I've been meaning to post about this for a while, and they just put out a press release:

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NEW STATE BURGERS & SPIRITS TO OPEN IN OKLAHOMA CITY’S PLAZA DISTRICT

New Concept Arriving Mid-June Founded “For the People”

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 14, 2019) – New State Burgers & Spirits, a new, modern restaurant and bar will soon arrive in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Plaza District. The hospitality-focused burger and bar concept is set to open mid-June. The space, located at 16th Street and Blackwelder, will feature a 14-seat bar offering a wide selection of local and craft beer options including nine on tap, a classic cocktail menu and wines curated by Thirst, an Oklahoma-based, global distributor of fine wines. Veteran Chef Robert Black of Spring Board, LLC serves as food service consultant and has helped build a select menu structured around a premium burger executed to perfection. Partners Chris Gomez, Jordan Harris and Tyler Maune chose a burger-centric concept as a nod to their hometown of El Reno, which is widely known as the birthplace of the fried onion burger.

“We want to put our focus on one or two things and perfect them,” Gomez said. “Concentrating our menu helps ensure quality. Plus, a great burger is a strong foundation for an enjoyable dining experience.”

Oklahoma natives Gomez, Harris and Maune sought to create a place they themselves would enjoy – a come-as-you-are restaurant with an approachable, yet elevated atmosphere.

“We expect our clientele will be as diverse as the neighborhood – from a jogger stopping in for a beer after a run, to a couple dining in for a special occasion, to a business lunch,” Harris said.

New State Burgers & Spirits is the newest member of the Plaza Business Alliance, an organization that aims to foster collaboration between business owners in the district, attract patrons and enhance the local Plaza experience.

“The Plaza District is a thriving and vibrant creative hub where people from all walks of life congregate. It’s a place that is representative of where we are headed as a city,” Maune said. “Oklahoma City is our home, and we wanted to locate where we could best complement the culture and be of service to our community.”

The restaurant name pays homage to the history of the 1250-square-foot building at 1705 NW 16th Street, which was occupied by the New State Ice Company from 1927 to 1952 and was used to house delivery trucks. Sara Kate Little of Sara Kate Studios is designing the interior space and integrating historic reference pieces into the layout of the intimate, modern eatery.

Managing partner Jay Iaquinta said New State’s highest priority will be investing in staff by creating a culture that values enthusiasm and champions the nobility of serving others.

“We believe hospitality is about generosity and authenticity,” Iaquinta said. “Every success we have at New State will flow from the quality of service we provide, and the customer will be the ultimate beneficiary.”