https://newsok.com/article/5597341/mcmillen-leaving-after-almost-20-years-with-the-sooners

"McMillen, who has been president of the Bob Stoops Champions Foundation, said he plans to keep working on projects with Stoops and also will go into business with Oklahoma City restauranteur Hal Smith, who is opening a Matty McMillen’s Irish Pub at NW 150th and Pennsylvania in OKC."

Sounds like HSRG has a new pub in the works for up near the already existing Neighborhood Jam in North OKC/Edmond.

This is the Irish pub I mentioned that will be taking the place of Hollie's at NW 150th & Penn.

Press release:

*****************

NEW CONCEPT, MATTY MCMILLEN’S TO OPEN IN NORTH OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY – An all-new restaurant and pub, Matty McMillen’s plans to open this summer, and will be located at 2201 NW 150th St. in Edmond.

This pub-inspired eatery welcomes all ages and plans to release a delicious menu and drink selection. Matty’s will proudly carry a wide variety of Irish and American whiskeys and scotches, in addition to beers and fun specialty drinks such as Guinness Floats (ice cream and Guinness) and Eden’s Apple (Hard cider and Guinness).

The building will seat about 230 people in the 6,000 sq. foot space, featuring the choice between community and high-top tables. Be on the look out for upcoming events like Kegs & Eggs, a buffet brunch hosted every Saturday and Sunday created to be the perfect hangover cure. This brunch will feature an omelet bar, Bloody Mary station, along with $2 mimosas and $13 mimosa carafes.

Matty McMillen’s looks forward to being a part of the north OKC and Edmond community. “We are excited to bring Matty’s to life in this area of the metro. With this restaurant, comes a lot of inspiration for great memories to be made. We look forward to serving each guest and developing relationships with the community,” says Area Partner, Ross Crain.

Matty McMillen’s hours are Monday – Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.mattymcmillens.com and follow Matty Mcmillen’s on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattyMcMillens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matty_mcmillens/

Founded in 1968, Hal Smith has created restaurants that enhance the senses through inspired architectural settings, excellent service, and cuisines that heighten the taste palates. Based in Norman, Okla., Hal Smith’s foundation is rooted in cities and neighborhoods across the Midwest. Today, Hal Smith Restaurants operates nearly 80 locations in seven states and employs more than 6,000 employees. For more information, visit halsmith.com/media.

A friend of mine from elementary school through high school is the kitchen manager there.

My grandson works there. He's a college student making a few bucks while attending summer school and plans on working during the fall and spring semesters. He worked there when it was Hollie's and he has been retained. He has the same last name as mine, so if he gives you good service, drop a dime or two tip on the boy just like you would any good server. If he doesn't give you good service, tip appropriately and he will learn a good lesson!
C. T.

Opens 8/13.

Anyone been?

Hours:
Mon thru Thurs 3 PM - 10 PM
Fri 11 AM - 11 PM
Sat 10 AM - 11 PM
Sun 10 AM - 10 PM

Took a look at the menu, it looks pretty good. One thing that leapt out at me was they list, on their shot menu, an Irish Car Bomb. I always understood this to be offensive to the Irish, and that one should never order one in a proper Irish pub unless they wanted to be thrown out. Personally, it's my favorite shot, but I'm surprised they printed it on the menu.

Took a look at the menu, it looks pretty good. One thing that leapt out at me was they list, on their shot menu, an Irish Car Bomb. I always understood this to be offensive to the Irish, and that one should never order one in a proper Irish pub unless they wanted to be thrown out. Personally, it's my favorite shot, but I'm surprised they printed it on the menu.

I think that rule more pertains to Americans abroad in Ireland/North Ireland, but it is probably safe to assume that if you don't see it on a menu then you shouldn't ask for it.

I think that rule more pertains to Americans abroad in Ireland/North Ireland, but it is probably safe to assume that if you don't see it on a menu then you shouldn't ask for it.

