View Full Version : What's missing in OKC?



mike
10-03-2005, 10:00 AM
I'm considering opening my own business in the OKC metro area. My wife and I have many interests, but we're trying to discover what it is that OKC "needs" (prefferably in the Leisure industry). Obviously, there are plenty of theatres, arcades, etc. What does OKC need?

karlanee
10-03-2005, 10:02 AM
How about a NASCAR Simulator arcade similar to the one in Katy, Tx?

jdsplaypin
10-03-2005, 11:28 AM
I think we should "STEER" away from the NASCAR image. I don't want to discard your opinion Karlanee, i personally think it would be a fun idea, but NASCAR has never been a name i'd be endorsing. With that said, i think OKC could use a lot of fun ideas, but the majority of those would take alot of money to set up. What about Paddle boats on the Oklahoma River?

Karried
10-03-2005, 11:34 AM
How about a Family Miniature Golf Course complete with arcades and snack bar? ( we played at Branson this week and had so much fun)

karlanee
10-03-2005, 11:49 AM
I was just thinking of how many NASCAR fans there are in this area. I don't think think NASCAR is something to be ashamed of. But that's just my opinion. I don't have anything to back that up, it's just what I think.

Paddle boats would be a LOT of fun!

The large mini-golf idea is a great one too. I'd go for either one of those. I think something along the river would be a great thing.

jbrown84
10-03-2005, 06:19 PM
I think Bricktown needs one of those really nice Miniature Golf courses like they have in Branson and tourist-trap places like that. I love those kind of mini golf courses and we don't have one anywhere around here.

I'll try to think of some more ideas.

TStheThird
10-03-2005, 06:25 PM
Last time I was around Kansas City, I drove some Go-Karts on an indoor tracked that had a top speed of 60 mph. I topped out at 49. It was unreal. You had to wear a neck brace and helmet. It was a hell of a time. After you finish, they give you a print out of all your time splits. We could use one of those.

There is a really nice mini golf course in Edmond called Put Around on Bryant.

Karried
10-03-2005, 06:25 PM
Miniature golf courses aren't just tourist traps, they are meant for families to enjoy time together... we had a lot of fun...

Patrick
10-03-2005, 06:36 PM
Mike, first off I commend you for wanting to start a new business in OKC. Of course, most of us here would probably suggest Bricktown, but I will tell you from a business sense that Bricktown is currently a risky market. But, if you market well and offer a good product, Bricktown could offer you more money than any other area in town. You just need to understand the Bricktown market and play it right.

I definitely agree with the idea of a high quality miniature golf course in Bricktown. Working with Urban Renewal and possibly developing such an attraction on the South Canal (a more park-like setting) might be a good fit. The closest mini golf course is at I-40 and Meridian....that's not too far, but it's your typical run of the mill Celebration Station mini golf course. A high quality mini golf course in Bricktown, that really encompasses the history of the area, would probably be an automatic success.

What Bricktown really needs is a unique book store. Opening such a store and making it unique, complete with a coffee shop, would definitely be a huge hit in Bricktown.

A downtown grocery store is drastically needed. You wouldn't have to compete with Wal-Mart down there, so you'd have the market all to yourself. Modeling it after Kamps on Classen and 23rd would be great! Residential population downtown is growing and there's definitely a need there.

fromdust
10-03-2005, 08:38 PM
I'm considering opening my own business in the OKC metro area. My wife and I have many interests, but we're trying to discover what it is that OKC "needs" (prefferably in the Leisure industry). Obviously, there are plenty of theatres, arcades, etc. What does OKC need?


i dont have many ideas right now, but you mentioned there are too many arcades. there are? there are a few and they are not very good. oh, how bout a dave and busters!?

jdsplaypin
10-03-2005, 08:57 PM
I know this will get ALOT of criticism & doesn't really apply to this thread BUT an Eskimo Joes in Bricktown would be unique in my opinion.

