Nonna's

[FighttheGoodFight]

I'm not sure what the issue is for Bricktown…if I had to guess, it's because the district has been so wildly successful that it's never really needed to up its game. Restaurants like Signature Grill, The Ranch, and Cheever's have had to do well despite nothing of note being nearby (in Cheever's case, there was nothing for a good long while), so their dining experience has had to be good enough to be a destination for people. You're not going to just stumble into those restaurants like you can easily just stumble into The Mantel or The Melting Pot.

I have always thought Bricktown restaurants catered to people who drive in from small town Oklahoma. People who live around the metro area are going to go to those other restaurants like Cheever's, Guernsey, Ranch, etc...

[Mike_M]

Well that is partially because most of the successful Bricktown restaurants have opened additional locations in the burbs so unless you live downtown, there is no reason to go to Bricktown specifically for a restaurant unless you are also going for another reason. What Bricktown needs is some more exclusive, destination restaurants.

This isn't about Downtown vs. Suburbs. The difference is that downtown no longer just means Bricktown. For great food with a comparable atmosphere, I'm going to go to Midtown, 23rd, or even Paseo over Bricktown.

[BBatesokc]

This isn't about Downtown vs. Suburbs. The difference is that downtown no longer just means Bricktown. For great food with a comparable atmosphere, I'm going to go to Midtown, 23rd, or even Paseo over Bricktown.

Agreed! I don't set foot in Bricktown unless I have to. There is no draw for me when so many other venues in the immediate area have a much more local, safer and less testosterone feel.

Never patronized Nonna's very often. Maybe 5 times total. Never thought the food matched the prices and only went when others in the group insisted (usually because they'd never been there before).

Regardless, sad to see local places close shop. Lets just hope for some to replace it that's local and more of a draw.

[bchris02]

I have always thought Bricktown restaurants catered to people who drive in from small town Oklahoma. People who live around the metro area are going to go to those other restaurants like Cheever's, Guernsey, Ranch, etc...

This is pretty much the case these days. It ties in with what Mike_M said. Locals go to other districts like Midtown, Plaza, or Paseo for good restaurants. In fact, most people I know only go to Bricktown for the clubs or to go see a movie. The restaurant scene is primarily for tourists or rural Oklahomans. Hopefully with the coming Bricktown Shakeup and the increase of living options, it can diversify a bit.

[Just the facts]

Hasnt Avis been quite vocal in opposing food trucks in bricktown? I wonder if her leaving Nonna's behind will change that at all.

I thought the exact same thing. My first thought was they were being put out of business by the competition from Bleu Garten.

[mkjeeves]

The times I've eaten at Nonna's I liked it just fine. But I'm not the market because it's in Bricktown and too much hassle to frequent, downtown traffic, access, parking etc.

[Filthy]

There is no draw for me when so many other venues in the immediate area have a much more local, safer and less testosterone feel.

What the heck does that even mean?

[Richard at Remax]

For my money I think Tapwerks has really turned things around on the food front. Thier new menu is actually pretty good to go along with the beer selection. Ill be stopping by for some buffalo chicken tacos tonight before the barons games

[adaniel]

I have always thought Bricktown restaurants catered to people who drive in from small town Oklahoma. People who live around the metro area are going to go to those other restaurants like Cheever's, Guernsey, Ranch, etc...

Not disagreeing with you, but is this a bad thing? Would you rather these people keep their dollars in Watonga, Ponca City, Ardmore, etc.?

New Yorkers avoid Times Square but it still as crowed as ever. Likewise, I am very happy about the growth in Midtown and the Plaza, but Bricktown is far and above the busiest "entertainment district" in the city, if not state. They all have their place, frankly.

Hope you don't think I'm jumping on your case, but I just detest the "Bricktown is over" contempt that sometimes seeps into these threads.

[bchris02]

Hope you don't think I'm jumping on your case, but I just detest the "Bricktown is over" contempt that sometimes seeps into these threads.

I disagree that Bricktown is over. I just think it needs to be re-invented and diversified. There is still so much untapped potential there and fortunately with the steps that are being taken recently, I think after some growing pains the district will be headed in the right direction.

[sooner88]

I disagree that Bricktown is over. I just think it needs to be re-invented and diversified. There is still so much untapped potential there and fortunately with the steps that are being taken recently, I think after some growing pains the district will be headed in the right direction.

Every big city has at least one district that is largely known and advertised as their "Entertainment District". In general, this is where out-of-towners/tourists will come to first, and then filter out to other districts depending on the knowledge of area, word of mouth, etc. In no way is it a bad thing that this is where non-locals come to first, but rather I think that it's a good sign for OKC that we have multiple, booming districts. There is not a reliance on one area to provide entertainment, it is now spread throughout the metro.

