New pizza concept brings together local restaurant royalty

Oklahoma City said goodbye to the pizza at Knucks Wheelhouse earlier this year, but on Monday it will welcome Wheelhouse Pizza Kitchen, 11109 N May Ave.

Before we get going, understand “wheelhouse” and “pizza” are the only two things the new concept has in common with the bygone Bricktown haunt.

In fact, Wheelhouse Pizza Kitchen brings together two local restaurant heavyweights.

The concept is the brainchild of Loc Le, whom might not sound familiar but you’ve probably heard of Jimmy’s Egg.

The managing partner is Michael Jones, who might sound familiar but it might be because you likely know either a Michael or a Jones if not a Michael Jones of your own. But this man with a common name was the founder and chef behind the uncommonly named Lottinvilles Wood Grille, which closed recently after a long run in Edmond, and Flatire Burgers.

Le was a successful businessman in his native Vietnam, raising a family on the merits of a fruit-canning factory and the construction industry. When Saigon fell in 1975, Le fled to the United States.

After buying a retail wig shop with his wife on N May Avenue, the couple heard a nearby breakfast diner was available. In early 1980, Le purchased the original Jimmy’s Egg at 1616 N May Ave., from its founder, Jim Newman. Two years later, they opened a second at 6004 S Western Ave.

Today the chain stretches from Killeen, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jones will run the New York-style pizza-bythe-slice concept. If you’re wondering about his Italian chops, Michael started his career at Tony’s Via Roma, a legendary spot on NW Expressway for many years. He cooked there as a kid and eventually managed it. That led him many places, but most prominently to a job with Peter Holloway, whom he helped open Cafe 501. Jones is also among the venerable who toiled at Classen Grill and helped

push it to prominence.

“We curated our recipes with the best ingredients. From Wisconsin cheese to our house-made pizza sauce made with real tomatoes from Italy, the quality is what makes our pizza so good,” Jones said.

Wheelhouse, which will occupy the building that began as a Taco Cabana and briefly played a Pink Parrot Cantina, seats 91, will offer 13 specialty pizzas and 25 craft beers.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Wheelhouse will make use of the pickup window

for to-go orders, which can be made by calling 286-5914. For more information, call 286-5814 or go online to wheelhousepizza.com.

Quick bites

The fried chicken game in Oklahoma City is on notice now that Metro Diner,3000 W Memorial, has opened.

The Jacksonville,

Florida, concept came to national prominence after appearing on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” years ago, and took the opportunity to franchise itself. Specializing in comfort foods, it will serve breakfast all day, along with lunch and dinner.

Fried chicken is its calling card, but as people in these parts know the holder of that championship

belt resides in Okarche under the banner of Eischen’s. Closer to home, you’ll look for a long time before you find better fried chicken than that served by Victoria Kemp at her mother’s legendary Florence’s Restaurant.

Sounds like a good opportunity to find out which fried chicken clucks the cockles of the heart in a painstaking series of visits, fingerlicking

optional . ...

Revolución, 916 NW 6, will host “Pups & Pints” on the patio Thursday. For $25, guests will receive Baja-style appetizers, four different beer tasters, and an opportunity to play in the restaurant’s corn hole tournament.

Guests are welcome to bring their dogs to the event, which begins at 8 p.m.