View Full Version : First Edition Cafe at Downtown Library opens



Steve
07-27-2007, 08:37 PM
For those of you interested in the cafe's progress, it opens Saturday, July 28 with an meet and greet with local authors (Jack Money and I are among invited guests). It starts at noon and runs through 1:30 p.m.
-Steve

Doug Loudenback
07-28-2007, 06:12 AM
For those of you interested in the cafe's progress, it opens Saturday, July 28 with an meet and greet with local authors (Jack Money and I are among invited guests). It starts at noon and runs through 1:30 p.m.
-Steve
See ya there! I'm bringing a "Stump the Expert" question ... what was the location of this building?

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/trains/katydepots.jpg

metro
07-30-2007, 08:44 AM
Wow. I rode my bicycle over there last week and although progress was made, it looked like they had a long way to go. Glad to see this place finally open, even if it was years after it was first scheduled to open.

BailJumper
07-30-2007, 10:13 AM
I'm sure the homeless population will enjoy the added amenities next door the OKC's most expensive homeless shelter, aka the Library.

Doug Loudenback
07-30-2007, 01:13 PM
Not sure what your inuendos are meant to say, BailJumper. Can you clarify what you mean?

JerzeeGrlinOKC
07-30-2007, 01:40 PM
I'm sure the homeless population will enjoy the added amenities next door the OKC's most expensive homeless shelter, aka the Library.

Bailjumper, I surely hope you are not trying to lambaste the existence of a nice downtown library just because you may have seen homeless people in and around the area. Every time I've been there I found it to be clean, pleasant, and a generally safe environment. I saw a couple of homeless people down in the lobby a few times (I can count them on one hand), but no homeless people in the library itself, at least not obvious ones. And as long as they are not loitering in a corner (I've never seen that), everyone has the right to be there.

Regardless, I think the downtown library is a wonderful thing for downtown OKC, and I'm so glad to hear that the cafe is opening. I'll have to check it out.

And what do you expect, its downtown, and its a hot summer. It happens in all city libraries, its just a fact of urban life. It doesn't mean that improvement or care of city libraries should be ignored or downplayed (because this is how I interpreted your quote). More options need to be available for the homeless (like decent long-term care mental institutions, better state, county, or city run homeless shelters and drug/alcohol treatment programs, or better unemployment-to-work programs), which would be the real issue.

BailJumper
07-31-2007, 09:40 AM
Trust me, I utilize the library and their free conference rooms weekly. And, yes it is FULL of homelesss people. Talk to the policeman at the front counter. The one I talked to said he spends his whole day waking them up from inside the library and in the bathrooms.

I never said the library was not very nice. As a matter of fact I called it the most expensive homeless shelter in the city.

If you spend as much time there as I often do, you'd see them lined up on the computers. Many looking at borderline porn (gay and straight) and playing games all day. Also, take a wiff of the chairs - not pleasant.

Get as liberal as you want - it is still a homeless shelter.

hipsterdoofus
07-31-2007, 06:56 PM
Actually, first edition WANTED to open Saturday but I believe the city did not get out for inspections last Friday. They are fully inspected as of today. I'm not sure exactly what that means as far as opening. Looked like they weren't quite ready at 4:30 today, but they were waiting to pass all inspections before they got everything moved in. Should be within days now.

BailJumper
08-01-2007, 04:53 AM
Anyone know what their menu consists of and prices?

I look forward to another choice when in the area.

hipsterdoofus
08-01-2007, 10:05 AM
I could possibly pass that on to you. The cafe should be opening Saturday the 4th or Monday the 6th to the general public.

metro
08-01-2007, 10:56 AM
So is it open or not? The title and the first post states it opened on July 28th, you state it is opening within the next week. Which is it or is anyone certain?

