Ice House

[Urbanized]

...I feel bad for places like this and most of downtown. A random event can send thousands to the area at a time that is normally zombieland. Until we get a concetrated amount of people down here, businesses will have to pay attention and staff according to every single event. It is almost a full time job trying to figure out what events are when and where...

Truth. For many years I one of the main ways I've found to predict survival of businesses in Bricktown, prior to the explosion of new places in other districts, is how they respond to this unique challenge. Being open and understaffed on a huge event night in some ways even worse than being closed.

Almost without exception restaurant turnover downtown is heavily related to operators who don't adapt properly to the market, which is different from the rest of town.

The problem is that restaurant managers generally come from a more traditional background elsewhere. Culturally they are used to a very different style and pattern of staffing. Those who adapt well to the realities of downtown traffic are the ones who survive and thrive. There is more opportunity downtown...if you are there to capture the business WHEN THE BUSINESS IS THERE. And you also have to plan well for the ebbs - which are more pronounced - and react correctly when they happen.

[onthestrip]

Its amazing how many restaurant operators/managers who arent paying attention to the various events going on in and around downtown. Ice House has to be aware of Deadcenter, Sunday night concerts and the Wednesday night movies and adjust hours accordingly. Just because they say on the window that they close at 7pm doesnt mean you have to when you have hundreds of potential customers. It use to be like this on some sundays when the Thunder had a game. Just dumb and shortsighted management.

I will say Bolero might be the worst about this. Ive been there multiple times with several parties on the patio only to be basically kicked out because they were closing.

[catch22]

Perhaps an organization can get together with some data of previous similar events about crowd turnout etc. can provide a single source for businesses to reference to see if it's worth their time to open.

[Pete]

Almost without exception restaurant turnover downtown is heavily related to operators who don't adapt properly to the market, which is different from the rest of town.

The problem is that restaurant managers generally come from a more traditional background elsewhere. Culturally they are used to a very different style and pattern of staffing. Those who adapt well to the realities of downtown traffic are the ones who survive and thrive. There is more opportunity downtown...if you are there to capture the business WHEN THE BUSINESS IS THERE. And you also have to plan well for the ebbs - which are more pronounced - and react correctly when they happen.

Excellent points.

Downtown is a different animal and if you don't respect that and aren't smart about learning and adapting, you're probably going to fail.

Then you have someone like A Good Egg who comes to the CBD but brings something unique to that market and then gradually evolves their hours and offerings. After a short while after opening, they even changed the way they seated and served people.

And of course, they are doing great as a result of all this and more.

[Urbanized]

Great point about A Good Egg. They adapted to what the market gave them. That is rule number one for survival in the service industry downtown. The problem is that most operators aren't nearly as creative or flexible.

[Mr. Cotter]

I'm not sure how Downtown OKC, Inc. works, but this seems like something they, or another merchant's association, could work on. Provide all downtown/Bricktown restaurants and retail with a monthly forecast that would show when and where events will occur, and provide attendance estimates. While all of this is available from a variety of sources, having a single notice sent to your business from the same group every month would let you adjust schedules accordingly.

[Just the facts]

Its amazing how many restaurant operators/managers who arent paying attention to the various events going on in and around downtown. Ice House has to be aware of Deadcenter, Sunday night concerts and the Wednesday night movies and adjust hours accordingly. Just because they say on the window that they close at 7pm doesnt mean you have to when you have hundreds of potential customers. It use to be like this on some sundays when the Thunder had a game. Just dumb and shortsighted management.

I will say Bolero might be the worst about this. Ive been there multiple times with several parties on the patio only to be basically kicked out because they were closing.

I was in a restaurant here in Jax earlier this year and there was a pretty good crowd watching a basketball game. With the outcome in doubt and only a few minutes left in the game the restaurant closed and turned the TVs off.

In some of the more urban parts of Jacksonville restuarants don't even have a closing hour on their signs - it just "Open 11:00 AM - Close ???". About 11:00 PM one night we went to a place called Hurricanes (chicken wings) after a Sharks game and asked how long they were going to be open. The hostest said until no one wants any more food or drinks, so we went in and ate dinner. We left at midnight and people were still coming in.

You don't have to be smart, you just have to be not stupid.

[Plutonic Panda]

I was in a restaurant here in Jax earlier this year and there was a pretty good crowd watching a basketball game. With the outcome in doubt and only a few minutes left in the game the restaurant closed and turned the TVs off.

In some of the more urban parts of Jacksonville restuarants don't even have a closing hour on their signs - it just "Open 11:00 AM - Close ???". About 11:00 PM one night we went to a place called Hurricanes (chicken wings) after a Sharks game and asked how long they were going to be open. The hostest said until no one wants any more food or drinks, so we went in and ate dinner. We left at midnight and people were still coming in.

