coming to Memorial Road (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=476-High-end-sports-bar-coming-to-Memorial-Road)

With plans to offer the Oklahoma City market something completely new, the owners of Chalk Sports Bar will soon be breaking ground near Memorial and Western.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalknew1.jpg


The ambitious 7,500 square foot restaurant and bar will be located along the lake in Chisholm Creek and will include a 1,500 square foot rooftop deck.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalknew2.jpg


Chalk will feature an impressive million dollar plus audio-video system which will include 80+ screens, including one measuring 9' x 16' and several in the 7' x 13' range.

Chad Ford is leading the ownership group and told OKCTalk their plans call for a 'luxury sports bar' that they believe will tap into Oklahoma's great passion for sports.

In addition to an unprecedented A/V investment for an Oklahoma restaurant, Ford said they also plan a truly interactive experience where a cell phone app which will immediately recognize guests as they enter and provide functionality such as directing them to the proper screens to view their fantasy players


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalkinside1.jpg

The food will be higher-end takes on sports bar classics with smaller plates to allow for sampling of many different items.

A full bar and wide assortment of beer and wine will be offered.

Chalk hopes to break ground in about 6 months at The Pointe in Chisholm Creek and join Oklahoma's first Uncle Julio's (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=448-Firebirds-to-open-first-OK-location-in-Chisholm-Creek) which is set to open in May, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=448-Firebirds-to-open-first-OK-location-in-Chisholm-Creek) aiming for a July opening and later this year Hopdoddy and Birra Birra (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=435-Proprietors-of-Hatch-Sidecar-and-Broadway-10-to-open-2-level-pizza-restaurant) will also open.

The lake and related amenities at The Pointe should be complete in May.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalknew6a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalkinside2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalkinside4.jpg

This looks amazing.

Take my money!!!

Been saying for years OKC needs places like this. Can't believe no one has done it yet.

Pete, you and Jeff doing the A/V for them?

This looks awesome, and will fill a huge void. Can't wait to visit later this year when I'm back for a visit, assuming it gets done in time.

Take my money!!!

Been saying for years OKC needs places like this. Can't believe no one has done it yet DOWNTOWN.

FIFY

There are several options for sports watching along Memorial, Republic, Twin Peaks, Hooters, Pub W but downtown is still sorely lacking a good sports bar.

How does the A/V investment compare to Republic?

There are several options for sports watching along Memorial, Republic, Twin Peaks, Hooters, Pub W

And all are lousy IMO, especially compared to something like this. I've been to them all.

downtown is still sorely lacking a good sports bar.

Since you brought up the ones on Memorial, I will mention HeyDay, Henry Hudsons, Urban Jonnies, The Garage.. Even the Jones has a good number of screens inside and out.

And all are lousy IMO, especially compared to something like this. I've been to them all.

I can't fully agree with this. Republic is awesome! The rest, yes, are meh. But to lump Republic with them is not fair.

Republic is great but absolutely not a sports bar, especially the Memorial location.

Okay I'll just say it because I think it constantly, especially with every new announcement. Chisholm Creek is stunting the growth and diversity in other districts, specifically downtown/midtown. I know there is many duplicate establishments in CC, but the result still stands. I am definitely going down a slippery slope, but I personally feel that CC will not only continue to hurt downtown - I think it will impact the Streetcar's success as well.

I am fully envious of CC and I am actually hoping the investors clearing the Producers Co Op site have an urban version of this with residential in the plans. But I do fear it could be too late. Edmond residents now just have to drive (their favorite thing to do) to the Turnpike and not even think of going down I-235.

Okay I'll just say it because I think it constantly, especially with every new announcement. Chisholm Creek is stunting the growth and diversity in other districts, specifically downtown/midtown. I know there is many duplicate establishments in CC, but the result still stands. I am definitely going down a slippery slope, but I personally feel that CC will not only continue to hurt downtown - I think it will impact the Streetcar's success as well.

I am fully envious of CC and I am actually hoping the investors clearing the Producers Co Op site have an urban version of this with residential in the plans. But I do fear it could be too late. Edmond residents now just have to drive (their favorite thing to do) to the Turnpike and not even think of going down I-235.

Not sure I fully agree with this. Suburban OKC has needed something like this for a long time. If anything, I think it's going to hurt a lot of parcel chain bar/restaurants lining Memorial more than it will downtown. Of course Charlotte is much larger than OKC but its downtown is very vibrant yet there are multiple successful suburban entertainment districts.

I do agree about the Producers Co-op. I am currently quite nervous about it becoming Lower Bricktown Part Deux.