Steve
08-01-2007, 12:52 PM
The library system intended Saturday to be the opening of the cafe. Inspection delays got in the way of that, and the event was catered instead. Sorry - I didn't know until after it was over.
-Steve

hipsterdoofus
08-03-2007, 02:57 PM
The cafe had a soft opening for library staff - I believe it will open to the public tomorrow, Sunday, or Monday....I will try to post a menu shortly.

metro
08-03-2007, 03:21 PM
well hipsterdoofus, can you tell us anything about your soft opening? How is the food, price, menu selection, ambiance?

hipsterdoofus
08-03-2007, 08:51 PM
Well, I didn't stay in there for long - I'd say the prices are probably comparable for a similar location - food selections are about $6-9, I don't recall all the drink prices. I tried to scan in the menu, but the one I had was pretty small and it didn't scan very well. It seemed like a nice enough place, a bit pricier than I typically pay, but hopefully it will work out.

I could possibly pass along more info Monday-ish

metro
08-07-2007, 08:14 AM
any more updates hipsterdoofus? menu selection/items? type of drinks, etc?

hipsterdoofus
08-07-2007, 09:14 AM
I have a menu right here, but its tiny so it doesn't scan well - The menu consists mainly of sandwiches, soup, and coffee. All of the sandwich names have a book/author theme and are quite good. One item on the menu is the "Reader's Choice" in which you get a 1/2 sandwich and a coup of soup or a house salad for $6.95 (just to give you a basic idea of prices.

Unfortunately, the menu I have does not have the coffee prices on it, but I don't think they are too bad, certainly no worse than a starbucks. Sorry I don't have a bigger description, but it IS open to the public now, so you all need to make a run over!

Doug Loudenback
08-07-2007, 08:56 PM
I had to work on Sunday and so after that walked over to the Library ... tried out the 1st Edition Cafe. It's a small area off of the rotunda area ... and not quite ready to go ... only parts of its menu were available ... I had an "Oddysey" (sandwiches don't come with chips, and, in fact, they didn't have any available yet) ... cleverly put-together menu, but, for the price, my socks weren't knocked off at all. Walk a block north of the library to Subway and get better food and cheaper, for sure (at least, as to what I had). My opinion.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/libraries/1stedition01.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/libraries/1stedition02.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/libraries/1stedition03.jpg

metro
08-08-2007, 07:42 AM
Thanks Doug! That's rather odd you didn't get chips with your sandwich, especially since the menu says above the sandwiches "served with chips". You figure they could go to Wal-Mart and have a few bags ready to go until they are fully up and running.

BailJumper
08-09-2007, 06:13 AM
Well, I stopped in this week. I literally stood there for at least 3 minutes and not a one of their staff said "hello", "welcome", "can I help you?" or anything. And, yes, I was the only patron in the place and their three employees were just standing at the register looking at a magazine.

I asked what the sandwiches came with and they told me "a bag of chips." So, I am assuming they had them.

I told them I was just checking the new place out. I got a chuckle when the guy told me "A lot of people are turned off by our prices, but the bread is really big!"

GREAT - I can buy a whole loaf of really good big bread for a couple of bucks.

A $9 sandwich with a bar of off the shelf chips - no thank you.

I'll take Subway or Quizno's any day for alot less.

hipsterdoofus
08-09-2007, 09:08 AM
I asked what the sandwiches came with and they told me "a bag of chips." So, I am assuming they had them.

For some reason they opened up over the weekend before they had everything. I know they didn't have chips Sunday as a coworker told me he had the same issue. I believe they have more stuff available today.

I also think the prices are high, but at the same time, I don't think its fair to say they are a lot more expensive that other places in the city (although I don't personally eat at those places).

I hope that it works out.

Midtowner
08-09-2007, 09:12 AM
They have to be expensive in order to keep the homeless out.

BailJumper
08-09-2007, 09:22 AM
They have to be expensive in order to keep the homeless out.

Speaking of. At 4:30pm yesterday (when I visited) there was one homeless guy asleep in the men's room stall (you could hear him snoring) and another one "bathing" in the sink with a nasty old towel. Yummy!

Doug Loudenback
08-09-2007, 10:56 AM
For some reason they opened up over the weekend before they had everything. I know they didn't have chips Sunday as a coworker told me he had the same issue. I believe they have more stuff available today.

