OKC’s Evolving Food Scene: A Look Back at 2024 Closures
The Oklahoma City metro area saw a dynamic shift in its culinary landscape throughout 2024, with numerous beloved restaurants, breweries, and bars closing their doors. From long-standing local favorites to promising newcomers, these closures reflect a continually evolving food scene, making way for new concepts anticipated in 2025.
Navigating OKC’s Changing Palate in 2024
The past year brought significant changes to Oklahoma City’s restaurant industry. Many establishments faced various challenges, including increased operational costs and strategic ownership decisions to explore new ventures. While some closures marked the end of an era, others created opportunities for fresh dining experiences to emerge.
Key Restaurant Closures That Shaped 2024
Penny Hill
After more than 40 years, Norman’s cherished Penny Hill, located at 1150 W Lindsey St., announced its closure in January. The owner cited the restaurant’s declining profitability as the primary reason for ending its long run.
Wedge on Western
Early in the year, The Wedge Pizzeria’s Western Avenue location at 4709 N Western Ave closed, with owners attributing the decision to increased costs. Fortunately, the downtown location (230 NE 1st St.) and the Midwest City store continue to serve patrons. The Western Avenue space has since been transformed into Millennium Lounge, offering cocktails, beer, wings, and pizza with a nostalgic 90s and 2000s theme.
Eastside Pizza House
Local activist and business owner Jabee Williams closed his Eastside Pizza House in September, a little over two years after its opening. Williams shared with The Oklahoman that despite considering closure for months, the team persevered. He is now contemplating other potential restaurant ideas.
Bún Box
Jenny Nguyen’s Asian District noodle concept, Bún Box, closed just over a year after its grand opening at 2600 N Classen Blvd. The renovated space was quickly taken over by HQ Coffee, a new concept that swiftly moved in.
Packard’s
Midtown staple Packard’s, situated at 201 NW 10th St., ceased operations in June after more than a decade in business. The ownership team, also behind Hunny Bunny Biscuit Co. and Interurban, encouraged patrons to “stay connected” for future updates. The space currently remains vacant.
Grill on the Hill
In August, Capitol Hill’s Grill on the Hill closed its doors for the second time in as many years, disappointing its loyal customers. Happy Plate Concepts, the current owners and third since the restaurant’s 2008 opening, expressed hopes of finding a buyer to resume operations. The location at 324 SW 25th St. is still closed.
Alma
A newcomer to the Midtown scene, Alma, which had recently taken over the former Ludivine space at 320 NW 10th St., shuttered in September, less than three months after opening. Ownership announced the decision to pursue other business endeavors. This space also awaits a new tenant.
Saj Lebanese
Automobile Alley lost Saj Lebanese in October, two years after it began serving authentic Lebanese cuisine. The owners conveyed that the decision to close their 714 N Broadway Ave. establishment was made “after much reflection” and “not lightly.” The storefront currently remains unoccupied.
A Snapshot of OKC’s 2024 Restaurant Departures
| Restaurant Name | Approx. Duration | Primary Reason for Closure | Current Status of Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny Hill | 40+ years | Not profitable | Closed, no replacement mentioned |
| Wedge on Western | (Not specified) | Increased costs | Replaced by Millennium Lounge |
| Eastside Pizza House | 2+ years | Struggling business | Owner considering new ideas |
| Bún Box | 1+ year | (Not specified) | Replaced by HQ Coffee |
| Packard’s | 10+ years | Ownership decision | Space unfilled |
| Grill on the Hill | Since 2008 (multi-owner) | (Not specified) | Hopeful for a buyer, currently closed |
| Alma | Less than 3 months | Pursuing other business endeavors | Space unfilled |
| Saj Lebanese | 2+ years | Ownership decision | Space unfilled |
Frequently Asked Questions About OKC’s Food Scene
- Why did so many restaurants close in OKC in 2024?
Reasons varied, including challenges like increased operational costs, changing profitability, and owners deciding to pursue different business avenues. - Are there new restaurants opening in Oklahoma City?
Yes, the article notes that several new concepts are already opening around Oklahoma City in 2025, indicating a continuous evolution of the local food scene. - Which areas in OKC were most affected by these closures?
Midtown and the Asian District saw notable closures with Packard’s, Alma, and Bún Box, while Norman and Automobile Alley also experienced significant departures. - What happens to the empty restaurant spaces?
Some spaces, like The Wedge on Western, have quickly found new tenants (Millennium Lounge and HQ Coffee for Bún Box). Others, such as Packard’s, Alma, and Saj Lebanese, are currently unfilled and awaiting new businesses.
As Oklahoma City continues to grow and change, its culinary landscape will undoubtedly reflect this dynamism. Supporting local establishments, both new and old, remains crucial for nurturing a vibrant and diverse food scene in the metro area.
OKC 2024 restaurant closures reflect evolving food scene