Agreed, just thought if a place is calling themselves an Irish pub and trying to recreate that, they'd not list it on the menu out of respect for that tradition. I don't really care either way, just caught me off guard. Not sure if Sean offers that on the menu at his place, but I doubt it.

Being a Hal Smith concept, you can be sure this is a restaurant first and foremost, regardless of using the pub name.

I'm anxious to try it.

Agreed, just thought if a place is calling themselves an Irish pub and trying to recreate that, they'd not list it on the menu out of respect for that tradition. I don't really care either way, just caught me off guard. Not sure if Sean offers that on the menu at his place, but I doubt it.

McNellies does car bombs, at least on SPD. Don't know if you consider them an Irish Pub, or just a bar masquerading as one. I could see the case for both.

Agreed, just thought if a place is calling themselves an Irish pub and trying to recreate that, they'd not list it on the menu out of respect for that tradition. I don't really care either way, just caught me off guard. Not sure if Sean offers that on the menu at his place, but I doubt it.

Saw a pic on Yelp of an Irish Car Bomb at Sean's pub, not sure if he offers it on an official menu, though.

Saw a pic on Yelp of an Irish Car Bomb at Sean's pub, not sure if he offers it on an official menu, though.

That works out for me, then, next time I'm in there!

Being a Hal Smith concept, you can be sure this is a restaurant first and foremost, regardless of using the pub name.

I'm anxious to try it.

The menu looks good. I hope to get over there at some point to try it, but Sean's is so close to me, and I like to support the Cummings. If they do lunch, maybe that'll be the ticket...

Being a Hal Smith concept, you can be sure this is a restaurant first and foremost, regardless of using the pub name.

I'm anxious to try it.

Keep me posted? I'll buy ya whatever to celebrate the gazette news.

Took a look at the menu, it looks pretty good. One thing that leapt out at me was they list, on their shot menu, an Irish Car Bomb. I always understood this to be offensive to the Irish, and that one should never order one in a proper Irish pub unless they wanted to be thrown out. Personally, it's my favorite shot, but I'm surprised they printed it on the menu.

I currently live in Dublin. I think most people would roll their eyes and a good number of folks won't care. I'm not sure how it would be up north in Belfast though.

I just asked a colleague and he said he always wanted to try it but he hasn't had a chance yet.

My wife and I have gone to their "eggs & kegs" brunch, which is a small buffet of breakfast and lunch items, a couple of times and really enjoyed it. This past weekend, on of the chefs told us they are doing away with the buffet concept and have instead, developed a brunch menu that should start in the next couple of weeks. We'll definately be back in to try the new menu.

We went once a few weeks ago because the Sports Animal was there with Bob Stoops talking about tending bar occasionally. We’ve become regulars. We haven’t had a thing on the menu that we didn’t love. Very nice and attentive staff. BTW, we always sit at the bar so I can’t speak for the floor staff but I’m sure they’re good too. Always multiple managers on the floor and they all stop and ask if everything is doing good.

Great place to go. Very Attentive people. Food is good as well

We went once a few weeks ago because the Sports Animal was there with Bob Stoops talking about tending bar occasionally. We’ve become regulars. We haven’t had a thing on the menu that we didn’t love. Very nice and attentive staff. BTW, we always sit at the bar so I can’t speak for the floor staff but I’m sure they’re good too. Always multiple managers on the floor and they all stop and ask if everything is doing good.
Well, I can speak for the floor staff, they are great (my grandson is one of them). I do like sitting at the bar but when my grandson is working (part time college student) I sit at a table so that he can get my tip.
C. T.

Moving to Norman? Closing today apparently. Weird....

Closed today and employees given the option to transfer to another HSRG restaurant.

Talked to someone at Hal Smith and they aren't sure what is next for the spot, if anything.

Closed today and employees given the option to transfer to another HSRG restaurant.

Talked to someone at Hal Smith and they aren't sure what is next for the spot, if anything.

