Quote Originally Posted by BoulderSooner View Post
Louie's is coming to Midtown.


So, I'm guessing this isn't true since no one seems to know anything about it. I hate when people just drop something like that...

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/11/23/louies-in-midtown/

believe me now???

Yes.

Quote Originally Posted by BoulderSooner View Post
Louie's is coming to Midtown.



http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2010/11/23/louies-in-midtown/

believe me now???

Any idea as to when this is going to happen? Hopefully soon...

Louie's is awful. Gag.

Louie's is awful. Gag.

No kidding. Midtown Deli was such a wasted opportunity. I didn't think there was any way a decent deli could flop in that location, and then I actually visited the place. Not really a deli. Indifferent and occasionally terrible service. Marginal food. Just a real failure of vision here.

No kidding. Midtown Deli was such a wasted opportunity. I didn't think there was any way a decent deli could flop in that location, and then I actually visited the place. Not really a deli. Indifferent and occasionally terrible service. Marginal food. Just a real failure of vision here.

Agree. Midtown Deli was a "deli" in name only. I went once and never went back. Terrible.

It is possible, however, that Louie's is even worse.

Louie's used to be a pretty solid place to grab a cheap bite, but the quality has gone downhill to the point of being nearly god-awful.

I actually liked Midtown Deli, and they had great sandwiches. I thought it was cool how they had live music a lot. Every time I went by the place though it was either absolutely packed or absolutely empty and starving for business. That's not a successful way to do business.

I imagine they were hoping for some development and thought they would be accompanied by more residents soon after they opened. Boy were they wrong. That's why it's sometimes difficult to speculate on what is a good location to open a new business.

It looks like Dennis Wells has updated the SOSA website via a Facebook post.

http://freesosa.com/projects%20map.html

I don't think Louie's does anything great, but I actually think they are much better than what everyone else is saying. They have a decent selection of drinks, always a nice layout (TVs...), and lots of local sports memoribilia. I'm sure they will have tons of Thunder gear up. That will give it some local flavor. Their food is okay, but their pizza is actually really good. I think this is a huge upgrade, but that is partly because of how poorly Midtown Deli was run.

So, any idea as to when the change is taking place?

What are these?

8: P-R Res

9: Tiffie Res

10: Firedorm

I see he just added the last two.

PR Res was already announced on here awhile back. OKCTalk's own, ookkcc, is building there, I won't use his real name unless he chooses to post it. Not sure what Tiffie Res is, however I know that lot just sold for mega bucks. It is next to the old lot that had horses on it and Ken Boyer cars. I know a young couple with last name Tiffie that lives at Classen Glen, so not sure if it is them building or what. I'm sure Dennis can fill us in.

Cool. Firedorm would be a great name for a housing project, but that's just me. I wonder if land speculation is starting to happen in SoSA as well? Those properties in there for the most part, with a few exceptions, are absolute teardowns--coming from a dedicated preservationist.

Any idea as to when this is going to happen? Hopefully soon...

this is the last week of midtown deli .. i would expect renovations (Louie's needs a kitchen) to start soon

It looks like Dennis Wells has updated the SOSA website via a Facebook post.

http://freesosa.com/projects%20map.html
Although I see from the link that the property below, located on the south side of NW 9th between Walker & Dewey, is not in the SOSA area, do you or anyone else know what if anything is proposed for the crappy Century Hotel? It is located east of the St. Anthony parking garage south of the hospital. Following a doctor's appointment in the physicians building west of the parking garage, I was struck by the total incongruity of this property with the otherwise splendid developments in the area. The map below is from google maps.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/sosa_centuryhotel_google.jpg

I can see that it has a pleasing deco style and could probably be made into something nice but, as it is, I can also see that it has equally unpleasing state of care, repair, and is generally unkempt.

Anyone know anything about this property?