MadMonk
10-03-2005, 09:28 PM
How about a Family Miniature Golf Course complete with arcades and snack bar? ( we played at Branson this week and had so much fun)
Excellent idea. I have fond memories of going to Putt-putt as a child.

floater
10-03-2005, 09:33 PM
A second on the Bricktown bookstore and fourth ;) on the miniature golf course.
How about a place for other games such as bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes, or a giant chessboard? These things could be added in small areas like alleys or current parking lots. They don't have to be added as part of a business, but maybe as special projects provided and managed by the city, Downtown OKC, or the Bricktown Association. The land south of OKC rocks on the riverbank would be nice.

I think there's a misconception that any retail that goes into Bricktown must be Oklahoma touristy -- a la cowboys and indians. Why can't we have retail that is just high quality and unique-- such as a gallery specializing in surrealist art, or a mystery bookstore, or antique shop? Or a record store with an owner with an encyclopedic mind and selection to match? If you want to start a retail business in Bricktown, find a fun product you know very well, have lots of it, and be willing to be a showman. Hold events like readings or talks or whatever -- educate and entertain people on subjects related to your product.

Anyway, I always think Bricktown could use more entertainment such as improvisational comedy, another arthouse movie theater, magic shows, a cafe to watch TV outside of sports (with themed nights, such as "Lost" Wednesdays). Anything interactive (games, participatory theater, dance lessons, etc) is sorely needed in Bricktown. But again, make sure it is done well, with an expertise you can share.

dirtrider73068
10-03-2005, 09:34 PM
We need another better putt-putt place around here. In norman we have perfect swing and its a shotty place, plain jane putt-putt greens noo fun in it. If there is a place to be opened why not on south side okc. Why does everything have to be in bricktown or on the canal.

MadMonk
10-03-2005, 09:51 PM
Here's an idea. Rooftop putt-putt. Have various holes on the bricktown rooftops. Connect them with walkways between rooftops - nothing fancy, but just very safe. There's enough building density to do a decent 18-hole course. It could be themed in any number of ways. Of course thats probably waaaay too expensive, but it would definately be unique. :Smiley199

floater
10-03-2005, 09:58 PM
Here's an idea. Rooftop putt-putt. Have various holes on the bricktown rooftops. Connect them with walkways between rooftops - nothing fancy, but just very safe. There's enough building density to do a decent 18-hole course. It could be themed in any number of ways. Of course thats probably waaaay too expensive, but it would definately be unique. :Smiley199

Sounds pretty cool.

gbyte
10-03-2005, 10:48 PM
What OKC really needs is a Fudruckers! :)

Unique places, let's do it:

1) Candlestick bowling. Been to one in Boston, you get 3 shotput-sized wooden balls and the pins are like candlesticks and you get 3 tries to knock 'em all down

2) Dave & Busters

3) Good pool hall...closest I've found so far is Bricktown Brewery

...for some reason I'm drawing a blank tonight even though I can usually think of 'em much easier than right now :|

BG918
10-04-2005, 12:44 AM
OKC needs more urban housing in and around downtown. Period. Once that is in place the retail/dining developments will follow. Mixed-use urban developments are what this city needs the most.

mike
10-04-2005, 07:45 AM
wow. you all have been very insightful. thank you and keep the ideas coming.
so it seems that putt-putt and bookstore seem to have the highest bids. perhaps we'll do a bookstore/putt-putt combo. nah, that'd never work.
besides these, what are some other things you all would like to see?

metro
10-04-2005, 09:25 AM
Speaking of rooftop putt putt, it has been done before downtown. I cant remember the name of the building, its on the corner of Sheridan and Hudson I believe, just adjacent from the new library and just south of the Montgomery. You can still see it on the rooftop, its glassed in. That would be great to revive that again and it would be cheaper since its not in Bricktown, yet it adds entertainment in the CBD. I also like the idea of a musicstore or even better a bookstore downtown. Don't forget about the other districts such as Arts, Flatiron, Automobile Alley, Midtown, Deep Deuce and the River which are all strongly gaining momentum. Its time we diversify our downtown more. You may also consider something playing off the Hornets and having some kind of outdoor entertainment outside of the stadium like some pop a shots or something on the blocked off street, etc. We need to create an ambiance down there. I also like the idea of paddleboats on the river or some kind of boat or canoe rental. This will be a huge opportunity with a nice reward and minimal overhead or risk.

