What’s next, noteworthy and new on the menu
Summer is almost here and with it the Oklahoma City metro is making some additions.
Several new restaurants and a grocery store have recently opened or started construction throughout the area and it is likely that more will follow. There are also deals, new menu items and more landing as restaurants.
Thunder Up! for playoffs with specials around town
In addition to there being a whole bunch of places to eat at near Paycom if you’re headed to a Thunder game during the playoffs, there are also a number of special items popping up at restaurants across town in honor of the team.
O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N. Walker Ave., has three exclusive Thunder-themed cocktails available for $10 each daily throughout the playoffs.
Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., is also taking game day to new heights with a new pop-up, the Mile High Player’s Lounge. Enjoy exclusive cocktails and bites while watching the playoffs or taking in the stunning views of downtown OKC. It will be open Friday & Saturday night as well as Thunder game days. Tickets are required for watch parties starting at tip-off time and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar opens new location at Oklahoma City store
The latest addition to the Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler brand is Johnnie’s
Kitchen & Bar. After opening the first location in Yukon earlier this year, the restaurant’s location at 421 W. I-240 Service Road also has been converted into a Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar after being closed for over a year.
Guests will find a vintage sports theme with memorabilia, some sourced from local museums and a menu offering Johnnie’s favorites alongside new bar-centric additions. The venue also features “The Locker Room,” a private space that can be reserved for gatherings, events or even watch parties for sporting events.
Best of Chickasaw Country winners impacted by recent tornadoes
Multiple winners across several categories of the annual Best of Chickasaw Country list were impacted by the recent tornado that hit Sulphur.
The building that housed the Best Winery/Brewery winner, The Rusty Nail Winery and Tasting Room, 218 W. Muskogee Ave., has been condemned according to a post by the winery on Facebook.
Additionally, the winner for Best Casino and Best Lodging, The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, 1001 W. 1 St., has damage on the south side of its building and the hotel’s restaurant, according to the location’s Facebook page.
While no damage was posted online by Best Coffee Shop winner Bedré Cafe, 8 W. Muskogee Ave., its close proximity to the other damaged locations means those planning a stop should check before visiting for updates on any potential closings or operational changes.
Natural Grocer’s moves NW OKC location
The Natural Grocer’s previously on North May Avenue has moved three miles west to 5903 Northwest Expressway in Warr Acres. The Colorado-based family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer celebrated its grand reopening in the newly remodeled space on May 2.
Storewide specials and a grand reopening sweepstakes are set to continue throughout the month, with up to 50% off of certain products throughout the store through May 31 and a chance for customers to enter to win prizes like an Aventon e-bike, a $500 Natural Grocers gift card and more by entering in-store through May 16.
Made In Oklahoma Market coming to Scissortail Park
The Made in Oklahoma Coalition will host its inaugural MIO Market at Scissortail Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9.
The free, family-friendly festival with more than 40 Oklahoma-made vendors sampling and selling their products also will feature live music from the Red Dirt Rangers, yard games and local food trucks. The MIO Coalition will host giveaways throughout the day, and the first 500 attendees also will receive a free gift.
Midwest City’s second Whataburger location is on the way
Groundbreaking on the second Whataburger location in Midwest City, 5925 SE 15 St., took place in March as the brand prepares to expand its footprint in the area.
No opening date has been announced yet for the location.
Know of something happening in the food and dining space or have questions about what’s happening with a local restaurant or food business? Reach out via email at jbwilliams@gannett.com.