Doug,

Looks like it was purchased by Hollis Properties Inc in 1999 for $240,000. Each floor is 4,741 square feet. I would guess that would make for 10-12 rooms per floor with 400 square feet each. Average rental price per square foot in Oklahoma is about $0.75 which would come out to $300 a month. Times 30 apartments would be $9,000 a month. Of course, more could be made depending on renovation.

Here is the county assessor's site:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R012085300

this is the last week of midtown deli .. i would expect renovations (Louie's needs a kitchen) to start soon

Thanks for the info. This will be an improvement. I hope they get Louie's opened soon...

Looks like it was purchased by Hollis Properties Inc in 1999 for $240,000.

That would be OKC criminal defense attorney William Hollis. His office is/was just West of that location (old single story home).

I think this is actually very good news. I liked the Mid Town Deli, it had pretty god fod and a very nice bar. But, it did not seem to be very well run (no offense intended to anyone who ran it). Louie's coming in means a long term investment by an established brand, and shows that another major local brand (the other major one being McNellies) sees this neighborhood as having a solid long term prospect for both daytime and night life business. Louie's does have experience in successfully running a popular daytime business that can be a functional bar in to the late night hours. I think a lot of the surrounding restaurants could benefit greatly from their higher profile, professional marketing, and management strategies. I had a drink at Stella's the other night with a friend who lives in the area and we discussed this topic at length. The group of businesses at the core of midtown could be wonderful for bar hopping at night, and all have a potential for being as noteworthy as bars at night as they are for food by day. I think Louie's will be able to set a good example to the others for how that is achieved. All of those businesses have that potential and I think a corporate operation like Louie's might provide the perfect bit of competition and draw to elevate them all. I do, however, agree that Louie's is pretty crapy, but they do seem to know what they are doing.

I agree 100%.

I feel for the MidTown Deli owners. I heard they invested everything they had into it. The problem seemed to be they had to make all their money at lunch and that just wasn't doable. They were open for dinner, but it seemed like an after thought. I personally do not like Louie's but will probably try it for lunch since I am often in the area.

I do, however, agree that Louie's is pretty crapy, but they do seem to know what they are doing.

I agree. Their food is so so but I think in the end this is a good thing for midtown. People know Louies and it will probably bring more people and new people to Midtwon. Now if we can just get more housing going.

I feel for the MidTown Deli owners. I heard they invested everything they had into it. The problem seemed to be they had to make all their money at lunch and that just wasn't doable. They were open for dinner, but it seemed like an after thought. I personally do not like Louie's but will probably try it for lunch since I am often in the area.

Oh me too, I am always sad to see a local business fail.

I feel for the MidTown Deli owners. I heard they invested everything they had into it. The problem seemed to be they had to make all their money at lunch and that just wasn't doable. They were open for dinner, but it seemed like an after thought. I personally do not like Louie's but will probably try it for lunch since I am often in the area.

I am all about local businesses, but I tried it a couple times and it was horribly run. They had a great structure and a good concept and they completely failed in the execution. I would feel bad if they didn't run it into the ground themselves. Sorry, but they could have succeeded in that location with that building by just being average, but they were well below average in many areas.

I would say in many ways their business was acceptable - as evident by the large lunch crowd they usually had. I can recall 4-5 times going at lunch and having to wait for a table. I just didn't see enough variety in their menu and dinner was truly a disaster.

Oh me too, I am always sad to see a local business fail.

And get replaced by non-local businesses (yes, Louie's is Oklahoma-based, but it's as chain as it gets now).

Spartan.... HUH? Louie's is local. It's a local chain. It's as locally owned as MidTown Deli was. It's just a bigger company.

... and coming to a strip mall near you.

I liked Midtown Deli. They had pizzas and sandwiches that were unique. I had a usual that I ordered there, too.

Yes, I liked MidTown Deli as well. I think what you're getting at is a question of small mom and pop restaurant vs. a corporate restaurant, rather than a question of local.
Consider the upside of having frequent television commercials directing people to a Louie's in MidTown - it brings the neighborhood more exposure.

