Toby Keith's

[metro]

yes swake, I take it you have not been to downtown OKC recently?? Downtown boasts many cool-urbanite hipster spots. Lit, the Purple bar, Nonna's Euro-Ristorante, Museum Cafe, Cocktails on the Skyline, SKYYBar, the former Lotus, the Beacon Club, Deep Deuce, many lofts, the Montgomery, the Classen, Cosmopolitan Salon and Spa, Museum of Art, Civic Center, Stage Center, Bricktown Live, the new ultra mod library, and many others including some "underground" bars and clubs that have yet to be announced. A group of us twentysomethings have ultra hip wine tastings, gatherings, etc. at minimum twice a month. We also have tons of additional downtown housing and condos on the way. Additionally, OKC has something NYC cannot offer, a quaint more relaxed setting for those who are not hipsters who prefer a more relaxed conservative entertainment experience such as TKILTBG and Bass Pro and the Theater. Bricktown and downtown OKC, just like NYC on a smaller scale, is a multifaceted place for all walks of life.

[Keith]

yes swake, I take it you have not been to downtown OKC recently?? Downtown boasts many cool-urbanite hipster spots. Lit, the Purple bar, Nonna's Euro-Ristorante, Museum Cafe, Cocktails on the Skyline, SKYYBar, the former Lotus, the Beacon Club, Deep Deuce, many lofts, the Montgomery, the Classen, Cosmopolitan Salon and Spa, Museum of Art, Civic Center, Stage Center, Bricktown Live, the new ultra mod library, and many others including some "underground" bars and clubs that have yet to be announced. A group of us twentysomethings have ultra hip wine tastings, gatherings, etc. at minimum twice a month. We also have tons of additional downtown housing and condos on the way. Additionally, OKC has something NYC cannot offer, a quaint more relaxed setting for those who are not hipsters who prefer a more relaxed conservative entertainment experience such as TKILTBG and Bass Pro and the Theater. Bricktown and downtown OKC, just like NYC on a smaller scale, is a multifaceted place for all walks of life.

Very well put, metro...thanks.

[swake]

Guys, you have to remember that swake participates in TulsaNow, where condescension toward OKC is the rule. NYC was a throw-in to imply that downtown OKC is not hip. Even swake knows that NYC is not a perfect model of urbanity.

Bricktown and Lower Bricktown for the most part do offer the kinds of establishments NYC boasts -- cool lounges like Lit, fine restaurants such as The Mantel, even a Mickey Mantle's. Of course we don't have them on a similar scale -- OKC is a smaller city, like the rest of American cities. But we do have them and they must be supported.

My only concern about ILTB&G is what will happen to it once Toby's star fades. But if it continues to book topnotch talent and serve great food, it can have a vibrant life beyond TK's celebrity. Hopefully the Hal Smith organization has a plan to ensure its longevity.

I never said anything about NYC, that wasn't me. As for the rest, I stand by the idea that Toby Keith is viewed by a vast majority of Americans as a hick and his restaurant and Bass Pro are bad ideas when you are attempting to escape an entrenched image. And anyone that calls themselves ultrahip, isn't

[Curt]

It is the things like Toby keith and Bass pro shops that keep this big city boy comming back to OKC, so Swake, you have no idea what you are talking about. Come to Detroit, they will chew you up and spit you out, but I guess that is the kind of big city **** you want OKC to be like.

[jenncole]

Be proud of what we have in OKC OR stand up and really try to do something about it. I do not mean attend a few city council meetings or somethin like that, really become a leader and not a constant complainer. (that includes everyone, not anybody in particular)

[BDP]

I think some miss the point of criticisms of Keith's place and Bass Pro. I am sure they are fine establishments, but they are an odd fit. They are inspired by suburban developments and not by their neighboring Bricktown. Both would be great fits for I-240 and Memorial or, especially for Keith's place, Reno and Meridian, but almost seem to be mocking Bricktown at their current locations.

The mentioning of NYC is kind of irrelevant. OKC is not going to be that, nor should it try. However, some of the larger developers and especially those in Bricktown have been content to simply repackage things already offered in OKC. If we have to weather this stuff to get traffic, then so be it. But Oklahoma City leaders seemed convinced that the only way to generate traffic is to give the people what they already know and already have in a shiny new package. We'll never know otherwise, because nothing else has ever been tried.

But one can only look the emergence of Dallas's unique and original businesses in Deep Ellum that made it a stronger entertainment force than its mundane and rather staid area on the other side of town, the West End. One only needs to go to the two places and realize that, while the West End seems familiar and prefab, Deep Ellum seems uniquely Dallas and warrants repeat visits more so than the “been there done that” feel of the West End.

