In the past, I've gone straight off of manager's of other restaurants so I'm not doing that anymore. This time I went straight to the VP of Real Estate and Development Michael Hatcher and asked him if there was any chance there would be a Chuy's in the OKC area ever and got the response below. For those of you that don't know, Chuy's is a Tex-Mex place in Texas (and a couple of other states). Some may not think it's the greatest place in the world, but it's head and shoulders better than Ted's.

"Mike,

My brokers are looking at potential sites in OKC for Chuy's. I don't have anything nailed down at this point, so it will probably be early 2012 before I have one open.

Thanks,

Michael"

http://www.chuys.com

We need this why? How many Mexican restaurants do we need?

We need this why? How many Mexican restaurants do we need?Shoulda known the first reply was gonna be somebody bitching. You can't do anything without someone crying like a school girl anymore. If you don't want more Mexican restaurants, buy up all the land so they can't build them.

Shoulda known the first reply was gonna be somebody bitching. You can't do anything without someone crying like a school girl anymore. If you don't want more Mexican restaurants, buy up all the land so they can't build them.

lighten up, francis... it was suggested that maybe okc has plenty of mexican food options already. agree or disagree, it's a point that is at least worthy of discussion. i don't think anybody intended to diss your favorite pick. -M

Chuys is better Tex-Mex than many but it is NOT the be all end all. I have eaten at several and they are good but I am not going to get all bubbly about them. Now if Blue Mesa was to arrive you would get my attention.

Chuys is better Tex-Mex than many but it is NOT the be all end all. I have eaten at several and they are good but I am not going to get all bubbly about them. Now if Blue Mesa was to arrive you would get my attention. Agree. I also think Mi Cocina would do well.

Shoulda known the first reply was gonna be somebody bitching. You can't do anything without someone crying like a school girl anymore. If you don't want more Mexican restaurants, buy up all the land so they can't build them.

Holy crap, dude. I'm not "bitching." Chill. It's the holidays. We have a plethora of Mexican and Tex-Mex establishments that are quite good. I don't see why we need another chain like On The Border in the area. But, if you like it, that's fine.

For the record, I adore Mexican and Tex Mex food. Ask Midtowner. I have eaten at a lot of local and chain establishments offering this cuisine, some good and some bad. I just didn't see anything on Chuy's menu that made me want to go there. Wooooo another steak burrito. Didn't see the big deal.

This made my day! I love Chuys! I used to eat there all the time when I was on business trips to Houston! I was a regular! They are ten times better than Ted's! It is true Tex-Mex!

Great news. We always stop at one in Dallas, Waco, or Austin on our trips back to the Hill Country. Love their queso and fish tacos.

Shoot. Y'all be talkin' up Tex-Mex. I dinna notice which forum and thought maybe the lil' guy was gonna open for a Chelsea show.

I'll go brood somewhere else.

Chuy's is average, MOR Tex-Mex. Almost without exception, national or regional chains truck their major ingredients from frozen warehouses. That's why El Charrito ruled and El Chico drools.

FYI: if you're in Dallas sometime, make time to go to Mia's on Lemmon Ave just west of Wycliff. Best Tex-Mex since El Charrito on Paseo. Also, I'm keen to try the Tex-Mex in Chickasha that was discussed on another recent restaurant thread.

Buen provecho!

We need this why? How many Mexican restaurants do we need?

Because Chuy's is a fillion times better than half the crap served up in OKC considered Tex Mex.

Just go to Abel's Mexican Restaurant.. You'll never want to eat anywhere ever again

Because Chuy's is a fillion times better than half the crap served up in OKC considered Tex Mex.

And that is a matter of opinion. Food is like art: it's subjective. If the OP likes it, and you like it, then Chuy's can be happy with that. I'm not going to be knocking down their door, though, because there are so many places to go for that sort of thing.

And that is a matter of opinion. Food is like art: it's subjective. If the OP likes it, and you like it, then Chuy's can be happy with that. I'm not going to be knocking down their door, though, because there are so many places to go for that sort of thing.