Oh, there's no doubt, Steve. It's a great deal for Midtown.

I agree. Their food is so so but I think in the end this is a good thing for midtown. People know Louies and it will probably bring more people and new people to Midtwon. Now if we can just get more housing going.

I am not sure that these type of venues are good for housing development. It's turning into a bar strip and that does not bode well for housing.

I am not sure that these type of venues are good for housing development. It's turning into a bar strip and that does not bode well for housing.

That depends on the demographics. Younger urban type residents really like being able to walk to areas like that from their homes. Just watch any number of the shows about people looking for housing on HGTV. That is mentioned often as being attractive.

Spartan.... HUH? Louie's is local. It's a local chain. It's as locally owned as MidTown Deli was. It's just a bigger company.

True, but it is a chain. Louie's is found in strip centers in Yukon. To call it unremarkable would be tantamount to unwarranted praise. The food is actually quite terrible.

True, but it is a chain. Louie's is found in strip centers in Yukon. To call it unremarkable would be tantamount to unwarranted praise. The food is actually quite terrible.

So do you think only a single location locally owned business is acceptible and having a location in a shopping center is a sin? The quality of the food is your opinion, soonerguru, and not a consensus. There are better places to eat but I actually think the pizza is quite good.

Didn't we already have this discussion a few weeks ago?

Why is it that we seem to want local owners and want them to succeed, but I guess we don't want them to be TOO successful. Louies is a successful local business. And when local restaurant owners are successful they tend to invest in other concepts, usually as a single local restaurant. Go to Wichita sometime and you will find all kinds of really good restaurants, most started by people associated with Pizza Hut when they were there. When local companies like Louies does well the managers, etc. learn how to run a successful business and start things like Mid-Town Deli, but know more how to make it successful since they learned in a success oriented environment. Local concerns like Louie's are usually actually great for the development of the kinds of concepts you all want.

I am not sure that these type of venues are good for housing development. It's turning into a bar strip and that does not bode well for housing.

Younger people (20s, 30s) will likely want a "bar strip" in the neighborhood. Personally, I love that I live close enough to McNellie's to walk and I am excited that Louie's will be close by now also...

Younger people (20s, 30s) will likely want a "bar strip" in the neighborhood. Personally, I love that I live close enough to McNellie's to walk and I am excited that Louie's will be close by now also...

I agree, these types of places are more likely to attract 'regulars' from the surrounding neighborhood than say another upscale restaurant like Stella's. I like a neighborhood with a local tavern type pub house for just getting out and being social.

I am not the biggest fan of Louie's, but I will probably walk over there to watch different sporting events. It will fill a nice little niche in my life.

Didn't we already have this discussion a few weeks ago?

Don't think so. Cause if we did, you probably woulda provided us the link as our Christmas pressie.
8^)

Of course, I could be mistaken. It happens sometimes and my memory spots resemble a colander.

Noticed quite a few contractors inside and outside the building at 10th and Classen, former Army surplus store.

Anyone know the scoop?

Also I noticed the new giant Midtown Plaza Court sign on top of the building, not sure if it has been lit or not.

Noticed quite a few contractors inside and outside the building at 10th and Classen, former Army surplus store.

Anyone know the scoop?

Also I noticed the new giant Midtown Plaza Court sign on top of the building, not sure if it has been lit or not.

I recently told someone I know to tell the owners of Crescent Market about that space. I'd be thrilled it they're looking at it.

just a note about the new Louies at the former midtown deli location: .. they started the remodel and kitchen build and they are on track to be open in early Feb.

I recently told someone I know to tell the owners of Crescent Market about that space. I'd be thrilled it they're looking at it.
I doubt it. It appears to be an interior design place, and an ugly one at that.

Crescent Market has been adamantly opposed to moving downtown for years. Easy position to take up from Nichols Hills..