So, yes, the Lower Bricktown establishments draw traffic (I myself go to Harkins for movies all the time), but I also can understand the frustrations of some who hoped that Lower Bricktown would be an expansion of Bricktown's uniqueness, as opposed to a rehash of developments already present all over the city. It’s not about being NYC, but about bringing new things and new experiences to Oklahoma City, which is the only way to locals a reason to visit the area and to get visitors to come back.

In my mind, it's still possible, but there is little indication that developers want that. They simply want to take advantage of the draw of Bricktown’s uniqueness, but do nothing to add to it or participate in it.

[ccsokc]

Just thought I would let everyone know that I drove by Toby Keith's Restaurant this afternoon and there is sign posted saying it will open June 22 and 3 PM daily. I am assuming this means it will be open only for Dinner to probably 2 AM, since it is part bar. News9 did a story on it last week and showed some updated pictures....It looks like it will make a very nice addition to Bricktown, and will kind of be our "Planet Hollywood/Hard Rock Cafe" type restaurant/anchor for Bricktown, at least for the time being. I personally would rather have Toby's restaurant then a Hard Rock...there everywhere you go now of days.

[Patrick]

Guys, you have to remember that swake participates in TulsaNow, where condescension toward OKC is the rule. NYC was a throw-in to imply that downtown OKC is not hip. Even swake knows that NYC is not a perfect model of urbanity.

Bricktown and Lower Bricktown for the most part do offer the kinds of establishments NYC boasts -- cool lounges like Lit, fine restaurants such as The Mantel, even a Mickey Mantle's. Of course we don't have them on a similar scale -- OKC is a smaller city, like the rest of American cities. But we do have them and they must be supported.

My only concern about ILTB&G is what will happen to it once Toby's star fades. But if it continues to book topnotch talent and serve great food, it can have a vibrant life beyond TK's celebrity. Hopefully the Hal Smith organization has a plan to ensure its longevity.

I wouldn't worry too much about his star fading. Branson seems to do pretty well with faded stars. I wouldn't mind seeing us become the Branson of Country music. We'll never steal new talent from Tennessee, but we have a shot at attracting some of the retired singers. Of course, Branson already has a few of those, but we can compete. Branson seems to be more diversified when it comes to music and entertainment.

By the way, people don't view Tennessee as hickish, so I don't think country music really has anything to do with our image. I think it's our people that create that image.

[swake]

Which people don't view Tennessee as hickish? I would say that outside of Memphis, Tennessee is very much viewed as a hick state. And Branson would be the very center of hickdom.

[Luke]

Tennessee isn't so much "hick" as it is "hillbilly"

Tulsa has hills, too.

[metro]

I'm confused, what does that have to do with Toby Keith's I love this bar and grill?

[Luke]

You'll notice that many, if not most threads around here start off with one topic and end on another. That's just the nature of discussions...

[metro]

yes i've noticed, i've actually posted more than most people on this board, i was just reimphasizing my point in hopes that people would steer back to topic

[floater]

I wouldn't worry too much about his star fading. Branson seems to do pretty well with faded stars. I wouldn't mind seeing us become the Branson of Country music. We'll never steal new talent from Tennessee, but we have a shot at attracting some of the retired singers. Of course, Branson already has a few of those, but we can compete. Branson seems to be more diversified when it comes to music and entertainment.

By the way, people don't view Tennessee as hickish, so I don't think country music really has anything to do with our image. I think it's our people that create that image.

I'm also very happy leaving Branson entertainment where it is.

We may not have the studios, venues, and marketing arms Nashville has, but we don't have to steal any talent. We have it right here in Oklahoma. I like having the Bar and Grill because it is the one permanent fixture visitors can see that reflects the talent produced in the OKC area. Most visitors probably don't know that Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Kellie Coffey, Color Me Badd, Flaming Lips, etc are from the OKC region. Although mranderson's Bricktown Walk of Fame might help...

I'm still concerned about the long-term viability of the Bar and Grill as an attraction -- you don't know if it's five years away from being a joke (TK as a has-been) -- but it still can serve Bricktown well if the live music and food hold up.

[terrared]

I think it's great that he built an "I Love This Bar and Grill" in Oklahoma. He is proud to be an Okie and lets everyone know. He could have built one in Nashville but chose not to. That says a lot. Maybe in 5 years Toby's star will fade (I don't see it happening), but in 5 years people will still know him and his name.

[BDP]

I think it's great that he built an "I Love This Bar and Grill" in Oklahoma. He is proud to be an Okie and lets everyone know. He could have built one in Nashville but chose not to. That says a lot. Maybe in 5 years Toby's star will fade (I don't see it happening), but in 5 years people will still know him and his name.

This is a good point. Toby could have done it anywhere. I just wish he had done it in a way that built upon Bricktown's appeal instead of detracting from it. Why was building a new building in the tradition of prefab chain restaurant better than restoring a nice Bricktown property? And then he would have gotten a more rugged type venue in line with his image instead of the kind of cheesy off-strip Vegas casino look. The place then wouldn't depend on his name either, it would be cool in and of itself.