Any idea what the cause was? They just think there is a better opportunity in Norman?

A move to Norman might make them an option for me now...

I am not sure where they will put this in Norman that won't cannibalize their other restaurants. Maybe in UNT area?

I am not sure where they will put this in Norman that won't cannibalize their other restaurants. Maybe in UNT area?

but even there would cannibalize Red Rock, and Pub W some....

Pub W is in Brookhaven I believe, which is on the other side of 35. Red Rock and McMillen's are dissimilar enough to coexist in UNP

Pub W is in Brookhaven I believe, which is on the other side of 35. Red Rock and McMillen's are dissimilar enough to coexist in UNP

yes, and brookhaven is mile away, and so still think that is extremely close for a similar restaurant. and yes, red rock and mcmillens are dissimilar enough in terms of food, but you really do cannibalize on your bar market.

the only part of norman that would really make sense would be if there if they are going to put it on the east side of norman

yes, and brookhaven is mile away, and so still think that is extremely close for a similar restaurant. and yes, red rock and mcmillens are dissimilar enough in terms of food, but you really do cannibalize on your bar market.

the only part of norman that would really make sense would be if there if they are going to put it on the east side of norman

Main street would make sense but they already have The Winston. I am not sure I see Hal Smith trying to put a place in Campus Corner with the rent prices like they are. Not to mention the competition.

They did put the new El Huevo off of the highway on Tecumseh. Thought that was an interesting place to put one.

Main street would make sense but they already have The Winston. I am not sure I see Hal Smith trying to put a place in Campus Corner with the rent prices like they are. Not to mention the competition.

They did put the new El Huevo off of the highway on Tecumseh. Thought that was an interesting place to put one.
HSRG already had Louie's on CC so that would disqualify based on your proximity arguement.
The GARAGE is closer to JAM & WINSTONS than a mile. With all the hotel rooms in UNP I think UNP is the best place, more so than East Norman. Hal is from Norman and is successful. I think he knows what he is doing.

So, if Matty McMillen works with the Bob Stoops Champions Foundation as his day job I would think that his home base is in Norman. And he might want to stay closer to home for his Hal Smith Group location. And the Hal Smith Group knows what they are doing in placing the new location.

HSRG already had Louie's on CC so that would disqualify based on your proximity arguement.
The GARAGE is closer to JAM & WINSTONS than a mile. With all the hotel rooms in UNP I think UNP is the best place, more so than East Norman. Hal is from Norman and is successful. I think he knows what he is doing.

I forgot that Louies existed! I got food poisoning from one a long time ago and just have left it out of my mind. I guess they did put a PubW right next to a Louies in Brookhaven Village.

Interesting to see where this goes!

Main street would make sense but they already have The Winston. I am not sure I see Hal Smith trying to put a place in Campus Corner with the rent prices like they are. Not to mention the competition.

They did put the new El Huevo off of the highway on Tecumseh. Thought that was an interesting place to put one.

It's right next to where Hal Smith is building his new HQ.

There’s a dumpster here with what looks like prep for a new build-out? Any info?

There’s a dumpster here with what looks like prep for a new build-out? Any info?

It's going to be some sort of medical facility.

It's going to be some sort of medical facility.

Makes sense. There's a stand alone ER next to it and a senior living across the street.

It's going to be some sort of medical facility.

Ugh, I get it, but it's very frustrating for every corner to have some combo of carwash, urgent care/ER, nail salon. I thought this was a very good location with average at best concepts and then HSG just gave up on it. Sucks because Teds and Jam are pretty consistently packed.

The west half of this space is going to be Birdies Korean Fried Chicken.

I asked and this is not affiliated with the Hal Smith Restaurant Group.

They are planning a pergola and patio facing 150th.


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Saw Cathey drop a post that mentioned this place yesterday but not where it was going to be.

Saw Cathey drop a post that mentioned this place yesterday but not where it was going to be.

Love how he does restaurant update articles which should be labeled "Things I read on OKCTalk".