cntrykid
10-04-2005, 10:50 AM
A nice several story wooden track go cart track would be fun. We rode these while in Branson last spring and had a blast. Also a small IMAX theater would be something different for OKC.

Patrick
10-04-2005, 11:35 AM
As has already been mentioned, downtown housing is doing very well. The more downtown apartment complexes and condos, the better.

Apartments on the river are on the table.

A casino on the Oklahoma River would be nice.

Although much of the surrounding region is saturated, downtown could still use more hotel rooms.

A wax museum in one of the Bricktown warehouses might be good. The one in Laclede's Landing in St. Louis seems to do well.

Depending on how much money you have, buy White Water Bay and Frontier City and improve them! :)

A unique downtown bookstore and grocery store are probably the most highly sought after attractions at the present time.

An Oklahoma Store, selling merchandise representing the state has been suggested before. The best location would obviously be in a tourist area like Bricktown.

Patrick
10-04-2005, 11:36 AM
A bowling alley on the east side of Bricktown has been mentioned in the past.

floater
10-04-2005, 11:39 AM
And as we've already mentioned in the past too, we need a top notch niche grocery store downtown, like a Wild Oats or another Crescent Market.

Patrick
10-04-2005, 11:45 AM
Personally, I really miss Windy City Pizza in Bricktown. I enjoyed the upscale Chicago-style atmosphere that restaurant offered. We need another upscale pizza joint in Bricktown.

Patrick
10-04-2005, 11:47 AM
Here's a good one.....we really need a decent Farmer's Public Market downtown. Unfortunately, the current owners of Farmer's Public Market haven't invested the money into the facility that I had hoped.

A downtown craft village or craft mall might be a nice addition!

Patrick
10-04-2005, 11:48 AM
A hotel in the Stockyards City District would really jumpstart the revival in that area. I'd love to see us have a first class Stockyards entertainment district like that found in Ft. Worth.

mranderson
10-04-2005, 11:49 AM
A hotel in the Stockyards City District would really jumpstart the revival in that area. I'd love to see us have a first class Stockyards entertainment district like that found in Ft. Worth.

We could call it "The Cattle Prod Inn."

metro
10-04-2005, 12:34 PM
It sounds like some of you are missing the original point, a grocery store although needed does not sound to leisurely to me

mranderson
10-04-2005, 12:42 PM
It sounds like some of you are missing the original point, a grocery store although needed does not sound to leisurely to me

A grocery store is usually a very small, intimate business. A super market is the one that is large and not leisurely. There IS a difference.

Patrick
10-04-2005, 02:24 PM
I find every trip to Kamps market pure leisure.

Karried
10-04-2005, 02:39 PM
Nothing relaxes me more than a trip to my local market....the long lines. the beep, beep of the register, the crying and screaming kids... ahh, I can just feel the stress melting away....

LOL just teasing Mr Anderson......

floater
10-04-2005, 03:38 PM
I find every trip to Kamps market pure leisure.



Nothing relaxes me more than a trip to my local market....the long lines. the beep, beep of the register, the crying and screaming kids... ahh, I can just feel the stress melting away....

LOL just teasing Mr Anderson......

:LolLolLol You guys crack me up.

Leisure or not, it's needed.

A huge toy store with lots of "come try me" stuff. If Bricktown is a family entertainment district, this would help stamp that designation. Maybe something like the Crayola Store and Cafe in KC.

Or a science store like the Museum or Discovery stores.