I also think the prices are high, but at the same time, I don't think its fair to say they are a lot more expensive that other places in the city (although I don't personally eat at those places).

I hope that it works out.
Well, considering that there is a Subway 1/2 block north of the library which has good (better, I think) sandwiches at a cheaper price, the library cafe might want to consider the next door neighbor competition.

metro
08-09-2007, 12:34 PM
Sounds like if they keep this up they will be out of business shortly. I sure would like to see something succeed in that spot, but they better get their act together.

hipsterdoofus
08-09-2007, 08:34 PM
Speaking of. At 4:30pm yesterday (when I visited) there was one homeless guy asleep in the men's room stall (you could hear him snoring) and another one "bathing" in the sink with a nasty old towel. Yummy!

Did you bother telling security? Its likely to continue if you don't...

BailJumper
08-10-2007, 05:25 AM
Did you bother telling security? Its likely to continue if you don't...

I'm not the library hall monitor. And, like I said before, the security/police are more than aware of the homeless issues in that building.

Personally, I don't think this particular business will make it.

I think a real coffee house in the spirit and look of Java Dave's/Star Bucks could make it. It would be a welcome retreat for those at the courthouse and living in the Park Harvey or on break from meetings/classes in the library.

First Edition is currently just too sterile looking and the prices are too high. Not inviting at all.

metro
08-10-2007, 07:19 AM
Bailjumper, that's pretty sad when you're outpricing Starbucks for about the same product and yet lack the atmosphere. Unfortunately I agree with you, I don't think this place will be around long. Read the article below, we felt this was the right tenant?? Come on, you took 2 years longer than you anticipated to get the space filled, what were you doing in that time? No competition? Look across the street at Subway, Quizno's is just around the corner and City Bites is adjacent across the street in Leadership Square along with Ground Floor Cafe. Geez it's obvious this guy didn't do his homework.





Cafe opens in downtown OKC library

August 10, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new café serving food, coffee and snacks opened Monday at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library in Oklahoma City.

Eddie Hartwick, co-owner of Edmond-based The Catering Company, opened the 1st Edition Café & Espresso Bar in about 800 square feet on the library’s ground floor.“The building was always designed to have a café,” said Candace McDaniel, headquarters manager for the Metropolitan Library. “We just finally found the right person and the right situation and we’re just so glad to have them.”Hartwick said the focus will be on fresh sandwiches and soups as well as several varieties of coffee drinks.

The café is hoping to provide downtown customers some different food and drink options.“We were trying to look around us downtown and ask what’s really not here?” Hartwick said.Another focus will be the coffee, which the café is purchasing in small batches from Neighbors Coffee.“I want to do the best cup of coffee anybody can do, period,” Hartwick said.

hipsterdoofus
08-10-2007, 07:34 AM
I'm not the library hall monitor. And, like I said before, the security/police are more than aware of the homeless issues in that building.

Personally, I don't think this particular business will make it.

I think a real coffee house in the spirit and look of Java Dave's/Star Bucks could make it. It would be a welcome retreat for those at the courthouse and living in the Park Harvey or on break from meetings/classes in the library.

First Edition is currently just too sterile looking and the prices are too high. Not inviting at all.


Unfortunately the library's hands are tied as far as "throwing out" all homeless people - you just can't do that - but if you'd prefer not to see people abusing the restrooms, it would be nice if you told someone, but i guess if you aren't concerned with improving the situation, thats your deal.

BailJumper
08-10-2007, 10:24 AM
I never said anything about kicking out the homeless. I agree they should have equal access. i simply pointed out the fact this is where a lot of homeless people gather. I'm also told that as the heat rises the problem is getting worse as the homeless seek shelter from the 100 degree weather.

Me narking out a guy washing his face in the sink or getting some ZZZZZZzzzz's on the toilet doesn't change anything and wastes my time.


Seriously, if a Starbucks moved in that spot, I'd patronize it.

BailJumper
08-31-2007, 08:11 AM
Okay - the wife and I have eaten here 3 times now total (wife 2x, me 1x).

She had the salad and soup both times for about $3.5. I had the half sandwich (Iliad) and a coke.