[bchris02]

Every big city has at least one district that is largely known and advertised as their "Entertainment District". In general, this is where out-of-towners/tourists will come to first, and then filter out to other districts depending on the knowledge of area, word of mouth, etc. In no way is it a bad thing that this is where non-locals come to first, but rather I think that it's a good sign for OKC that we have multiple, booming districts. There is not a reliance on one area to provide entertainment, it is now spread throughout the metro.

I completely agree.

OKC is maturing in its entertainment offerings, both in Bricktown and other districts. Its a very different playing field than it was back when Bricktown was pretty much it for nightlife in this town. Bricktown is therefore going to need to take it to the next level and make sure it remains the "living room" for OKC so to speak. Fortunately all the signs point to that happening. Bricktown needs to be the place, as ADaniel said earlier, where out-of-towner's pre-conceived ideas about OKC are lost.

[Mel]

He must have seen me running without a shirt on down there. Apologies for the impact it had to the local economy.

Ha! If I did that I would get shot with a tranquilizer gun for being mistaken for bald headed sasquatch.

[Pete]

Here is their official press release:



NONNA’S EURO-AMERICAN RISTORANTE AND BAR IN BRICKTOWN PLANS TRANSITION AT THE END OF THE YEAR

· Nonna’s Founder Avis Scaramucci plans to focus on Painted Door
· Nonna’s owner to retain ownership of the building
· Strong interest from national, regional and local restaurant operators


OKLAHOMA CITY (November 21, 2014) – The iconic Bricktown eatery Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante and Bar will end operations this December 31 after a nearly 10-year successful run in the Bricktown Entertainment District east of downtown Oklahoma City. Longtime respected civic and business leader Avis Scaramucci, who founded and created Nonna’s in 1991, announced today she would transition from the popular restaurant in January. She said the popular Ristorante and Bar, which pioneered a dining revolution in the Bricktown District when the area was unproven, will serve its final dinners to patrons New Year’s Eve.

“This was a tough decision for me,” Avis Scaramucci said. “Change, even if it is for the better, is always accompanied by some uncertainty and uneasiness, especially when it involves something you have literally nurtured and grown from scratch as is the case with Nonna’s, which is named after my husband’s Italian grandmother. Nevertheless, the timing is right for me personally and for Bricktown. I am convinced Bricktown’s best days are ahead. The area will realize its true potential during the next decade when many more modern and livable urban apartment and residential communities open in the district. It is always best to make a change when you are on top of your game. For us, we did not have to cease operation; we chose to do so. We are looking ahead with great anticipation and excitement.”

Scaramucci said she would spend more time working at her beloved and popular Painted Door gift store located in Bricktown as well as serving her family and community. “I am definitely not retiring, only refocusing and redirecting my energy,” Scaramucci said.

“Nonna’s, to a certain extent, is the heartbeat of Bricktown,” said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. “Avis had a unique vision of Bricktown no one else had at the time, and she turned that vision into a great success. She is a true Bricktown pioneer and there is no doubt Nonna’s changed the face and fortune of the district.”

“We are very much indebted to Avis for what has happened in Bricktown,” said Jim Tolbert, longtime Bricktown developer and Oklahoma City business leader. “Bricktown probably would not be what it is today, a mixed entertainment district, without her vision and hard work.”

Scaramucci’s search for a new operator to carry on the tradition of excellence at the location began several months ago. During the intervening months, several renowned national, regional and local operators have shown interest in the site. “We couldn’t be happier with the level of interest. Potential operators have told us they love the warm, casual and relaxed environment situated in a bustling, energetic and emerging entertainment, residential and business district.”

Avis Scaramucci began her business as the Painted Door gift boutique on South Western Avenue in Oklahoma City 23 years ago. Nonna’s Bakery began as a pastry shop inside the gift store. Because of the gift shop’s popularity, Nonna’s added a café. In 2005, the Scaramucci family purchased a struggling warehouse building at the corner of Mickey Mantle and East Sheridan as part of a bold vision to create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience in Oklahoma City designed to rival Dallas, Chicago, Houston and Kansas City. After an extensive renovation, Nonna’s and Painted Door moved to Bricktown and the restaurant name was changed to Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante and Bar to reflect the extensive meal offerings, excellent wine service and personal attention.

“I can’t say enough about how wonderful the past 19 years have been, particularly the past ten years in Bricktown,” Scaramucci said. “Our chefs have always been the best and the staff has always been second to none. The support we have received from the community has been humbling to us. Owning and operating Nonna’s in my favorite city in the world has been one of the great opportunities of my life. We intend to make the next several weeks memorable for our wonderful patrons.”

