Fedora

[Roger S]

Fedora is still moving forward. Josh Valentine will be the chef. May rename to Ash & Amber.

Interesting.... I thought I had heard Valentine's opportunity that took him away from The George was out of state... Glad to hear he is staying local for the time being.

[HangryHippo]

Interesting.... I thought I had heard Valentine's opportunity that took him away from The George was out of state... Glad to hear he is staying local for the time being.

I thought it was posted somewhere on here (but it may have been in a NewsOK article) that said Valentine was going out of state as well. Is it a certainty that he's going to be the chef for Fedora?

[Pete]

Valentine may just be helping to develop the menu, not be the actual chef.

[AP]

So financing is in place and things like that. Do you know what they may we waiting on to move forward?

[Pete]

So financing is in place and things like that. Do you know what they may we waiting on to move forward?

Their plan is to share the rooftop with the sushi place and have been waiting for them to finalize their plans.

I think Fedora / Amber & Ash is ready to go but there is the potential to make it even cooler through working with the sushi place.

[FourStarFitness]

Any updates on this space Pete?

[Pete]

Due to the pending changes in the smoking laws, I understand they are having a hard time getting financing and are now looking for a new concept.

[bchris02]

Due to the pending changes in the smoking laws, I understand they are having a hard time getting financing and are now looking for a new concept.

Other states provide exemptions for cigar lounges so I don't understand why Oklahoma cannot do the same.

I am guessing this will be the end for WSKY lounge as well?

[Bullbear]

Due to the pending changes in the smoking laws, I understand they are having a hard time getting financing and are now looking for a new concept.

So we are seriously that close to a change in smoking laws that it is affecting their financing options?. wow

[Pete]

^

Yes.

The change is coming, either this year or next.

[Jeepnokc]

That is the problem with a all or none approach to the smoking issue. I have no issue with non smoking bars and as a general rule, I think it is good. But, when it prohibits a specifically designed place, then it has gone too far. The Fedora is designed to be a cigar bar...if you don't like cigars than don't go but don't prevent others from having a place they can go and enjoy a cigar. I support the no smoking ban has long as it has some common sense exemptions. There has to be a happy medium.

[Pete]

There will still be a cigar bar at Cosmopolitan OKC.

[bchris02]

That is the problem with a all or none approach to the smoking issue. I have no issue with non smoking bars and as a general rule, I think it is good. But, when it prohibits a specifically designed place, then it has gone too far. The Fedora is designed to be a cigar bar...if you don't like cigars than don't go but don't prevent others from having a place they can go and enjoy a cigar. I support the no smoking ban has long as it has some common sense exemptions. There has to be a happy medium.

Completely agree. Other states, North Carolina for instance, did a total ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants, but they still have exemptions for cigar bars.

[Urbanized]

What Jeep said. Spot on.

[Jeepnokc]

Waiting to see but not having high hopes as it will be outside. With Oklahoma's weather, not sure how functional it will be. Also, never seen outdoor furniture as comfortable as a big leather chair like you find in a lot of cigar bars. A proper cigar bar is a very specific setting to most people (think Makers) and will be interesting to see what they create there. I will enjoy Edna's more if it is non smoking but I do not see the harm of allowing exemptions for places like Fedora if they are designed to be cigar bars. Generally, what I have seen in other states with exemptions is that a certain amount of the sales must be made from sale of cigars. There is at least one place in Tulsa over by Cherry Street that is a cigar shop with full line of cigars attached to the cigar bar. Cool concept.

[Bullbear]

I look forward to a ban on smoking in bars but I agree that an exemption for Cigar bars would be great. However I don't have a lot of faith that Oklahoma will get it right when they do act on this.

[JarrodH]

Other states provide exemptions for cigar lounges so I don't understand why Oklahoma cannot do the same.

I am guessing this will be the end for WSKY lounge as well?

WSKY lounge will be fine. We've been aware of this legislation since day 1 and have known it was coming for over a year. Although an exemption would be ideal, being non smoking isn't going to kill us. Cigars make up less than 20 percent of our overall sales and it's been proven in many markets that's entire cities going none smoking has resulted in an overall increase in smoking establishments business. Once it becomes the norm to everyone, smokers accept that they must go outside and non smokers now can enjoy every bar without smoking, therefore increasing our sales.

We have plenty of people who love our cocktails and whisky but don't come due to smoking. Once again, it's not ideal since I'm a cigar bar but it won't be that big of a change overall.

[trousers]

Just curious as to why cigar bars get a pass from the anti-smoking crowd.
Do cigar smokers not get lung cancer or the employees of these bars not get exposed to second hand smoke?

This from a former pack and half day smoker that frequents smoking and nonsmoking bars.

[bchris02]

WSKY lounge will be fine. We've been aware of this legislation since day 1 and have known it was coming for over a year. Although an exemption would be ideal, being non smoking isn't going to kill us. Cigars make up less than 20 percent of our overall sales and it's been proven in many markets that's entire cities going none smoking has resulted in an overall increase in smoking establishments business. Once it becomes the norm to everyone, smokers accept that they must go outside and non smokers now can enjoy every bar without smoking, therefore increasing our sales.

We have plenty of people who love our cocktails and whisky but don't come due to smoking. Once again, it's not ideal since I'm a cigar bar but it won't be that big of a change overall.

Good to hear. WSKY lounge is one of my favorite places in OKC. While it will be disappointing to no longer be able to smoke a cigar there, I will still go for the drinks and the atmosphere.

[Dustin]

Every time I see this thread:

[betts]

There's a lot of appeal to a well-designed bar that has great beers and great craft cocktails. To me, the appeal of WHSKY isn't the cigars, but the cozy, comfortable adult space. As we get more bars, they can fill different niches.

[Anonymous.]

Every time I see this thread:

I am glad I'm not the only one. These hats are forever ruined.

[Bullbear]

Just curious as to why cigar bars get a pass from the anti-smoking crowd.
Do cigar smokers not get lung cancer or the employees of these bars not get exposed to second hand smoke?

This from a former pack and half day smoker that frequents smoking and nonsmoking bars.

I don't care what people do with their own health frankly, it is their choice. HOwever I would like to be able to go to bars and not be covered in smoke. The increase in non-smoking bars in okc is nice however there are still far fewer than there are bars who allow smoking. FOr a cigar bar that is their Niche. Its to enjoy a nice cigar and a cocktail so I am ok with them having an exemption to do so. then you are talking about a handful of bars that you can avoid if you don't want to go to a smoke filled bar.

[OkiePoke]

I heard they were going to provide a food option too of some sort. I think this derailed a lot of things.

[positano]

Good to hear. WSKY lounge is one of my favorite places in OKC. While it will be disappointing to no longer be able to smoke a cigar there, I will still go for the drinks and the atmosphere.

Ditto.