She said her's was pretty good with the Mango dressing and the price was okay. I however paid just over $7 for a sandwich I could have made at home.

The counter person said business was VERY slow.

I think they will price themselves out of business before next summer unless they make changes FAST!

Chefdavies
01-16-2008, 01:16 PM
Have you eaten in the cafe lately? Foot traffic has picked up dramtically. The homeless situation is not as bad as you put it bailjumper. Everytime I visit (one a week) there always seems to be atleast 4-5 ppl inside eating. The other day it was packed and I had to wait IN LINE...Which was fine with me because I needed one of their reubens. Yum yum... One of the chefs I talked with said the menus will change some in the coming month ie more vegitarian options. I just wanted to give a positive post for this cafe, it seemed like only negative ones have been posted.

metro
01-16-2008, 09:45 PM
They have chefs to make sandwiches?

Chefdavies
03-04-2008, 07:42 PM
Yes sir, Mariah the manager is certified by the ACF, and from what I understand another employee is at Platt getting his associates in culinary arts.

hyamsx3
03-18-2008, 07:58 AM
I'm the security manager for the library system. If you ever have a problem, please notify security. It is our goal to make and keep the libraries in OKC an inviting location for everyone. Despite the perception, the homeless in our libraries are just looking for a safe place and do not cause problems for the most part. If you see someone bathing, drinking alcohol, or looking at inappropriate websites, you simply can alert a library employee to the issue and we will take care of it. We want your visit to be pleasant.

BailJumper
03-22-2008, 05:59 PM
I've stopped in to 1st edition three times lately - 2 mornings and one afternoon.

Gotta say, the breakfast sandwiches look and taste like something in a wrapper from 7-11. My lunch sandwich was pretty good though. The prices are better, they have a good free internet connection and the couple of homeless people I saw in there were quiet and kept to themselves. Staff is pretty friendly and overall an improvement over their first go-round. I've never seen a line when I've been there and I was told that though things are picking up, business is still underwhelming.

Hopefully it makes it, but I still have my doubts. My biggest fear is if they move out, the space becomes a glorified concession stand.

As for the library - again, it is what it is - Lots of homeless, seats that smell like a men's room but a very friendly staff, gorgeous decor and lots of books.

BailJumper
04-11-2008, 08:17 AM
Okay, I'm officially writing 1st Edition off my list of places to eat.

Stopped by again the other day for a danish and coffee while waiting for the Courthouse to open.

I was in line behind 3 other people. I was thinking "this is a good sign, they have a line." But, then I noticed something that totally turned me off - so much so I left without ordering.

The guy behind the counter (older balding guy) was taking money, making change and touching everything without ever washing his hands. Even touching the baked goods and breakfast sandwiches. No gloves, no hand washing, NOTHING!

Not to harp on the homeless (the one in line was polite and quiet), but his clothes were a wreck and stained. He pulled his cash out of his pocket, picked some debris, hair etc. out of the wad of cash and paid the guy. The guy then started grabbing bread, making orders, etc. with the same hands that had touched that nasty money.

GROSSSSSSSSS!

kevinpate
04-11-2008, 08:48 AM
.oO(Sorry, but that, and more, exists in many establishments, even if unseen)Oo.

BailJumper
04-11-2008, 02:06 PM
oO(Sorry, but that, and more, exists in many establishments, even if unseen)Oo.

What's your point? It happens elsewhere so go ahead and eat at a place with blatant disregard for customer's health?

kevinpate
04-11-2008, 05:11 PM
My point was just as I noted ... what you saw happens a lot, even if unseen. Maybe I've overread what you wrote, but the 'NOTHING!' suggested, at least to me, you viewed the conduct as something out of the ordinary.

As for me, the growing absence of customer service, no, strike that, not merely poor service, but a general absence of even basic customer concern, has led me to eat in more and more with each passing month.

Chefdavies
04-17-2008, 09:44 AM
change

EvokeCoffee
04-17-2008, 09:55 AM
I have been hearing about this place since the Library was in the planning stages. I have heard that it was a coffee and sandwhich place. I have looking through the thread - briefly - but don't see much talk about the beverage side of things.