[Patrick]

I guess it all has to do with money! Cheaper to build a pre-fab building that refurbish an old one.

Even if his star fades in the future, at least the building is versatile enough for another use. I'm sure any restaurant and music venue could move there.

[Mydalmationis8]

Even if his star fades in the future, at least the building is versatile enough for another use. I'm sure any restaurant and music venue could move there.

Might I offer my two cents on the subject? IMHO, no restaurant in ANY location will survive if the food is not good. I saw the Channel 9 interview with Toby Keith concerning his new restaurant. It did not go well. He said something to the effect of, "Uh, we have people testing new food dishes 'n stuff."
I took his comment as a statement that he's left the menu development to a group of "consultants." That can be good, but is frequently bad. He seemed completely distanced from what was happening in the kitchen. If "any" restaurant and music venue could move there, then Toby Keith should succeed. Yet, I inferred from his interview that he was more interested in having a restaurant as a symbol of his success than in having a restaurant as a dining establishment. He need look no further than Britney Spears for an example of a disastrous celebrity endorsement of a restaurant.
In contrast to the interview of Toby Keith, I heard Al Eschbach speak very eloquently about the restaurant he was opening in Norman. I am NOT a fan of Al Eschbach. I am not even a big sports fan, even though I live in Sooner Country (Norman). However, when Al spoke about his restaurant, he seemed to know what he was talking about and seemed to have a grasp of restaurant fundamentals. Based on the interview I heard on the radio, I decided to try his restaurant in Norman. Guess what? I LIKED it! The food was good, it was served promptly, it was still hot when it arrived, and it was reasonably priced. I was VERY pleasantly surprised. Al seems to have grasped the notion that he must control the details of the restaurants he lends his name to, not just the concept of the restaurant.
There are a number of restaurants that I think are truly awful, but they are alive because they hype themselves due to a celebrity's association with them. That only goes so far. (See, for example, Barry Switzer's Chicken Ranches.)
There are lots of places which serve pub fare. If Toby Keith is going to compete with them, his consultants need to have a good menu and his kitchen needs to have its act together. I wish him luck, but I fear he has not thought it through.

[BDP]

I guess it all has to do with money! Cheaper to build a pre-fab building that refurbish an old one.

Yep, but when you go cheap you usually end up with something that's, well, cheap... I'm just hoping for his sake that it really was cheap.

[TStheThird]

Isn't he partnered with one of OKC's better restraunteers?

[BricktownGuy]

Isn't he partnered with one of OKC's better restraunteers?

Yes, from what I understand he has partnered with Hal Smith, of the Hal Smith restaurant group. Some sources say he is affiliated with about 35 restaurants in many states, while some sources indicated about 70. Hal Smith has been very succcessful from what I know.

[Mydalmationis8]

Hal Smith is probably the best silent partner a celebrity restaurant owner could have. I have a suspicion that one rule of the Hal Smith Group is that the celebrity must remain "hands off" when it matters of the kitchen are involved.

[Patrick]

Tomorrow is the big day!!! Sounds great, all except for the "redneck loveseats."

-------------
"Toby Keith's eatery opens Wednesday


By Sandi Davis
Entertainment Writer

One of Toby Keith's biggest hits, "I Love This Bar," describes a favorite hangout where everyone is welcome and comes in for a good time.

The song will meet reality when Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opens at 3 p.m. Wednesday at 310 Johnny Bench Drive in Bricktown. The menu will include meat loaf, rotisserie chicken, chicken-fried steak and steak dinners.

The restaurant chef is Brad Johnson.

"Toby approved every item we serve," manager Ross Crain said. "The food is important to him, and it's important to us."

Keith, in a partnership with Hal Smith Restaurant Group, which owns 42 restaurants, is opening a restaurant and bar with a casual feel and whimsical touches.

Patrons can wait for tables sitting in "redneck love seats," actual tailgates of old pickups bolted to walls just high enough so it feels as if you are sitting on a real tailgate, but with padding.

There's a patio on the Bricktown Canal side where folks can sit, wave at canal boats and kick back for a few hours.

The restaurant's house band, "Reckless," will play Wednesday and Thursday. Mark W. Mack will play June 24, and Carrie Webber and Charlie Rayl will play during Happy Hour that day.

Bands will play from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the patio during Friday Happy Hours.

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill will open at 3 p.m. daily. The restaurant's phone number is 231-0254. "

[BDP]

I swear I'm trying to give this thing a chance, but it keeps getting more laughable.

[swake]

No, there's nothing hick about this place, now is there?

Redneck love seats, you can't really be serious? I have to say it, between this, the fishing rod store, all the bad chain restaurants and the slimy little canal, Bricktown sucks. Period.

Time for the more progressive people in your city to move on, you need to seed another downtown district, this one is a complete waste.