Whoopty freaking doo. Your own loss.

Whoopty freaking doo. Your own loss.

I think it's kind of funny how defensive people get over a restaurant. It may be my loss, but somehow, I think I'll manage to go on living...

I think it's kind of funny how defensive people get over a restaurant. It may be my loss, but somehow, I think I'll manage to go on living...

Me too. The best Mexican places are the mom and pop one stop restaurants and Chuys ain't it.

And that is a matter of opinion. Food is like art: it's subjective. If the OP likes it, and you like it, then Chuy's can be happy with that. I'm not going to be knocking down their door, though, because there are so many places to go for that sort of thing.
Yep, I have Chuy's all around me here in Austin and have never been impressed by the place. I haven't chosen to go to one in years, only been on happy hours since trying it a few times after first moving here seven years ago. The food is just average at best to me, better than some and not as good as many others.

I think it's kind of funny how defensive people get over a restaurant. It may be my loss, but somehow, I think I'll manage to go on living...

Complete apathy toward your ignorant opinion does not constitute being defensive of Chuy's.

Complete apathy toward your ignorant opinion does not constitute being defensive of Chuy's.

So, am I supposed to do some sort of happy dance to the chain restaurant gods every time one comes the OKC way? I'm not excited about any of the chain burger places coming our way, or any of the fried chicken places, so why should I be all excited about this one? What makes Chuy's so special, OKCMallen, since you are so into the place?

Now, if Rick Bayless decided to do a Mexican restaurant here, I'd be allllllll over that.

What makes Chuy's so special, OKCMallen, since you are so into the place?

What bandnerd said, care to express an intelligent thought or offer inapproproate platitudes?

Chuy's will be in OKC in the near future. They are opening in Tulsa soon. They already have a building which will be remolded so it should speed up things.

I'm still upset that Casa Bonita disappeared. Childhood memories destroyed forever. I mourn it daily.

This is awesome! I used to go to Chuys twice a week when I worked in Houston and Austin!

Chuy's will be in OKC in the near future. They are opening in Tulsa soon. They already have a building which will be remolded so it should speed up things.

Where are they opening in Tulsa? I know there is a Mi Cocina opening there pretty soon. I could see Mi Cocina opening in OKC or Norman in the near future. It's a great place, upscale Mexican, with multiple locations in the DFW area and one opening in Houston.

BG918,
Didn't Mi Cocina start in San Antonio? Just curious. That's the only one I have ever been to.
C. T.

Where are they opening in Tulsa? I know there is a Mi Cocina opening there pretty soon. I could see Mi Cocina opening in OKC or Norman in the near future. It's a great place, upscale Mexican, with multiple locations in the DFW area and one opening in Houston.

BG918,
Didn't Mi Cocina start in San Antonio? Just curious. That's the only one I have ever been to.
C. T.

I thought it was Dallas. There are close to a dozen here in DFW. According to their website there isn't one in SA. Not to say that there is not a local, non-chain MC there.

Skyrick,
My mistake, I was thinking of the one at the Market Place in San Antonio, and I believe it's called Mi Tierra. It isn't a franchise as far as I know, open 24 hours per day.
C. T.

I thought it was Dallas. There are close to a dozen here in DFW. According to their website there isn't one in SA. Not to say that there is not a local, non-chain MC there.

Skyrick,
My mistake, I was thinking of the one at the Market Place in San Antonio, and I believe it's called Mi Tierra. It isn't a franchise as far as I know, open 24 hours per day.
C. T.
Yes, Mi Tierra (http://www.mitierracafe.com/default.html) is a local San Antonio institution and the Market Place location is their only one. It is one of my wife's favorite places and when we are in San Antonio it is one place we usually eat at.

