Revolve Pizza

[Urbanized]

One thing that could also be a contributing factor is that they opened right across the street from Italian Express, which has a low-priced pizza/pasta buffet with salad bar and a VERY loyal following. The pizza at revolve aims to be a step up from what Hassan puts on IE's buffet, but his is still tasty, salad bar is very good (and fresh), and prices are excellent in comparison.

But I agree that Revolve always seemed to be packed when I went, so still puzzling.

[bchris02]

Yeah, I think the problem was, the pizza just wasn't that good. I ate there one time with a friend, and we were both very disappointed. Hideaway is just a bit farther and I liked the pizza a lot better.

I agree with this. I really liked the location and the presentation but as far as the food, it simply wasn't that great. In order to have a successful restaurant in a location where there isn't a lot of rooftops, you have to be a destination and you have to be exceptional, like Mahogany or Flint. In OKC, especially with pizza and burgers, there is so much competition you really have to stand above the pack. Hopefully it doesn't stay vacant for long.

Maybe CVS can take another look at that spot?

[Pete]

^

They knew darn well going in that lunch was going to account for probably 90% of their business and since they were doing very well with that, there is likely something going on here.

I'm sure they didn't think they would be a destination for dinner in the middle of the CBD.

[Just the facts]

Well rats - I ate there for dinner several times a month.

[bchris02]

Does anybody think this would be a great spot for RePUBlic? I know they were looking at opening downtown at one point.

[sooner88]

Does anybody think this would be a great spot for RePUBlic? I know they were looking at opening downtown at one point.

Would imagine it's way too small for anything they'd be interested in.

[Pete]

Yes, too small and not nearly unique enough.

Republic and AGE has their pick of just about any spot and will wait for a super cool and unique opportunity.

[Pete]

Just heard that there have been issues between the operator / manger of this concept and the main investors which is why this location went dark.

[soonermike81]

Also, with Blaze and Pie Five opening in the metro, how much room do we have for these fast casual build-your-own pizza places? Never been to Blaze or Pie Five and am curious about the quality of their product. Seems like there would only be room for one or two of these operators to expand aggressively.

[Pete]

I don't think this has anything to do with demand, as there i always, always room for another well-done pizza or burger place. There is no other build-your-own pizza place anywhere near downtown.

I think this has to do with organizational issues.

[Thomas Vu]

I went there once. I was underwhelmed, again (first time at memorial location). However, they did have a lunch special and the price made it a contender for a bi weekly.

In addition to upper management issues, business could have taken a hit with all the lay offs.

[Pete]

In addition to upper management issues, business could have taken a hit with all the lay offs.

What layoffs?

You mean that 172 people at SandRidge that were let go the same day they closed?


Let's please not feed the sky-is-falling mentality when it comes to the local economy and oil prices.

[TheTravellers]

Just heard that there have been issues between the operator / manger of this concept and the main investors which is why this location went dark.

Does their other location have the same operator/manager and investors? I'm assuming that at least the investors are common across both locations, but maybe the operator/manager isn't. If they are the same, curious that the Memorial location is still open. If they're not the same, then, um, nevermind.

[OKCretro]

Who was the operator and who are the investors? Are they local?

[Pete]

Who was the operator and who are the investors? Are they local?

Yes and yes.

[DowntownMan]

Yes and yes.

Speaking of the memorial location. They (the investor) own this building and developed the building with space to lease.

The investor is located over in the quail springs area behind dominoes.

[Thomas Vu]

What layoffs?

You mean that 172 people at SandRidge that were let go the same day they closed?


Let's please not feed the sky-is-falling mentality when it comes to the local economy and oil prices.

I was thinking more Devon and some of the smaller companies from Oklahoma Tower. I can't speak for other towers

[PhiAlpha]

I was thinking more Devon and some of the smaller companies from Oklahoma Tower. I can't speak for other towers

No one, other than SD, downtown has had mass layoffs yet. It's all talk so far.

[GoldFire]

Really disappointed to hear this. I actually really liked their pizza and went there several times a month. Being a downtown resident, it was great having another option that was open (somewhat) for dinner.

[Pete]

I wouldn't be surprised if they re-opened once they sort out their management issues.

They have a big investment in that space and a lease commitment.

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^^
According to tweet from Downtown OKC Inc this is exactly the situation.

[Pete]

Had not seen this but this is pretty much what I've been saying since they closed:

[Filthy]

Hope they open back up soon. The memorial location is a regular spot for my family, as its close, quick, and casual. I've always enjoyed the quality and flavor of the food, but always build my own pizza, and typically only use the vodka or bourbon sauce as a base. So, I cannot speak for those that don't care for it..or were not "moved" by the quality/flavor of the pizza. I know that my brother in law is in this camp as well, but he is also a "Ham and Cheese...hold the mustard" kinda guy. He's not one to venture outside of ordering a plain cheese pizza, or a common pepperoni pizza when he's been with us a handful of times. So, although he is outwardly opinionated....its tough to put any stock into his opinion on food...as he's never tried anything outside of the boring/mundane.

The Memorial location also stays very busy up until about 8 PM or so... So, I would guess that it has been somewhat of a financial success for the owners/operators. Add to the fact, they are catering to a more "suburban" cliental that obviously by default have a much less refined/sophisticated palate than those that live within the core....its no surprise, that is it doing great.

[ShadowStrings]

Any word on reopening?

[soonermike81]

Any word on when they plan to reopen?