Just found out that Birdie's Korean Fried Chicken is a venture of chef Kevin Lee of Gogi Go fame.

Should be pretty good.

My favorite fried chicken I ever had was in Seoul, so I'm really excited about this.

My favorite fried chicken I ever had was in Seoul, so I'm really excited about this.

If you find yourself in Kansas City check out Kobi Q. Great Korean Fried Chicken.

If you find yourself in Kansas City check out Kobi Q. Great Korean Fried Chicken.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm excited! Korean Fried Chicken might be my favorite fried chicken.

They posted on social media that they plan to open later this month (April).

They posted they plan to open sometime next week.

Here is their menu:

https://www.birdiesfc.com/menu

They posted they plan to open sometime next week.

Here is their menu:

https://www.birdiesfc.com/menu

The fact they charge $6 for an Arnold Palmer by calling it a cocktail doesn't give me the urge to run over there and spend my money.

The fact they charge $6 for an Arnold Palmer by calling it a cocktail doesn't give me the urge to run over there and spend my money.

That is an upsetting choice for sure...especially with the fountain option having both Tea and lemonade for $3 to assemble yourself. However the rest of the menu looks good to me! The photos and video on their instagram look SO good!

That is an upsetting choice for sure...especially with the fountain option having both Tea and lemonade for $3 to assemble yourself. However the rest of the menu looks good to me! The photos and video on their instagram look SO good!

$3 for a soda wow!~ Anyone know what the profit would be on a bag/box of syrup at current cost selling at $3?

$3 for a soda wow!~ Anyone know what the profit would be on a bag/box of syrup at current cost selling at $3?

As someone that owned a retail business that wasn't a restaurant but did sell snacks and drinks..... Soda was our biggest profit item.

$3 for a soda wow!~ Anyone know what the profit would be on a bag/box of syrup at current cost selling at $3?

A 5 gallon BIB yields 30 gallons of soda in a perfect world. That 30 gallons is 320 12oz servings sold for a total of $960, Pepsi BIBs are selling for $94.30 per 5 gallon BIBs. So assuming staff never drinks soda and everyone that orders a soda only has one you are looking at about 10% COGS. Realistically most people have more than one and If I had to guess the majority of people have 2-3 sodas at a restaurant in my past experience as a server. Obviously some people only have one and sometimes you have people that have 10 or more.In the end they will likely be making 80-85% off their soft drinks.

I don't even mind paying the $3 for a soda with a few refills. $6 for something nonalcoholic is a dumb look.

If you can make a complex non alcoholic beverage that is worth my time I will happily pay $6. If it is lemonade and tea over ice that is where I personally take the issue. If it is unlimited refills it makes it a bit more appropriate, but I understand where you are coming from.

If you can make a complex non alcoholic beverage that is worth my time I will happily pay $6. If it is lemonade and tea over ice that is where I personally take the issue. If it is unlimited refills it makes it a bit more appropriate, but I understand where you are coming from.

Agreed. Even with unlimited refills, it's silly to charge $6 for it. I don't go out much anyway, so it's not like I'm protesting anything, but stuff like that annoys me on a menu and makes me not want to support a place.

Is Birdies open?

Is Birdies open?

Not yet.

They said sometime next week.

Thanks Pete. Looking forward to trying it out.

They opened today and their temporary hours are 3 PM to 9 PM Tues - Sun.

It's a sit-down serving model and you are greeted by hostesses when you walk in. If you elect to eat at the bar, the hostess will escort you and provide a menu and silverware and then the bartender takes your drink and food orders.

The first dish pictured is fried okra, which is served whole. Second is the 'small' chicken tenders which were 3 sizeable pieces. I had the tenders with the mango habanero sauce (they have plenty more to choose from); it wasn't spicy at all but I'm not going to judge their food at this point, as I was there within an hour of opening the doors for the first time.

The last two photos are of various chicken bowls which I did not try.


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