Cheesecake Factory

[John]

I have to disagree with you about the PF Chang's/Bravo Cucina/Red Robin. I think that's the one bright spot in that whole area and is easily nicer than Lower Bricktown--it's just really small.

Instead of seperating all those restaurants by parking lots like all the others, they clumped them together with a nice fountain plaza in the middle and they landed some pretty upscale restaurants (especially Bravo).

And I was just there and there ARE trees, Patrick. Obviously not big ones yet, but the area looks really nice IMO.

I agree. The Memorial Square development has the highest standards as far as architectural & landscaping of anywhere outside Spring Creek.

[Patrick]

I agree. The Memorial Square development has the highest standards as far as architectural & landscaping of anywhere outside Spring Creek.

I agree as well. I just wish the buildings weren't so boxy.

[jbrown84]

I agree as well. I just wish the buildings weren't so boxy.

Are you referring to the two retail buildings?

[Patrick]

Are you referring to the two retail buildings?

Those and the Italian restaurant. Red Robin and PF Chang's look fine.

[metro]

I'm going to put my money that you won't see a new restaurant or development on the East Wharf of Lake Hefner. I helped launch the study group for possible future development on it. So far, no progress has been made for future development to my knowledge. In fact, I'm sure you would hear a lot of enthusiasts and others chirping in discontent far in advance if any further development were to occur.

[jbrown84]

Although I think a restaurant as upscale and exclusive as Cheesecake Factory belongs in Bricktown somewhere, I'm okay with it going at Penn Square because it only helps solidify it as the most upscale indoor mall in the state and second only to Utica Square for shopping centers in general.

For example, Houston's Cheesecake Factory is in the Galleria, where as Kansas City's is in it's own building in the Plaza, which IMO is much more interesting. Ours will be more like Houston's--at an upscale mall instead of a trendy tourist area.

[John]

The Plaza is as much mall as it is tourist area. Wish we had something similar!

[autoMATTic]

any word on this lately? This isn't going to be one of those, "Did you hear great Plains Disney is going in Shawnee?" deals is it?

[BDP]

When did Cheesecake Factory go upscale? I haven't been to one in maybe 2-3 years and then it was kind of glorified Chili's, like the lakeside restaurants. Good to hear it's come up in the world, and just in time for OKC.

[quailcreekgal]

I holding out for a Whole Foods Market.....not likely considering OK liquor laws.

[Patrick]

Construction on Cheesecake Factory at Penn Square has begun on the north side of the property.

Also, Elephant Restaurant and Bar is now open.

[Pete]

Thanks Patrick.

Happen to know the projected opening date for the CF?

[metro]

Wow, glad to hear C.F. is confirmed and is under construction. Yes, what is the ET for completion.

[Patrick]

I'm thinking I was told Spring of 2007. But, that seems like a ways off. Let me ask and I'll get back to you guys.

[Patrick]

Here's the scoop.

Cheesecake Factory will be complete in 17 weeks, opening in late October.

Sephora will open in th eold Casual Corner/Petite Sophisticate space in October. The Arty Crafty store there now is only termporary.

Replacement of all of the HVAC units is nearing completion.

Continued work on the roof is taking place. The entire roof will be replaced over the next 3 years.

They are currently working on a comprehensive plan to upgrade the exterior of the property over the next 2 years. New entrances, new landscaping and repaving all of the north parking fields.

[John]

Yeah, late fall so they have all the kinks out by the start holiday season.

[venture]

Had a couple friends dine at the Elephant Bar...nothing special. The food was subpar, service was okay, but its mostly about the theme and definitely not the food. How Hooters of them. LOL

[orionsnu]

Sounds good!

[Martin]

we went to elephant bar for lunch almost two weeks ago and didn't think it was all that bad. the food wasn't unique, but they had a great selection. while the food wasn't the best thing i'd ever had, i wouldn't call it subpar. i do agree, though, that they put more effort into the atmosphere than anything else.

is cheesecake factory going to be free standing? i was at penn square this past saturday... if i remember right, the parking lot just to the northwest of the mall was being graded. is this the spot? -M

[John]

if i remember right, the parking lot just to the northwest of the mall was being graded. is this the spot? -M

Ding! Ding! Ding!

[Martin]

ha. what do i win?

i've heard good things about this chain, but my concern would be parking... perhaps it'll only be an issue during the holidays. -M

[Patrick]

Parking might be an issue over the next few years, but with exterior renovations coming up, they do plan to add two levels to the parking garage, or possibly build another garage.

[BG918]

So is Cheesecake Factory actually under construction by Penn Square? Is this confirmed?

[Luke]

Yes it is official and yes it is currently under construction.

[Decious]

So is Cheesecake Factory actually under construction by Penn Square? Is this confirmed?

Simon is making no secret of it. I sent them an email inquiry about a week ago and they replied that the CF would open in October(as Patrick stated), and that the staff would be onhand in late September.

I don't know why CF hasn't updated their website concerning the Penn Square site. I also asked about a Tulsa location and they said that CF currently has no plans for Tulsa but that they're always looking for new opportunities.