Okay I'll just say it because I think it constantly, especially with every new announcement. Chisholm Creek is stunting the growth and diversity in other districts, specifically downtown/midtown. I know there is many duplicate establishments in CC, but the result still stands. I am definitely going down a slippery slope, but I personally feel that CC will not only continue to hurt downtown - I think it will impact the Streetcar's success as well.

I am fully envious of CC and I am actually hoping the investors clearing the Producers Co Op site have an urban version of this with residential in the plans. But I do fear it could be too late. Edmond residents now just have to drive (their favorite thing to do) to the Turnpike and not even think of going down I-235.

Urban sprawl has always been issue the inner core has dealt with. It takes something really special to get people from Edmond to come down there. I live on the north side of Memorial/Penn and I hate going up into northern Edmond. I'm sure they feel the same about travelling south.

Is this the same Chad Ford that works at Payrock?

Okay I'll just say it because I think it constantly, especially with every new announcement. Chisholm Creek is stunting the growth and diversity in other districts, specifically downtown/midtown. I know there is many duplicate establishments in CC, but the result still stands. I am definitely going down a slippery slope, but I personally feel that CC will not only continue to hurt downtown - I think it will impact the Streetcar's success as well.

I am fully envious of CC and I am actually hoping the investors clearing the Producers Co Op site have an urban version of this with residential in the plans. But I do fear it could be too late. Edmond residents now just have to drive (their favorite thing to do) to the Turnpike and not even think of going down I-235.

I think a lot about this type of thing, so I understand your thought process. But in this case I think it's different markets. The Chisholm Creek crowd will be the 30 and 40-something middle managers with money in Quail Creek/Val Verde, west Edmond and points north and east. And the apartment dwellers along Memorial.

The Downtown/Midtown/Bricktown areas are, special circumstances notwithstanding, the slightly younger, hipper, more progressive folks from Nichols Hills south. Less of a chain-like" mentality. Let's face it, Chisholm Creek is nice but this still feels like "upscale chain" stuff to me. Just my opinion.

I really do think that OKC, as it approaches and then blows past 1.5 million people, can support both. St. Louis, with 3 million people, probably has a half-dozen, at least, pockets of this kind of thing.

^^^^^^^
I think we all make mistaken assumptions about who’s who in our districts of choice, and we project our values and wishes onto them. “Bubble” people - I’m definitely one of these myself - come to Bricktown and all they see is tourists, when the reality is that district probably still sees about 70-80% of its business from the metro. And the same bubble people sit down at The Mule or The Pump and they assume everyone walked there.

There’s a reason they are knocking down surrounding housing and building paid surface parking lots, and it ain’t for people who live in Gatewood and CTP.

Next time you’re standing in line at Sunnyside or Waffle Champion, or the next time you’re on a barstool at R&J or shopping at Plenty, ask the people around you where they are from. I do this all of the time, not even kidding. I think most people would be VERY surprised by the results of this experiment.

I also regularly talk to owners/operators of businesses in the bubble and they confirm the same, assuming they themselves bother to ask their customers where they are coming from (many don’t). The ultimate neighborhood indie retail project - Holiday Pop-Ups in Midtown - SEEMS like a bubble-only event, but the customers who make it wor don’t live in Mesta. They live in Edmond. Places like Shop Good and Plenty get TONS of suburban business and out of town business. So does Empire. So does Goro.

It’s a healthy thing to question and evaluate your own perceptions. And for the record I am directing all of this at people in general, not a specific poster.

We really are lacking in places that serve beer and have large TVs.

I'm liking this development. I live in the far NW OKC / Deer Creek area and our dining and shopping go-to location is this area and west on Memorial. Anything that keeps me from having to go downtown makes me happy.

Like most, I have a ton of friends and family that live in North OKC and Edmond and even though they come to the core frequently, sometimes it's only fair I meet then at least halfway.

We end up Sidecar CC a lot because there are very few bars out there and sometimes Pub W if we want to watch a game. However, I've pretty much written off Twin Peaks and most the other places out there.

This is very needed and will absolutely kill it out there.

Like most, I have a ton of friends and family that live in North OKC and Edmond and even though they come to the core frequently, sometimes it's only fair I meet then at least halfway.

We end up Sidecar CC a lot because there are very few bars out there and sometimes Pub W if we want to watch a game. However, I've pretty much written off Twin Peaks and most the other places out there.

This is very needed and will absolutely kill it out there.
Yeah, I like Pub W or The Garage to eat, have a few beers and watch a game. Tried Republic a couple times, and while the food was good, it's not really set up for good viewing. I haven't tried Sidecar yet. I'll have to give it a shot soon. Chalk looks very promising.

Sidecar is not set up for viewing games but I really like the place and the drinks.