You don't have to be smart, you just have to be not stupid.

That's pretty cool.

[FighttheGoodFight]

I was in a restaurant here in Jax earlier this year and there was a pretty good crowd watching a basketball game. With the outcome in doubt and only a few minutes left in the game the restaurant closed and turned the TVs off.

In some of the more urban parts of Jacksonville restuarants don't even have a closing hour on their signs - it just "Open 11:00 AM - Close ???". About 11:00 PM one night we went to a place called Hurricanes (chicken wings) after a Sharks game and asked how long they were going to be open. The hostest said until no one wants any more food or drinks, so we went in and ate dinner. We left at midnight and people were still coming in.

You don't have to be smart, you just have to be not stupid.

This is how Park Harvey Sushi downtown works. They just close when no one is left in there usually 10pm. When a big game is on they sometimes have the place packed until midnight.

Nice owners.

[Anonymous.]

The new Hudsons Public House downtown operates on the same idea. Profit coming in = Doors staying open.

[Drake]

Its amazing how many restaurant operators/managers who arent paying attention to the various events going on in and around downtown. Ice House has to be aware of Deadcenter, Sunday night concerts and the Wednesday night movies and adjust hours accordingly. Just because they say on the window that they close at 7pm doesnt mean you have to when you have hundreds of potential customers. It use to be like this on some sundays when the Thunder had a game. Just dumb and shortsighted management.

I will say Bolero might be the worst about this. Ive been there multiple times with several parties on the patio only to be basically kicked out because they were closing.

We have had the same issue with Bolero. We were watching an OU bowl game there one night and they made last call at the start of the 3rd quarter. The last time we walked in there on a Sat night, we kind of got stares from the bar staff and people sitting at the bar. When we sat down, the waitress came over and told us it was last call and they were closing in 30 minutes. It was 11:20. I really don't mind if they choose to close at midnight, I have no problem with that. But they really made us feel uncomfortable and not very welcome. I like the place but I will choose some of my different options from now on.

I understand they are not a full fledged bar, but they seem to close when the staff feels like it. Also had the waitress had different demeanor about it, it would have been OK. It was just that "ahh crap, here come some stupid customers" feeling you get sometimes

We went to Whiskey Chicks because it was right there. That has turned out to be a good little bar. It was much more lively and much more welcoming. I didn't hold out much hope for it when it opened

[warreng88]

I bartended at Belle Isle Brewery for several years and the upstairs bar always opened at 5pm and usually closed at 11 or so, but the bartender(s) knew they had to work until close, which could mean 2am if it were busy enough. The downstairs bar was no different, although the restaurant closed at 10pm so most people were out of there by ten too.

[Urbanized]

I'm not sure how Downtown OKC, Inc. works, but this seems like something they, or another merchant's association, could work on. Provide all downtown/Bricktown restaurants and retail with a monthly forecast that would show when and where events will occur, and provide attendance estimates. While all of this is available from a variety of sources, having a single notice sent to your business from the same group every month would let you adjust schedules accordingly.

Actually the OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau already provides this information, for those who are willing to consider it. DOKC/Bricktown Association is on the distribution list and sends to operators very regularly when there are alerts. Problem is...see my first sentence.

The industry is more on top of this type of thing than the average person in OKC or poster on this board might think. The problem is... ...you can lead a horse to water...

[Urbanized]

Here is an example of the type of alerts sent:

Convention Alert

2014 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship
Event Dates: May 21 – May 25, 2014
Major check in day: May 21, 2014
Major check out day: May 24, 2014
Headquarter Hotel: Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center
Overflow Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Hampton Inn Bricktown
Venue: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Attendees: Approximately 2,500 athletes and attendees per day
Website:
• Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship | Oklahoma City All Sports Association :: All Sports. All Year.
Tournament Schedule:
• Wednesday, May 21st:
o Game 1: 9:00am
o Game 2: 12:30pm
o Game 3: 4:00pm
o Game 4: 7:30pm
• Thursday, May 22nd:
o Game 5: G1 Loser v. G2 Loser- 9:00am
o Game 6: G3 Loser v. G4 Loser- 12:30pm
o Game 7: G1 Winner v. G2 Winner- 4:00pm
o Game 8: G3 Winner v. G4 Winner- 7:30pm
• Friday, May 23rd:
o Game 9: G7 Loser v. G5 Winner- 3:15pm
o Game 10: G8 Loser v. G6 Winner- 7:00pm
• Saturday, May 24th:
o Game 11: G7 Winner v. G9 Winner- 9:00am
o Game 12: G8 Winner v. G10 Winner- 12:30pm
o Game 13: G9 Winner v. G11 Loser- 4:00pm (if necessary)
o Game 14: G10 Winner v. G12 Loser- 7:30pm (if necessary)
o ***If game 13 is unnecessary, Game 14 will be played at 4:00pm rather than 7:30pm
• May 25th:
o Game 15: G13 Winner v. G14 Winner – 4:30pm
Restaurants please expect an increase in business during the following dates:
• Wednesday, May 21st – Sunday, May 25th – Lunch, Dinner

