Kd's Restaurant / Legacy Grill

[jbkrems]

The one in Arlington is actually kind of sad and run down. It is actually near Six Flags or the stadium or both in the Arlington area. But, that isn't going to happen, anyways... Hal Smith owns the property of the former KD's and it appears they are going to try a "fan favorites," kind of restaurant, capitalizing on southern fried chicken and the former KD bestsellers.

[Jeepnokc]

Bubba Gumps is owned by the Landry's chain.

[Urbanized]

Guys, this isn't a failed restaurant. There is no reason to sell. I also don't get the obsession here to make it a Thunder-related brand. Yeah, it's a hit to lose the KD affiliation, but I'm not sure replacing it with a different Thunder theme will bring back the customers that were previously coming because they wanted to eat at KD's restaurant.

HSRG has plenty of other brands to choose from - all successful - or could tweak a brand slightly, or could create a new brand altogether. This is something at which they're actually pretty good. Honestly, I think some sort of twist on Red Rock would be a great fit. But who knows? All I DO know is that they won't be selling to a national brand.

[sooner88]

Yes, there is a Pappadeaux's in Arlington, Texas which is a Dallas suburb and a fairly urban area. However, I am not sure if the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant is owned by Pappas Restaurant Group. According to the Pappas Restaurant website, Bubba Gumps is not listed as one of their concepts. Also, the building is owned by HSRG (Hal Smith), and in general they do not sell their properties to other operators.

I could be wrong, but he doesn't own the building does he? Just leases the space? I could be off on that, but regardless I agree he is not going to sell or give up his lease.

[Pete]

Hogan owns the KD's buildiing.

Interestingly, Hal Smith owns the Toby Keith building.

[OKCisOK4me]

I'm not worried about what's going to replace KD's. I only ever purchased a gift card from there and never ate there nor do I regret the decision. While it may have been a tourism draw, it's not like it's the go to destination in Bricktown or downtown for that matter.

[jbkrems]

Bump. Any word yet on the new concept which will replace this? Brianna Bailey reported HSRG would release the new name/concept this month.

[sooner88]

Heard that it will be in fact called Legacy Grill as suspected here. The concept won't change much and the "legacy" will focus on athletes close to Oklahlma.

[Pete]

Yep, Legacy Grill it is:

[Zuplar]

Maybe this has been answered, but is KD still going to have an ownership stake in it?

[Pete]

Maybe this has been answered, but is KD still going to have an ownership stake in it?

He is being or has already been bought out.

It was a big chunk of money.

[Urbanized]

Maybe this has been answered, but is KD still going to have an ownership stake in it?

No, his minority interest was bought out.

[catch22]

Too bad he didn't own the restaurant 100%. Would be nice to see him take a huge loss from an empty restaurant.

[Zuplar]

He is being or has already been bought out.

It was a big chunk of money.

Something they may consider is telling people this. I have a feeling some may not go to it thinking he still owns part of it, simply because they don't want to put a dime in his pocket.

[Pete]

From legacygrill.com (elsewhere on the front page is the date of September 12th):

"OPENING IN SEPTEMBER

Hal Smith Restaurants is headquartered right here in central Oklahoma. We’ve always had a dream of adding a restaurant to our family that honors the contributions of great Oklahomans.

Starting in September, join us at Legacy Grill for top-notch cuisine, a relaxed, service-oriented atmosphere and an ambience that surrounds you with artifacts commemorating more than 200 past and present Oklahoma greats, from astronauts and actors, to civil rights activists and civic leaders, to sports stars and singers, and many more.

We’ve made a few updates to our menu to help keep things exciting. (Don’t worry – our famous fried chicken isn’t going anywhere!) Seven days a week, whether you’re in the mood for fried or fresh, we know you’ll find something you love at Legacy Grill."

[chuck5815]

Something they may consider is telling people this. I have a feeling some may not go to it thinking he still owns part of it, simply because they don't want to put a dime in his pocket.

Yeah, that's my thought at the moment. Although whatever stake he had (or might still have) is small potatoes to him.

[kevinpate]

Whatever his legacy will or will not be in OKC, it ain't this grill.

[dankrutka]

Something they may consider is telling people this. I have a feeling some may not go to it thinking he still owns part of it, simply because they don't want to put a dime in his pocket.

"Hi, welcome to Legacy Grill. That snake Kevin Durant is not an owner of this restaurant. How many in your group?"

[Bill Robertson]

"Hi, welcome to Legacy Grill. That snake Kevin Durant is not an owner of this restaurant. How many in your group?"

Dammit! Where's that like button!

[Thomas Vu]

I think it'll be more like HSRG is going to make a killing cause people don't want to put a dime in his pocket.

[SoonerDave]

Yeah, that's my thought at the moment. Although whatever stake he had (or might still have) is small potatoes to him.

I believe a story ran fairly recently that his entire interest in the place was bought out.

He. Has. Been. Exorcised.

[SoonerDave]

I think it'll be more like HSRG is going to make a killing cause people don't want to put a dime in his pocket.

And I find it interesting that it is *not* a sports-themed place now. "Legacy" covering a *lot* of bases in OK history - neat idea.

[Pete]

Believe it or not, I will now be more likely to go.

I never set foot in KD's and there are very few places in OKC where that is the case.

I was a bit turned off by the attempt at upscale while combining with a basketball player... Weird combo IMO. And the "baller menu" only enhanced those feelings.

Now, I think Hal & Co. will work their usual magic and get the kinks out of the menu and have the theme more aligned with the price points and setting. I also think the changes will make it a better place to take visitors.

[stile99]

And I find it interesting that it is *not* a sports-themed place now. "Legacy" covering a *lot* of bases in OK history - neat idea.

Maybe if we're really lucky Brad Pitt and Chuck Norris will play along. Me, I want to sit at the Owen K Garriott table.

So what defines an 'Oklahoma Great'? Is it just people who were born here, or people who have made Oklahoma their home? Ronnie Kaye wasn't born in Oklahoma, but he has a history here. On the flip side, Sam Walton was born in Kingfisher, but absolutely nobody thinks of Oklahoma when they hear his name.

[Zuplar]

Believe it or not, I will now be more likely to go.

I never set foot in KD's and there are very few places in OKC where that is the case.

I was a bit turned off by the attempt at upscale while combining with a basketball player... Weird combo IMO. And the "baller menu" only enhanced those feelings.

Now, I think Hal & Co. will work their usual magic and get the kinks out of the menu and have the theme more aligned with the price points and setting. I also think the changes will make it a better place to take visitors.

Exact same for me.

I noticed yesterday on FB that there were a couple comments asking about ownership, because if he still owned they wouldn't go there. Might be in their best interest to issue a press release with "details" one of which could be that ownership is changed or been shifted. I think once people figure it out though it will be a big hit. Good location IMO.