Sidecar is not set up for viewing games but I really like the place and the drinks.
I was just looking at their website and realized this. Still, it looks like a good place to hang out with a good scotch selection. I like the rooftop area.

That Sidecar gets absolutely slammed on nice days.

I'm liking this development. I live in the far NW OKC / Deer Creek area and our dining and shopping go-to location is this area and west on Memorial. Anything that keeps me from having to go downtown makes me happy.

Yeah I lived up there my first three years back in OKC and going downtown to go to bars was a pain. I couldn't have much to drink due to how far I had to drive and Ubering from that far was expensive. This is why I don't think Chisholm Creek will hurt downtown that much. It caters to a slightly different market than Midtown/Plaza establishments do. Plus, as others have stated, Chisholm Creek caters to a slightly older crowd than downtown does.

So the sports betting ban was struck down today. If I’m chalk I’m hiring lobbyists to get the laws in OK written so I can add a sports book to this.

They've broken ground:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalk051418.jpg

So the sports betting ban was struck down today. If I’m chalk I’m hiring lobbyists to get the laws in OK written so I can add a sports book to this.

I reached out to both my elected state legislators to see if anyone was doing anything about this already. States around us are exploring the idea, and we're supposedly looking for revenue streams in every nook and cranny. Didn't hear anything back. NewsOK Capital correspondent responded and said nobody was discussing anything seriously. So there's that.

I reached out to both my elected state legislators to see if anyone was doing anything about this already. States around us are exploring the idea, and we're supposedly looking for revenue streams in every nook and cranny. Didn't hear anything back. NewsOK Capital correspondent responded and said nobody was discussing anything seriously. So there's that.

There's actually something going on with it.

http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2017-18%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB3375%20INT%20BILLSUM.PDF
http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB%203375

I speaking more towards if chalk maybe lobbying for getting a license that allows them to operate as a sports book, un-tethered to Indian casinos.

There's actually something going on with it.

http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2017-18%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB3375%20INT%20BILLSUM.PDF
http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB%203375

I speaking more towards if chalk maybe lobbying for getting a license that allows them to operate as a sports book, un-tethered to Indian casinos.

Sadly all of that was stripped from that bill before it was passed

Foundation work has started between Firebirds and the lake pavilion.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalk051818.jpg

Urban sprawl has always been issue the inner core has dealt with. It takes something really special to get people from Edmond to come down there. I live on the north side of Memorial/Penn and I hate going up into northern Edmond. I'm sure they feel the same about travelling south.

For East Edmond, it is the opposite of this. Traffic in Edmond is so bad that we hardly touch it. I live in far northeast Edmond (near Pop's) and we have groups of people that troll all over Midtown, Plaza, Uptown, etc. It only takes a few more minutes for me to make it from my home to MIdtown than it does to downtown Edmond. I haven't seen the other side of Kelly in a long time.

Now, West Edmond, that's different. Those people are trapped up there.

I can get downtown quicker than I can get to the Western Side of Edmond from 15th and I-35

Edmond is pure hell to drive in! I live in far NW Edmond and I have the same problems getting to anything east of Broadway. We go down Western and jump on the Kirkpatrick...it’s nothing for us to head to any of the thriving okc districts instead of fighting Edmond traffic. Hell we even drive to Norman frequently.

Fortunately I can get to Chisholm Creek pretty easily. !

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalk090318.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chalk100118.jpg

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This looks awesome.

Went yesterday and it was awesome. Only had chips and queso but it was the best I have ever had! The service was great and a TON of TV’s. This place is exactly what OKC has needed, it is a true sports bar.

Went yesterday and it was awesome. Only had chips and queso but it was the best I have ever had! The service was great and a TON of TV’s. This place is exactly what OKC has needed, it is a true sports bar.

Ate at Hopdoddys Saturday and afterward looked inside - very impressive! Looking forward to going in for food and to watch a game.

Went to the soft opening on Friday and the food was amazing! There's not a sports bar in OKC that comes close on atmosphere, food and service. Can't wait for March Madness there!

I feel like a Chalk in Bricktown would absolutely KILL it.

Went to the soft opening on Friday and the food was amazing! There's not a sports bar in OKC that comes close on atmosphere, food and service. Can't wait for March Madness there!

If we ever get legalized sports betting here, I would def stop going to my annual MM trip to Las Vegas and camp out here all day.

If we ever get legalized sports betting here, I would def stop going to my annual MM trip to Las Vegas and camp out here all day.

Based on the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, I suspect Oklahoma will legalize sports gambling in short order. Other states are moving quickly on this issue. You can bet the Native American Casinos are eager to expand their revenue streams.

