The popular Classen Grill eventually will reopen as the historic Donnay Building in Oklahoma City undergoes extensive and long-needed renovations. Steve Lackmeyer's recent article in The Oklahoman newspaper provides a lot of details about what is happening to the Donnay, which for a short time was endangered by a proposed Braum's ice cream parlor development. … Continue reading Classen Grill will reopen amid extensive renovations of Donnay Building in OKC
Tag: Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City alderman seeks more protections for historic properties, including Gold Dome
An Oklahoma City councilman said he wants to identify and protect historic structures, including the Gold Dome on Route 66, after a landmark church was abruptly demolished last week. The distinctive, egg-shaped First Christian Church was torn down less than an hour after it was given a demolition permit, surprising many that included those who … Continue reading Oklahoma City alderman seeks more protections for historic properties, including Gold Dome
Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market
The owners of the landmark Skirvin HIlton hotel in downtown Oklahoma City are preparing to put it up for sale, with half of the proceeds likely going back to the city. Marcus Hotels and Resorts joined forces with the city to renovate and reopen the closed, century-old hotel about 15 years ago. Steve Lackmeyer at … Continue reading Owners of historic Skirvin Hilton hotel in Oklahoma City preparing to put it on market
Bon Appetit names Ma Der Lao of Oklahoma City one of the Top 50 best new restaurants
Bon Appetit last week named Ma Der Lao Kitchen in Oklahoma City one of the top 25 best new restaurants in the United States. Here's what the magazine said about the restaurant: After years spent cooking Japanese food around Oklahoma City, chef Jeff Chanchaleune has turned his considerable talents to the Lao food he grew … Continue reading Bon Appetit names Ma Der Lao of Oklahoma City one of the Top 50 best new restaurants
Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell
Swadley's Bar-B-Q last week filed a countersuit, alleging the governor and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, knew of the arrangement where the restaurant chain spent millions of dollars in inflated reimbursement invoices to upgrade services at several state parks. The Oklahoman newspaper reported some details about the countersuit: Among the claims … Continue reading Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell
Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66
Longtime Tulsa residents know of William Franklin and his artistic talents. But his latest creation that's offered for sale at his Decopolis gift store is particularly notable, especially to Route 66 fans. Franklin stated in a recent Facebook post: Every once in a while ya get lucky and come up with an idea that is … Continue reading Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66
Brewery to convert historic OKC armory building into hotel, restaurant, events center
COOP Ale Works bought the historic armory building on Oklahoma City's 23rd Street corridor for $1.3 million and will convert it into a brewery, hotel, events center and restaurant. The Oklahoman newspaper reported the purchase included five adjacent buildings: The former Veterans Affairs building to the east will be converted into 12 villas with a basement … Continue reading Brewery to convert historic OKC armory building into hotel, restaurant, events center
Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department this week canceled a state parks contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q -- a regional chain with Route 66 roots -- “due to suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.” The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the contract for several weeks. The local district attorney and state auditor … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud
Oklahoma State Capitol Museum in Oklahoma City opens
As part of a massive restoration project recently completed at the building, the Oklahoma State Capitol Museum in Oklahoma City opened to the public last week. The museum on the ground floor of the state's Capitol "unveiled exhibits during Tuesday’s opening ceremony displaying government-forming documents, century-old stained glass, antique ballot boxes and the accoutrements of … Continue reading Oklahoma State Capitol Museum in Oklahoma City opens
Music lineup announced for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and OKC
The full music lineup recently was announced for the Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in June, which includes one intriguing act -- Son Volt. St. Louis-based Son Volt was one of essentially three bands born out of the 1993 breakup of a highly influential country-rock band, Uncle Tupelo. (The other two … Continue reading Music lineup announced for Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa and OKC