Not to bring up anything new, but has anyone heard anything about the Medical Business District, Inc bids? Has there been any interest in that site? I heard Tanenbaum was interested for a while but is much more keen on the OG site for some unknown reason, maybe just to beat Wiggin, who knows. I still doubt whether the MBD is even a real group because they do not answer their phones or email accounts.

Crescent Market has been adamantly opposed to moving downtown for years. Easy position to take up from Nichols Hills.

Not anymore. Not since Whole Foods began construction and their rent was raised. I know they're looking downtown, having been told so by multiple reliable sources, one of whom I told to have them look at the building on the northwest corner of 10th and Classen, which is a cool building with a lot of potential and a parking lot. The immediate area on Classen is not that great, but it's really close to Midtown, Mesta Park and Heritage Hills, as well as is close enough to downtown for those who don't believe they have to walk for groceries.

Not anymore. Not since Whole Foods began construction and their rent was raised. I know they're looking downtown, having been told so by multiple reliable sources, one of whom I told to have them look at the building on the northwest corner of 10th and Classen, which is a cool building with a lot of potential and a parking lot. The immediate area on Classen is not that great, but it's really close to Midtown, Mesta Park and Heritage Hills, as well as is close enough to downtown for those who don't believe they have to walk for groceries.

Didn't realize they had made a 180 so quickly. The Whole Foods definitely would change that, but perhaps they would want to wait it out and actually see what happens?

Not anymore. Not since Whole Foods began construction and their rent was raised. I know they're looking downtown, having been told so by multiple reliable sources, one of whom I told to have them look at the building on the northwest corner of 10th and Classen, which is a cool building with a lot of potential and a parking lot. The immediate area on Classen is not that great, but it's really close to Midtown, Mesta Park and Heritage Hills, as well as is close enough to downtown for those who don't believe they have to walk for groceries.

I love the idea of them being there but I'm not sure that would be all that swell for them. And it wouldn't really provide a grocery to downtown residents either. Why not Auto Alley?

Auto Alley would be great, but I know there are some expensive rents there. And, I'm going to say that there aren't that many people even living downtown who will trundle over to AA with their rolling wicker market basket and pick up their groceries. That would work if you're using the European concept and only picking up enough to make dinner, but doesn't work on paper towel and toilet paper shop day. You're going to need a car for those days. We're being really, really picky if we say a grocery store on 10th and Classen doesn't serve downtown, as that is closer than most people living anywhere are from a full grocery store. It's not as if we're Manhattan and there are people who don't actually have cars and live in OKC. That's not going to be possible for years and years, most likely. So, while I, who would probably walk over with my wicker cart (I even have one already and right now it holds umbrellas) would love a grocery store on AA, I think anyone who thinks a store a mile away isn't close enough is being too picky. It would nicely serve Mesta Park and Heritage Hills from that location as well, and any grocery store that is going to succeed will need more than just downtown residents to support it. I'd rather have a grocery store one mile away that's still thriving five years from now than one six blocks away that goes under in two years because there aren't enough customers.

I think the vacant building at 8th and Walker would make a perfect grocery store, be near streetcar routes and be a central locationnfor all of downtown and near HH/Mesta.

I think the vacant building at 8th and Walker would make a perfect grocery store, be near streetcar routes and be a central locationnfor all of downtown and near HH/Mesta.

It also has parking so it could be convenient for those walking/biking in the downtown area (or taking a bus/streetcar), as well as those driving from surrounding neighborhoods like HH/Mesta/Crown Heights.

Crescent Market currently has about 18,000 square feet in NH Plaza. That building at 8th & Walker is only about a third that size.

They would need a site close to the size of the Homeland on 18th & Classen (22,000 square feet) which is almost 2 acres. I'd say 1.5 acres, minimum. That's a pretty good chunk of property. 8th & Walker is 1/3 acre.