I bet Nov. 1 2019 we can bet on sports.

Here's the landmark decision if you're interested: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-14/federal-sports-wagering-ban-struck-down-by-u-s-supreme-court

I feel like a Chalk in Bricktown would absolutely KILL it.

Downtown is sorely lacking a good sports bar.


Based on the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, I suspect Oklahoma will legalize sports gambling in short order. Other states are moving quickly on this issue. You can bet the Native American Casinos are eager to expand their revenue streams.

I bet Nov. 1 2019 we can bet on sports.

Here's the landmark decision if you're interested: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-14/federal-sports-wagering-ban-struck-down-by-u-s-supreme-court

Dont expect anything quickly. First, you have to have the state and tribes renegotiate the gaming compact to make this happen. Also, casinos dont make a ton of money off sports gambling, especially when compared to slots and table games.

Excuse my language but it's there an under the table pi$$ing match going on right now between the tribes and the state. I would assume the tribes want all rights to the sports betting, but the supreme court ruling basically states is open season for all. Unless the state passes an amendment of some sort where you can only bet at casinos. Which would be a shame. The Score sports app is planning on releasing their own betting app in all the states that have legalized it. I wonder how it will shake out here and I'm sure someone will screw it up :)

Went to the soft opening on Friday and the food was amazing! There's not a sports bar in OKC that comes close on atmosphere, food and service. Can't wait for March Madness there!

I read each booth has 2 TVs?

Yep. 100 TV's in total. Over 1600 SF of Screens on the inside alone. The rooftop won't open till spring but there's at least 4 more up there.

Yep. 100 TV's in total. Over 1600 SF of Screens on the inside alone. The rooftop won't open till spring but there's at least 4 more up there.

Awesome! This will be a great place to go. Adds to all the other options in Chisolm Creek too.

The amount of screens in there is dizzying. Can't imagine what it will be like the first weekend of the NCAA tourney...

Just finished dinner at Chalk tonight. I'm very impressed.

Met the manager who was going from table to table greeting people. Great guy and very busy as the place was packed. We enjoyed very attentive service from Kayla (I think) who gave us some great beer recommendations.
We started with pimiento cheese crab wontons for an appetizer, then I had the mushroom risotto and my wife had the chicken fried chicken. We both really enjoyed our meals.

The atmosphere is very cool, with TVs everywhere you look (even on the booth's seatbacks). They said their grand opening will be on Super Bowl Sunday and I can't imagine a better venue in the city to watch the Rams take down the Pats (hopefully).

^We must have just missed you! Were there too. Fun place. Food was pretty good and what a place to watch a game! It was hopping - very busy! Fun atmosphere.

Something that they don't even seem to be advertising is that (as it was told to me) there are no deep freezers in the place. They want everything to be as fresh as possible.

Got to go Sunday. The food was very good. We had 2 apps and most of us got chalkers. Their version of sliders. All were good. Ready go try something different.
TVs are literally everywhere you look. Like previous posts, this will be the place to be for March madness.

It would be really cool if there were a way for those who are sitting in a booth to control the input on the TV they are looking at. One of the employees changed the input on the screens in our booth for us, but it would be really cool to have something on the table so that the patron can choose from several inputs - especially around March Madness.

We rarely ever venture north of 63rd St so probably will be awhile before we check this out, but it does look great. Way too many pictures of Carmelo though :-D

We rarely ever venture north of 63rd St so probably will be awhile before we check this out, but it does look great. Way too many pictures of Carmelo though :-D

Exactly. This place seems fine enough, but I rarely find myself venturing north of Wilshire, east of Classen, south of 50th, or west of May.

I feel like a gypsy .....wandering Edmond to Norman and Council Rd to Wellston (BBQ). :)

Exactly. This place seems fine enough, but I rarely find myself venturing north of Wilshire, east of Classen, south of 50th, or west of May.
So you never leave Nichols Hills / Bell Isle? Times must be hard....

So you never leave Nichols Hills / Bell Isle? Times must be hard....

Only when we go on Holiday.

Exactly. This place seems fine enough, but I rarely find myself venturing north of Wilshire, east of Classen, south of 50th, or west of May.

:lol2:. You should create a new site called NicholsHillsTalk.com. I feel sorry for you as your outlook on the City must be so narrow- you're missing so many great spots! To each their own!



anywho...

I went by Chalk last night for a couple of happy hour beers. It was pretty busy. Service was solid. Quick to take our order and never let us go dry. I'll return and I look forward to spending March madness at Chalk. I know it's gonna be slammed! The atmosphere was solid. I hope it's massively successful and they ownership decides to put Chalk II somewhere in Midtown. The concept is totally lacking for the core.