NBA draws new bars, restaurants to Bricktown

[metro]

NBA arrival draws bars, restaurants to Bricktown
STEVE LACKMEYER
December 3, 2008


General Managers Mitchel Haynes, left, and Jackson Price stand in what will be the Brix, a new restaurant in Bricktown. PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

Mitchel Haynes and Jackson Price are newcomers to Bricktown, part of a new wave of restaurant and bar operators being drawn in by the arrival of the NBA.

In the past few weeks Price of Alva and Haynes of Tulsa have overseen a complete gutting of the former Daiquiri Zone, 27 E Sheridan. Along with owners Jay Mitchel, a local attorney, and Casey Caldwell, a Chickasha contractor, the longtime friends are planning to introduce a sports restaurant and bar they think will be Bricktown’s next big eatery.

"It’s a good idea and the basketball team definitely doesn’t hurt,” Haynes said. "That’s the crowd we’re looking for — people who enjoy good food and like sports.”

The overhaul includes moving the bar area to a less obtrusive spot along the east wall, a new entry and an outdoor patio. Their menu is designed to offer something for everyone — burgers, steaks, chicken and seafood. Price said they hope to be open by January — and ready for the Big 12 basketball tournaments in March.

More on the way
The former Halftime Sports Grill is being renovated for yet another sports bar, America’s Pub. Renovations also are under way across the street in a former nightclub empty for at least two years, though the owners have yet to disclose their new tenant.

Along the Bricktown Canal, renovations are under way for Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos and Coyote Ugly. Randy Hogan, developer of Lower Bricktown, is celebrating the openings of restaurants In the Raw and Bolero, while Paralogia, a small "Las Vegas” style lounge expected to open in the next few weeks.

Bricktown Association director Jim Cowan said he expects even more deals to be announced soon.

[jbrown84]

I think Brix has the most potential.

[BDP]

I'm interested to see what Paralogia is like. Anyone know exactly where it's going?

It could be cool, or it could end up just being more evidence that Hogan hasn't even been outside of the state, let alone in a lounge located in Vegas.

It'll be interesting to see if either of these places can finally give the district a real sports bar that can draw regulars. You would think it would be easy.

[OKCMallen]

It'll be interesting to see if either of these places can finally give the district a real sports bar that can draw regulars. You would think it would be easy.

Really should be.

[mecarr]

Wow sounds like Bricktown is making some improvements...I was worried there for a while that property owners and their inflated expectations about how much thier property was worth constrain Bricktown from growing.

[metro]

mecarr, you can thank the NBA for possibly saving Bricktown from going the route you mention.

[BDP]

That's probably true, metro. The best part about the NBA in terms of its impact on downtown is when the games are played. I believe the winter months, expecially January - March, are some of the bricktown's slowest. The NBA can help to give them some much needed cash flow during those times and fills in the gaps between historically good times.

[badfish77]

Coach's could be the coolest sports bar in bricktown if the owners or managers had even the slightest clue. They really shouldnt marktet it as a family restaurant. The location on the baseball field and even the bar area have a lot of potential.

[OKCMallen]

Coach's could be the coolest sports bar in bricktown if the owners or managers had even the slightest clue. They really shouldnt marktet it as a family restaurant. The location on the baseball field and even the bar area have a lot of potential.

True, and an outside area for smoking...the place has major potential....but I guess they're happy with what they're doing. Add a few more flat panels and they could be THE place to go.

[badfish77]

Is the new Americas Pub the same company that is in witchita and kansas city?