In the past, I've gone straight off of manager's of other restaurants so I'm not doing that anymore. This time I went straight to the VP of Real Estate and Development Michael Hatcher and asked him if there was any chance there would be a Chuy's in the OKC area ever and got the response below. For those of you that don't know, Chuy's is a Tex-Mex place in Texas (and a couple of other states). Some may not think it's the greatest place in the world, but it's head and shoulders better than Ted's.

"Mike,

My brokers are looking at potential sites in OKC for Chuy's. I don't have anything nailed down at this point, so it will probably be early 2012 before I have one open.

Thanks,

Michael"

http://www.chuys.com

Chuy's = meh. Mi Cocina, on the other hand, is damn good chain Tex-Mex.

Chuy's = meh. Mi Cocina, on the other hand, is damn good chain Tex-Mex.

Opposite, IMO, after trying both. Mi Cocina for about 15 years, Chuy's for a couple. Mi Cocina = pretentious.

Opposite, IMO, after trying both. Mi Cocina for about 15 years, Chuy's for a couple. Mi Cocina = pretentious.

Dallas = The pretentious city

Now, if Rick Bayless decided to do a Mexican restaurant here, I'd be allllllll over that.

Amen. I would think especially Xoco would be a concept that is easy to put in other places than Chicago.

Dallas = The pretentious city

Another reason I don't live in Dallas.

I'm still upset that Casa Bonita disappeared. Childhood memories destroyed forever. I mourn it daily.

yes horrible food needs to be remembered ..

Mi cocina is opening on cherry street in Tulsa, for whoever it was that asked.

To Mike Simpson, the author of this thread: Is Chuy's coming to OKC or Norman, or both ? I've seen this thread and the other in the "Norman" section. Thanks.

Dallas = The pretentious city I like both Mi Cocina's and Chuys. Both are great in their own way. I would have to say Mi Cocina is probably my favorite because I want Metro to think that I am a pretentious person living in a pretentious city. LOL.....................just kidding Metro

If I was to pick the locations for a new Tex Mex restaurant, I'd look seriously at Edmond and Moore. Both are relatively underserved in that category, particularly, north Edmond. Forget NWOKC, too much market saturation, and you won't be able to compete with Ted's or Ables, both of which are excellent and have huge followings. Stay off of the Memorial corridor unless you have a truly unique and quality product. The demographics might attract you, but I don't know whether the Chamber will provide you with demos to show how many restaurants have already closed in that corridor due to market saturation.

I don't get to excited about chains either. I'm more of a keep it local type of person. That said, Edmond and Moore particularly appreciate chains, so that ought to be something you strongly consider.

I like both Mi Cocina's and Chuys. Both are great in their own way. I would have to say Mi Cocina is probably my favorite because I want Metro to think that I am a pretentious person living in a pretentious city. LOL.....................just kidding Metro

No worries. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6k-1hzdc2NU/Tb3CFGSzVsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/U8F0Px0g9FA/s1600/keep-dallas-pretentious_design.png

1492 will open their second location in about a month ..and are looing for a spot for a 3rd location

Where is 1492's 2nd location ???

So, am I supposed to do some sort of happy dance to the chain restaurant gods

Yes! Because of Chuy's Elvis Fried Chicken.

This thread made my day.

1492 will open their second location in about a month ..and are looing for a spot for a 3rd location

Good for them.

1492 will open their second location in about a month ..and are looing for a spot for a 3rd location

3rd location will be in Norman, right?

Where is 1492's 2nd location ???

according to an ad in the Gazette. . . .Britton and Penn in Casady Square.

according to an ad in the Gazette. . . .Britton and Penn in Casady Square.

Horrible location IMO

Horrible location IMO

I feel the same way about the location. Casady Square doesn't get much attention.

1492 will open their second location in about a month ..and are looing for a spot for a 3rd location

I hate to say this, as I do like their food, but I have a strong feeling that this will fail.

So anyway... Where is the Chuy's location opening? Specific - Norman (where) and/or OKC (&where?)

Thanks

according to an ad in the Gazette. . . .Britton and Penn in Casady Square.