*Please contact XXXXXXX for more information, (e-mail)*

2013 Women’s College World Series
Event Dates: May 29 – June 4, 2014
Major check in date: May 29, 2014
Major check out date: June 3, 2014
Hotel(s): Downtown, Meridian, Northwest, and Quail Springs
Venue: ASA Hall of Fame Stadium
Attendees: Approximately 9500 athlete and fans per day
Website:
• Softball Div I Championship | NCAA.com
• Oklahoma City, OK Tourism | Oklahoma City Visitors Bureau
Tournament Schedule:
• Thursday, May 29th:
• Session 1 – 11:00am and 1:30pm
• Session 2 – 6:00pm and 8:30pm
• Friday, May 30th:
o Session 3 – 6:00pm and 8:30pm
• Saturday, May 31st:
o Session 4: 11:00am and 1:30pm
o Session 5: 6:00pm and 8:30pm
• Sunday, June 1st:
o Session 6: Noon and 2:30pm
o Session 7: 6:00pm and 8:30pm
• Monday, June 2nd:
o Session 8: 7:00pm
• Tuesday June 3rd:
o Session 9: 7:00pm
• Wednesday June 4th (if necessary):
o Session 10: 7:00pm

Restaurants please expect an increase in business during the following dates:
• Thursday, May 29th - Wednesday, June 4th – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

*Please contact XXXXXXX for more information, (e-mail)*

Triple Crown Girl’s Fast Pitch Tournament
Event Dates: May 30 – June 2, 2014
Team Pick Up Location: Remington Park
Attendees: Approximately 4500 athletes and fans per day
Major check in date: May 29, 2014
Major check out date: June 3, 2014
Hotel(s): Downtown, Meridian, Northwest, and Quail Springs, I-240 Corridor
Venues: Bickham Park, Mitch Park, Reed Complex, Buck Thomas Park, Wildhorse Park, Reeves Park, Moore High School/ Middle School, Norman High School/Middle School Fields
Attendees: 4500
Website: Event | Triple Crown Sports

Restaurants please expect an increase in business during the following dates:
• Friday, May 30th – Monday, June 2nd: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
*Please contact XXXXXXX for more information, (e-mail)*


94th Annual Meeting of American Society of Mammalogists
Event Dates: June 6th – June 10, 2014
Major check in date: June 6, 2014
Major check out date: June 11, 2014
Headquarter Hotel: Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center
Venue: Cox Convention Center
Attendees: Approximately 600 show attendees
Website: American Society of Mammalogists
Restaurants please expect an increase in business during the following dates:
• Friday, June 6th – Tuesday, June 10th: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

*Please contact XXXXXXX for more information, (e-mail)*

[Larry OKC]

You don't have to be smart, you just have to be not stupid.

The problem is... ...you can lead a horse to water...

Here is an example of the type of alerts sent:

Convention Alert...

Well, there ya go...LOL

[Urbanized]

Larry! Long time no see!

[David]

Good to see you here again, Larry. I've missed your perspective.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^^

Agree.

[ljbab728]

Hurrah, Don Quixote is back.

[kevinpate]

As a patron, I no longer am willing to pop into some place in the last thirty minutes they are open.
I try to avoid the first thirty minutes as well for most places.

While there are clear exceptions, Good Egg being a great example, experience taught me long ago
that, more often than not, I won't be greeted warmly as a customer. I will be seen, at best, as an
inconvenience who must be endured then streeted asap. So my discretionary funds go to other
businesses instead.

It seems it has been this way since the latter part of the 80's for the majority of places, and it is not
unique to the metro at all.

It wasn't always this way though. It can be tough to smile at either a four top or a busload
10 minutes before closing if you are staff and have a late date planned. However, from
a mgmt. perspective, you have a free and clear shot at generating fantastic word of
mouth, if it goes well, and a nice late surge on the day's total.

I profess I miss the opportunity to be treated in the manner we used to treat customers
whenever we were still open, early or late.

I appreciate the rare exceptions when I find them.

[FighttheGoodFight]

The have changed fries to waffle fries instead of the small straight fries.

I would say they are much better than the original kind.

[Pete]

From their Facebook page:

Well the inside is painted and cleaned and hopefully we can start moving equipment in early next week!! We can't wait!!! We have also made our menu easier this year and added some new items!! Stayed Tuned for our grand opening party date!!!

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^
That post just made me gain five pounds.

[Plutonic Panda]

I thought that restaurant had already opened?

[Pete]

I thought that restaurant had already opened?

The close during the winter and the building is used for ice skate rental.