I tend to think if Crescent Market will be moving, and I am excited at the possibility, that they won't make a rushed decision based on what's available and what's affordable. They will take their time, make the right decision, make it very deliberately, and not sacrifice quality. I imagine they would probably downsize slightly in going to downtown because in urban environments you do use space more efficiently, and I imagine that they would want to preserve their upscale image that has made them an OKC staple for like 80+ years. They might even be looking to build/renovate their own building.

But I wouldn't be surprised to see them move somewhere else still not downtown. Anywhere between downtown and Edmond is probably in play for them, in their minds at least. Market C has done really well on 23rd, even benefiting from Good Egg's following in that part of town. The Midtown/Uptown/Heights area neighborhoods seem to be the epicenter for households with disposable income wanting fresh, organic, healthy foods.

Sometimes you take the amount of square footage available in a space whether you actually need it or not, sometimes I felt that is what Crescent Market did in Nichols Hills Plaza. They could surely come up with a more efficient layout than what they have now and reduce the need for the exact same amount of space. I could also see them doing some multiple smaller "neighborhood market " locations (not the WalMart Neighborhood Market type) with a central warehouse/distribution center to reduce the need for a large amount of warehousing on site. That is what many of the smaller markets do in other more urban cities.

Sometimes you take the amount of square footage available in a space whether you actually need it or not, sometimes I felt that is what Crescent Market did in Nichols Hills Plaza. They could surely come up with a more efficient layout than what they have now and reduce the need for the exact same amount of space. I could also see them doing some multiple smaller "neighborhood market " locations (not the WalMart Neighborhood Market type) with a central warehouse/distribution center to reduce the need for a large amount of warehousing on site. That is what many of the smaller markets do in other more urban cities.

That would be a big move, though.

I tend to think if Crescent Market will be moving, and I am excited at the possibility, that they won't make a rushed decision based on what's available and what's affordable. They will take their time, make the right decision, make it very deliberately, and not sacrifice quality. I imagine they would probably downsize slightly in going to downtown because in urban environments you do use space more efficiently, and I imagine that they would want to preserve their upscale image that has made them an OKC staple for like 80+ years. They might even be looking to build/renovate their own building.

But I wouldn't be surprised to see them move somewhere else still not downtown. Anywhere between downtown and
Edmond is probably in play for them, in their minds at least. Market C has done really well on 23rd, even benefiting from
Good Egg's following in that part of town. The Midtown/Uptown/Heights area neighborhoods seem to be the epicenter for
households with disposable income wanting fresh, organic, healthy foods.

Is this pure speculation or what are you basing this on?

80% speculation. Others are entitled to that, you know. You don't see me as one of the people asserting myself all the time, "What I say is absolute fact and you heard it first on OKC Talk from Spartan and it must be true because I heard it on the Internetz..."

Sometimes you take the amount of square footage available in a space whether you actually need it or not, sometimes I felt that is what Crescent Market did in Nichols Hills Plaza

Except they made the choice to expand their space at least once, so they must need all 18,000 square feet.

And, they have always been a full-range grocery store -- a place where you can do all your shopping if you so choose. It's hard to do that in a space much smaller than they have now.

For those of you that have never been in Crescent Market, it's quite a trip... Red carpeted aisles, wood paneling and antiques. In addition to luxury and specialty items, they also have your typical frozen food section and sundries:

http://www.tnttri.com/OKCTalk/crescent1.jpg

The north west corner of 14th and Broadway could be something for Crescent to look at. Nice size free standing building close to 10K sf, but easily expandable or could be new build to suit, decent sized parking lot too.

This location could be good, close to downtown, midtown, uptown, mesta park, heritage hills, deep deuce, etc. All these areas could use another option for closer grocery shopping. This location could also be along the future streetcar route, how cool would that be?

Is Desmond Mason still opening his art studio in Plaza Court? There was paper covering the windows for weeks (although you could see art through some small holes), but I walked by last week and the window was not covered and nothing is inside... What's the deal?