[bombermwc]

So basically, Nonas is going to become another restrauneur failed statistic, but wait, she's keeping the store full of crap downstairs. Then we'll see if the next person to come in with their idea makes it or not. Let's not bother trying to keep the one that's been working well or anything. So what was a locally known place for decades (it did exist before it went to Bricktown), will fade to nothing and we'll end up with a new out-of-towner running things....yeah that's totally better than someone in Ponca or Ardmore....since you know, they wont' have any love/loss for Oklahoma other than to make a buck until their place fails too.

It's always sad to see how fast eateries come and go. Heck look at how many times Interurban has fallen flat on its face over, and over, and over, and over....and yet they keep coming back. And it's never for lack of a full parking lot either, just bad management.

[PhiAlpha]

So basically, Nonas is going to become another restrauneur failed statistic, but wait, she's keeping the store full of crap downstairs. Then we'll see if the next person to come in with their idea makes it or not. Let's not bother trying to keep the one that's been working well or anything. So what was a locally known place for decades (it did exist before it went to Bricktown), will fade to nothing and we'll end up with a new out-of-towner running things....yeah that's totally better than someone in Ponca or Ardmore....since you know, they wont' have any love/loss for Oklahoma other than to make a buck until their place fails too.

It's always sad to see how fast eateries come and go. Heck look at how many times Interurban has fallen flat on its face over, and over, and over, and over....and yet they keep coming back. And it's never for lack of a full parking lot either, just bad management.

Did someone pee in your Wheaties this morning?

Who is to say that a local group like Good Egg won't take over this space and make it a much better restaurant, maybe with a bar and patio that is open later at night. This could end up being a good thing. As others have said, I liked Nonna's but wasn't a huge fan of the food for the price. I think a new operator could do much better with the space. I just wish someone would take over the old coaches and skyy bar.

[bchris02]

So basically, Nonas is going to become another restrauneur failed statistic, but wait, she's keeping the store full of crap downstairs. Then we'll see if the next person to come in with their idea makes it or not. Let's not bother trying to keep the one that's been working well or anything.

This reminds me of this popular restaurant when I lived in Little Rock that closed and became a catering-only service. They tried to paint it as if this was an exciting new tradition and that said place would be soaring to new heights. The fact of the matter is the restaurant failed. It was just a PR-friendly way of saying it. This situation looks a lot like that.

[Pete]

Nonna's operated for 10 years.

That's a good run in the restaurant biz, especially for a fledgling effort.

And of course, the beautiful building and space remain. I'm quite sure they'll find another operator and lets hope that results in an even better establishment.

This is a pretty darn good time to be putting property out for lease.

[no1cub17]

Hasnt Avis been quite vocal in opposing food trucks in bricktown? I wonder if her leaving Nonna's behind will change that at all.

Makes you wonder why she was so scared of the competition. I've never eaten at Nonna's, nor ever have I said "I really feel like going to Nonna's tonight" - worth checking out before they close or no?

[Chadanth]

Makes you wonder why she was so scared of the competition. I've never eaten at Nonna's, nor ever have I said "I really feel like going to Nonna's tonight" - worth checking out before they close or no?

Eh, probably not. I've eaten there a few times, and it's never bad, but nothing ever stood out. If the weather was nicer and the patio open, I'd say go get a drink.

[Pete]

It will be very hard to find a local operator to take out such big space. Would have been a great spot for KD's is the timing had been a bit better.

Otherwise, I know some national chains have taken a look but in that case, they would surely gut the space. Nationals want things their way.

[bchris02]

Otherwise, I know some national chains have taken a look but in that case, they would surely gut the space. Nationals want things their way.

Among the ones that you know of, would they be new to the OKC market or are they restaurants that already have location(s) in the burbs? Are they anything worth getting excited about? I think a chain could work but it would have to be the right chain. There are a lot of chains I would like to see in OKC but that I don't think would be a good fit for that space.

[Pete]

They would be new to the OKC market.

Don't want to share the names because I don't want to betray a confidence and also not sure any are still interested.

But I'm pretty sure it's going to take a national/region restaurant for this space and that means the space will almost certainly be gutted.

[Jeepnokc]

Any of the Pappas places would rock, Mortons, Del Frisco, Smith and Wollensky,. As much as I like high end steakhouses and would die for a Mortons, not sure we need another steak place though with Red, Broadway 10, Mickey Mantles and Mahogany all nearby or soon to be nearby. Not a huge seafood guy but a good high end seafood place would be nice.

[Pete]

McCormick & Schmick's would be a good fit but that's a name I haven't heard to be looking at the OKC market.

I know Texas de Brazil took at hard look at the Mideke Building when it was to be housing and although they list Penn Square on their website, the PS people told me they do not have a done deal. I would much rather see them here than Penn Square.