As a "Village Person" I hate to say that [they will fail] too.
But Cassady Square seems to be nearly as bad as West Memorial for killing restarants.
(Think about Perri's Pizza for just a moment . . .)

I've been intending to try 1492 for a long time. I wonder if they will be open for a short while in the old Chinese place or the former Jimmy's Egg location. Perri's old spot is a bit small. With "challenging" parking.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20111115_53_E1_CUTLIN815893


By KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer
Published: 11/15/2011**2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/15/2011**3:55 AM

A Tex-Mex restaurant chain plans to make its Oklahoma debut early next year in Tulsa.

Austin, Texas-based Chuy's will open a location at 10808 E. 71st St. near U.S. 169.

"We're not the normal Tex-Mex restaurant with a cantina theme," said Hillary Delling, marketing manager for Chuy's. "We play rock 'n' roll music. We have crazy pictures on the wall. It's fun and family-friendly."

Company officials are hoping to open the restaurant as early as mid-February.

Chuy's will occupy the former site of New World Buffet, an Asian-theme restaurant that recently closed.

Delling said Chuy's is known for being a casual restaurant that serves huge portions for a low price. Most entree items are under $10, she said.

One of the popular menu items is called "Burrito as Big as Yo' Face."

"We like to size good portions at a phenomenal value," Delling said.

The restaurant is also known for its "Nacho Trunk," a nacho bar nested inside of an actual car trunk, as well as an "Elvis Shrine" at each location.

Chuy's will also have an outdoor patio.

The company started in Austin in 1982 as a former barbecue restaurant turned Tex-Mex chain. Through the 1990s it opened locations in Texas before spreading to the Southeast in recent years.

The Tulsa location will be the 32nd for the company.

Delling said the restaurant tries to incorporate a rock 'n' roll vibe to counter traditional old west Mexico themes at other restaurants.

"We had heard great things about Tulsa from our real estate people," Delling said. "I had heard that Tulsa had a little Austin feel. We went downtown and it was really rejuvenated."

The Tulsa restaurant will seat about 270 customers and employ 170 to 180 people. Hiring will take place about six weeks before it opens.


Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20111115_53_E1_CUTLIN815893

according to an ad in the Gazette. . . .Britton and Penn in Casady Square.

awesome, close to my house, we'll be going to see them!

Thanks for the info - Any news on the OKC area?

My post on 9-23 is confirmed in this thread. woot!

For those keeping score, another point for Tulsa over Okc. Tulsa continues to bring in the national/regional companies first and Okc is an afterthought.

Love this quote from the Chuy's marketing manager ....
"We had heard great things about Tulsa from our real estate people," Delling said. "I had heard that Tulsa had a little Austin feel. We went downtown and it was really rejuvenated."

now tulsa only needs is to actually increase its population instead of leveling out and in certain areas decrease :(

Favorite Chuy's menu item: Southwestern Enchiladas. Homemade blue corn tortillas stacked with freshly-roasted, hand-pulled chicken, cheese & Green Chile sauce, topped with a fried egg. I usually substitute shredded brisket for the chicken. Think...a Denko's Darlin' gone to Santa Fe.

BTW, is Denko's still open? I've been out of the OKC area for 25 yrs.

Favorite Chuy's menu item: Southwestern Enchiladas. Homemade blue corn tortillas stacked with freshly-roasted, hand-pulled chicken, cheese & Green Chile sauce, topped with a fried egg. I usually substitute shredded brisket for the chicken. Think...a Denko's Darlin' gone to Santa Fe.

BTW, is Denko's still open? I've been out of the OKC area for 25 yrs.

Closed long, long ago. There have been places open claiming to want to bring back the Darlin' but they weren't authentic and didn't last long..

For those keeping score, another point for Tulsa over Okc. Tulsa continues to bring in the national/regional companies first and Okc is an afterthought.

Love this quote from the Chuy's marketing manager ....

afterthought? really? LOL