Are they a coffee shop style cafe? What type of drinks do they have available?

I also would be curious about eating there. I assume you can just walk in? I have not had a chance to even stop at the Library yet but I think it is a cool building and I'm glad they did something like that downtown.

My apologies if this is going back to the beginning!

Chefdavies
04-17-2008, 10:16 AM
The cafe has a full espresso menu. I think about 25 different flavorings for your lattes, or caps. You can walk in off the street or through the library. They offer sandwiches, wraps and salads. Their soups are homemade and are quite good, imo. If you read some of the other posts you might get a negative opinion on the cafe. While it has had some low lights it is getting better. I eat in there about 2-3 week. I talk with the manager mariah quite often and she says business is picking up. They also offer catering if you have an event in the library.

metro
04-17-2008, 10:19 AM
Evoke, keep in mind that when the library was in the planning stages, they did not know who the operator would be or exactly the "full" concept of it, although it was to include sandwich/deli style fare and coffee. The library being a public agency, had to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals). This company is the one who won, but according to most reviews, it may not last. I have yet to go to Full Edition though.

Chefdavies
04-17-2008, 10:28 AM
What's your point? It happens elsewhere so go ahead and eat at a place with blatant disregard for customer's health?

With regards to blatant disregard of a customer's health, yes this sounds bad, but it happens more than you think. While the food industry does all that it can to make food preparation, and food service safe. I learned all about it. But the idea that your complaining about this one place is funny almost. It almost looks like you are turning a blind eye and the other establishments you have frequented.

Shall we take a trip and open this box? I'll start. Do you know who all has touched that pastry before this gentlemen? How about who touched the carton that it was shipped in? Or even better who or made the cardboard? Bascially it comes down you put your trust into the ppl that serve your food. I trust just about everyone. Case in point, I use to go to a chinese place on may ave. I will admit i found a roach on the lid on my drink. I asked for another drink never got sick, ever. But I have been sick many times by taco bell, and company with more safetly stadards than this chinese place.

All, I'm tryin to say is its widespread. While the Health dept will throw one place under the bus, and look over another (I was in the dept the other day, there was a 6 page document with businesses that were past their inspections). Basically, you can live your life being scared or just relax bc you think that pastry has potientially harmful bacteria, what about the lip of that snapple you just bought from the 7-11??? wow I really rambled there


Good day

BailJumper
04-17-2008, 12:36 PM
My point was that if the person greeting you either doesn't know or doesn't care about safe food handling, then imagine what else they do.

I know all too well what goes on in food prep. I still can't eat at those mall cookie places because I knew two high school friends who used to take particular delight in what gross things they could put into the cookie dough (boogers, spit, crap they'd sweep up, etc.).

I prefer to patronize in those places that reassure my denial!

Chefdavies
04-18-2008, 08:31 AM
Ahh...makes me think a certain movie "waiting," It shows the very bad side of sanitation in the food industry.

Blazerfan11
04-18-2008, 09:26 AM
What happened to that Brew haha coffee place btw?

metro
04-18-2008, 09:55 AM
It went out of business at New Years. Not enough foot traffic. It's kind of off the beaten path. If you read the thread on it, there's more info on it there.

murphyslaw
01-12-2009, 10:53 PM
I'm new to OKC Talk. Was just browsing around and found this old thread on the 1st Edition Cafe. I wasn't around when the cafe opened, but apparently it went through it's growing pains. And I'm glad I've met it in its stage right now! :) They have an email list that I'm on that the manager sends out any time they change the soups or specials. And I have to say that their soups are great! I look forward to Mulligatawny every time it's announced! And it goes fast, trust me!

I'm also a big fan of Big Sky Breads on North Western. And the 1st Edition gets their pastries and granola from them. So that's a plus for me.

Reading this old thread, perhaps there were some issues in the beginning. But I'm a student so I'm in the library a lot these days. And I have no complaints about the cafe. I think it was a wonderful idea. Just wish they stayed open longer in the evening.