Empire Slice House

[shawnw]

someone skipped the franchising lesson in franchising school...

[gopokes88]

Agree. Somewhere not otherwise represented DT preferably (e.g. no garage or SB). A Fuddrucker's would fit well in BT IMO, but something more local would be great as well.

Is fuddruckers even still in business?

[Urbanized]

someone skipped the franchising lesson in franchising school...

The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

[shawnw]

Is fuddruckers even still in business?

I went to Fuddruckers when I was in the bay area in August.

[shawnw]

The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

thanks for the background

[Urbanized]

Of course! You're welcome.

[PaddyShack]

^^^^^^^
Which La Baguette burger is the one you like? The Deep Deuce La Baguette will be owned and operated by the owner of the Norman La Baguette, along with Chef Andrew Black. The La Baguette on May has different owners and a menu that's a bit different, not to mention that the new one will even be taking a new twist on some things vs Norman.

I only go to the May location. Never have had the Norman location. As for which burger on the menu, I get the Smokey Mountain burger but I only get it with bacon, cheese, and onions. Then I ask for their brown and deli mustards on the side.

[PaddyShack]

The original is in Norman, and is where (I believe) all of the baked goods come from for all stores. The one on May is operated by name license, and of course those are reputable guys who have developed their own loyal following in OKC, which is why everyone always assumes they are the originators and that they are the ones behind the DD location. The store on Walnut will be more like Norman, but with updates and additions that will make it the best of all of them, I believe. That's all I can say because I was kindly extended a tour and descriptive preview, but sworn to secrecy. I'm a big fan of Andrew and very excited about what he will be bringing to the mix.

I look forward to this opening so I get an idea of their Norman location.

[Johnb911]

^^^^^^^
Which La Baguette burger is the one you like? The Deep Deuce La Baguette will be owned and operated by the owner of the Norman La Baguette, along with Chef Andrew Black. The La Baguette on May has different owners and a menu that's a bit different, not to mention that the new one will even be taking a new twist on some things vs Norman.

Well my wife is from Norman but we live by the one on May, so it's anyone's guess. I've never actually had the burger, but I have been to both locations, and like them, so whoever is running the Maywood space should be good to go in my book.

And now back to Empire Slice! I love that mural. I love all the murals.

[aDark]

And now back to Empire Slice! I love that mural. I love all the murals.

Agreed! It looks awesome. The Plaza continues to impress. It is often my first stop when taking visitors around OKC. Empire is a wonderful anchor and I believe having them as the westernmost tenant will only bring positive growth.

[Jersey Boss]

I look forward to this opening so I get an idea of their Norman location.

Just to expand on the post by Urbanized concerning the Norman location and if you travel this way. The original location on Main migrated west a mile or two sometime back. There is a second location on Robinson as well. I think they also have a larger bake operation that is not a retail outlet located on Berry that would be a supplier possibly to the satellite operations. I enjoy their weekend brunch at the main location and with the lines at the new JAM located in town, it is more convenient if you are averse to long waiting times to be seated.

[Pete]

The new home of Empire opens tomorrow (Thursday).

The Gazette has the full story here: https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/o...nt?oid=4501065

[king183]

It looks like they did a really good job maintaining the look and feel of the old place, which is definitely wise. That's one of the biggest reasons customers love the place.

Who is the "Smith" randomly quoted in paragraph 11 and after? Is that supposed to be Cope?

EDIT: Okay. Apparently it's Kyle Smith, who is introduced later in the article. I guess the writer moved his paragraphs around and forgot to introduce him with the first quotation, which was confusing.

[Urbanized]

Looks fantastic!

[HangryHippo]

Wow. That building turned out great!

[Pete]

I already like this place way more than the old location.

Plus, service and speed should be greatly improved.

[bchris02]

This is a fantastic addition to the Plaza district! Maybe I'll go to Empire again soon. I don't really go anymore because the wait is typically so long to get a seat. It will be interesting to see how this affects Oak and Oar. Typically Oak and Oar is where I go to have a couple of drinks waiting on a seat for Empire.

[pw405]

I've always liked Empire, but I will miss sitting on the sidewalk.

[bchris02]

I've always liked Empire, but I will miss sitting on the sidewalk.

Yeah I wish this incorporated more outdoor seating in front of the building.

[Mballard85]

This is a fantastic addition to the Plaza district! Maybe I'll go to Empire again soon. I don't really go anymore because the wait is typically so long to get a seat. It will be interesting to see how this affects Oak and Oar. Typically Oak and Oar is where I go to have a couple of drinks waiting on a seat for Empire.

Just a heads up, Empire is on the NoWait app, its not fool proof but it certainly helps getting a seat a lot quicker. Often times we wait about 10-15 minutes after we check in with the host, but that is way better than the normal hour or so.

[gopokes88]

good for them, happy for them, and love the food.

this location will lose some of empire's garage band underground divey vibe though. That's ok I guess, it's part of growing up

[dankrutka]

Yeah, I realize this set up is better for servers and creates more space, but I actually like places that are really cramped. There is an intimacy to them that reminds me of larger cities where there is often not room for expansion. It'll be interesting to see how this changes the feel.

[sooner88]

We went to the new Empire last night after the Lake Street Dive concert and they were pretty crowded at 10:30-11:00. The food was the same as expected and the space was really nice. It definitely has a different feel, and part of that is just the newness. I'll always like the original better... it had a more hole-in-the-wall gritty feel, but it will be nice to be able to get in easier and get your food faster at the new location.

[HOT ROD]

^^^ Also a very nice smile from the final pic.

[warreng88]

Quick, great story on Empire: My family from Long Island was in town for the Holidays the day after Christmas through January 2nd. They usually stay with my cousin in Edmond and had their usual places they go: Johnnies, Poblano, Hideaway, some of their favorites to eat at while they are in town. On the night of the OU-Bama game, my cousin wanted to pick up pizza and offered Sussy's or Nomad's, both of which have closed. I live in Crestwood and brought up Empire, but they said getting my other cousin who has a broken foot down and around the plaza district would be too difficult, so I offered to pick it up. My cousin's husband was born and raised in the Bronx, so the guy knows pizza, to say the least. He said Empire was the best pizza he has had in Oklahoma and in NYC would be well above average.