OKC’s Dynamic Dining Scene: What’s New and What’s Next
Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape is constantly shifting, with several beloved spots closing their doors this fall while exciting new establishments prepare to welcome diners. From local favorites transitioning to innovative new concepts and popular chains arriving, the city’s food scene remains vibrant and full of anticipation.
Recent Restaurant Closures and Transformations
This fall has seen some long-standing establishments conclude their chapters, alongside one well-known restaurant setting the stage for an exciting new identity.
Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar
After 41 years, Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar at 421 W I-240 Service Road served its last meal on November 16. Owners David and Rick Haynes cited a desire to enter a new chapter, though their other Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler locations throughout town will remain open.
Boomtown Creamery’s Novelty
Boomtown Creamery’s sister concept, Novelty, concluded its nearly six-month run at Bungalow 23 on November 2. Owner Angela Muir explained that while the “fun experiment” in unique ice cream products didn’t achieve sufficient sales, some of its innovative ideas will be integrated back into Boomtown Creamery.
405 Brewing Co.
Norman’s first production brewery, 405 Brewing Co., announced its closure in early November. Operating taprooms at 205 E. Main St. and 1716 Topeka Drive, the brewery expressed gratitude for nearly 11 years of community support.
Empire Slice, Nichols Hills Plaza
Local favorite Empire Slice closed its Nichols Hills Plaza Slice Shop location on October 26 after five years. Fans of their pizza can still get their fix at other Empire Slice locations across the city.
Black Walnut to Reopen as Dougla
James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Black will close Black Walnut on New Year’s Eve for a full renovation. However, this is not a permanent goodbye. The restaurant will reopen on February 14, 2026, as Dougla, an Indo-Caribbean concept inspired by Chef Black’s grandmother, Elizabeth.
Exciting New Additions to OKC’s Food Landscape
While some doors close, many new ones are opening, bringing fresh flavors and experiences to Oklahoma City.
Bar None
The team behind Nonesuch recently opened Bar None at 801 N. Hudson Ave., in the former private dining space of Nonesuch. This new wine bar focuses on North American wines, offering curated selections from regions like Mexico and Canada, alongside bar snacks prepared with sustainable practices.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
California-based chain Mountain Mike’s Pizza is set to open its first Oklahoma location in Midwest City this November, at 5855 SE 15th St. This family-friendly spot will feature an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar, a kids’ arcade, and big-screen TVs for game days.
MAHT by Chef Kevin Lee
Chef Kevin Lee is preparing to launch his newest restaurant, MAHT, at 519 NW 23 St, Suite 111. While an exact opening date is pending, MAHT will offer a unique blend of Lee’s Korean heritage with the style of an American steakhouse, featuring seafood, various beef cuts, and lamb chops.
Shake Shack at OAK
The highly anticipated first Oklahoma location of Shake Shack is scheduled to open on November 19 at the upscale OAK development. Known for its made-to-order 100% Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-spun shakes, this gourmet burger chain will occupy a prominent, all-glass building fronting Heartwood Park.
OKC Restaurant Scene at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the significant changes happening in Oklahoma City’s dining landscape this fall and beyond:
| Restaurant | Status/Change | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar | Closed Nov 16 | I-240 location only; others remain open |
| Novelty by Boomtown | Closed Nov 2 | Ice cream concept; ideas to Boomtown Creamery |
| 405 Brewing Co. | Closed early Nov | Norman’s first production brewery |
| Empire Slice (Nichols Hills) | Closed Oct 26 | Nichols Hills Plaza location only |
| Black Walnut | Closing Dec 31, reopening Feb 14 | Transforming into Dougla (Indo-Caribbean) |
| Bar None | Recently Opened | New wine bar by Nonesuch team |
| Mountain Mike’s Pizza | Opening Nov | First Oklahoma location (Midwest City) |
| MAHT | Opening Soon | Chef Kevin Lee’s Korean-American steakhouse |
| Shake Shack (OAK) | Opening Nov 19 | First OKC location; gourmet burgers |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which prominent local restaurant is transforming into a new concept?
Chef Andrew Black’s Black Walnut is closing at the end of 2025 to undergo renovations and will reopen as Dougla, an Indo-Caribbean restaurant, on February 14, 2026. - What new pizza chain is opening its first Oklahoma location?
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a California-based chain, is opening its inaugural Oklahoma store in Midwest City this November. - Where can I find Chef Kevin Lee’s upcoming Korean-American steakhouse?
MAHT, Chef Kevin Lee’s newest venture, will be located at 519 NW 23 St, Suite 111. - When does the first Shake Shack officially open its doors in OKC?
The first Shake Shack in Oklahoma City is scheduled to open on November 19 at the OAK development. - Why did Boomtown Creamery’s sister concept, Novelty, close?
Novelty closed on November 2 due to insufficient sales, though its owner, Angela Muir, plans to incorporate some of the unique ice cream ideas back into Boomtown Creamery.
As Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, remember to explore and support both the new arrivals and the enduring local favorites that make our dining scene so special.
OKC Dining Scene Sees Closures And New Openings
