OKC’s Evolving Dining Scene: Closures, Openings, and New Flavors

Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape is constantly transforming, with a dynamic ebb and flow of establishments opening and closing. This fall has seen several beloved spots say goodbye, while exciting new eateries are stepping in to tempt local palates and offer fresh experiences before the year closes.

Recent Restaurant Closures Across OKC

Several local favorites have recently announced their departure or the closure of specific locations, marking a shift in the city’s dining options.

Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar (I-240 Service Road)

After 41 years, the Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar location at 421 W I-240 Service Road will serve its last meal on November 16, 2025. While this specific spot closes, other Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler locations around town will continue to operate, ensuring you can still get your classic No. 5 with onion rings.

Novelty by Boomtown Creamery

Boomtown Creamery’s sister concept, Novelty, concluded its nearly six-month run at Bungalow 23 on November 2, 2025. Owner Angela Muir noted that while Novelty didn’t achieve sufficient sales, some of its unique and creative ice cream product ideas will be integrated back into the main Boomtown Creamery offerings.

405 Brewing Co.

Norman’s first production brewery, 405 Brewing Co., announced its closure in early November 2025, ending nearly 11 years of operations from its taprooms at 205 E. Main St. and 1716 Topeka Drive. The company thanked its employees and the community for their support of their “Liquid Art.”

Empire Slice (Nichols Hills Plaza)

Pizza lovers in Nichols Hills will need to travel a bit further for their fix, as Empire Slice’s Nichols Hills Plaza Slice Shop location (1125 NW 63rd Street) closed its doors on October 26, 2025, after five years of service.

Black Walnut to Reopen as Dougla

Award-winning chef Andrew Black is closing Black Walnut at the end of 2025, with its final day of service on New Year’s Eve. However, this isn’t an ending but a transformation. Black Walnut will undergo a full renovation and reopen on February 14, 2026, as Dougla, an Indo-Caribbean restaurant inspired by and honoring Chef Black’s grandmother, Elizabeth.

New Arrivals & Future Bites in OKC

The culinary scene is not just about farewells; several exciting new restaurants have recently opened or are preparing to launch, bringing fresh flavors and concepts to Oklahoma City.

Bar None

Opened on October 7, 2025, Bar None, from the team behind Nonesuch, is a new wine bar located at 801 N. Hudson Ave. Focusing on North American wines, including selections from Mexico and Canada, Bar None combines bar snack simplicity with sustainable practices, offering sandwiches on house-milled bread and other curated delights.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Palo Alto-based chain Mountain Mike’s Pizza is set to open its first Oklahoma location in Midwest City in November 2025, at 5855 SE 15th St. This new spot will feature an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar, a kids’ arcade, and big-screen TVs for game days, with local franchisees planning more locations statewide.

MAHT by Chef Kevin Lee

Celebrated Food Network chef Kevin Lee is preparing to open his newest restaurant, MAHT, at 519 NW 23 St, Suite 111. While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, MAHT will blend Lee’s Korean heritage with the classic American steakhouse experience, offering seafood options like tuna tataki and sweet shrimp crudo, alongside various beef and lamb chops.

Shake Shack at OAK

The highly anticipated Shake Shack is slated to open its first Oklahoma City location on November 19, 2025, at the upscale OAK shopping district. 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 Dining Scene at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About OKC’s Food Scene

• What kind of cuisine will Dougla offer?
  Dougla will be an Indo-Caribbean restaurant, a new concept from James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Black, inspired by his grandmother.
• Where can I find the new Shake Shack in Oklahoma City?
  The first Shake Shack location in OKC is opening at the OAK development, an upscale shopping district in northwest Oklahoma City.
• Are all Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler locations closing?
  No, only the Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar location at 421 W I-240 Service Road is closing. Other Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler establishments will remain open.
• What makes Bar None unique for wine lovers?
  Bar None focuses on North American wines, featuring carefully curated selections by the bottle and glass from regions like Mexico and Canada, offering a unique tasting experience.
• When is Chef Kevin Lee’s new restaurant, MAHT, expected to open?
  MAHT does not have a set opening date yet, but it’s anticipated to open soon, bringing a Korean-American steakhouse concept to OKC.

As OKC’s food scene continues to evolve, make sure to explore the new flavors arriving and support the local businesses that define our city’s vibrant culinary character.

OKC Dining Scene Transforms With Recent Closures