How about a craft center sponsored by the local giant Hobby Lobby, with staff to show you how to make stuff? Maybe they could partner with the art museum and have demonstrations?

It'd also be cool to have a culinary school in Bricktown, with reduced-price gourmet cuisine and a demonstration kitchen. Purists would probably insist this be in N. Western or at least the arts district, though.

Mike, if you told us what your interests are, we can help you deduce what would be successful in Bricktown.

mike
10-04-2005, 03:43 PM
thank you all again... my interests are so varied it's ridiculous. i like the family atmosphere theme that keeps coming up though. i'm currently a minister and my wife a stay at home mom, so family is important to us. keep the ideas coming... except the grocery store ideas... you can keep those ideas.

designguy
10-04-2005, 03:49 PM
Dave and Busters PLEASE!!!

dirtrider73068
10-04-2005, 06:53 PM
Roof top putt-putt. I love it that would be cool!

metro
10-05-2005, 07:24 AM
keep the ideas coming... except the grocery store ideas... you can keep those ideas.


Exactly my point, although going to a small market may be leisurely for some consumers, it does not sound leisurely as a business owners perspective which is what he was asking for. I also do not think if you looked grocery store or local market in the phone directory that it would be under leisure or recreation. I think he was referring more to some type of entertainment

HOT ROD
10-06-2005, 12:31 PM
Here are some of my ideas.

1) Street vendors. OKC needs more streetlife in downtown, especially during Hornets/Blazers/Redhawks games and concerts. There should be performers outside of the venues and on the streets selling candy and snack dogs, as well as tourist trinkets and performing street music. This will definitely improve the urban feel of downtown and will enclose the"product" of Downtown Oklahoma City.

2) A downtown bookstore. This is greatly needed and desired. All big cities have a big downtown bookstore and OKC needs one. It could be themed or chain - although I would prefer a themed one in Bricktown vs. a chain. The rest of downtown could be available for chains and local.

3) Streetfront Retail establishments. I've mentioned this before, that downtown needs more retail on the street level of the skyscrapers. It should be filled with mom/pop restaurants, chains, boutiques, and even fast food walkups. Anything to promote/encourage/cator to pedestrian traffic in the CBD! Once again, urban feel!

4) A REAL tour company. Sure OKC has the city owned and operated Trolly system. But OKC needs a REAL tour company - like Grey Line, who is for profit and can offer a choreographed tour of the city.

5) Amusement attractions. Such as those already mentioned. We need as many attractions and diversions in downtown as possible!

6) Grocery stores. As already mentioned. With underground parking - upscale and urban!! No parking lots!

7) Pharmacy. Ditto on the parking as above.



I understand that these items may be above the investment capability of a single investor, but I think this list would completely address OKC's immediate concerns. We all have voiced our opinion about the market or mentioned improvements based on other cities' amenities - but my opinion is from a tourist's point of view. Having just returned from OKC a month ago, we were impressed with the amenities of downtown but disappointed in the lack of urban feel and offerings.

We should not have had to hop in the car to go to the pharmacy. And a tour company sure would have been a nice venue that we would have used. You guys may not think you can afford high end retail - but most visitors (like US) can. We surely would have spent $1000 or more if OKC had shopping downtown! We ended up splitting that amount between Penn Sq and Quail (5 and 15 miles from downtown).

What about fast food and regular eateries in the rest of downtown? I understand we want Bricktown to be unique and local - but walk up McDonalds (no drive thru or parking) in the CBD would do wonders!!! There should be more to offer than just the "expensive touristy" joints in Bricktown. This would create a DOWNTOWN economy that cators to EVERYONE!!

Continue the Renaissance!

Karried
10-06-2005, 12:47 PM
You know I just realized that there are NO gas stations downtown!! At least I couldn't find any while driving on Empty the other day in a panic! What gives? I finally found a Shell on Broadway and 10th (I think) ... thank goodness.

I've never run out of gas before and I didn't want to experience but seriously, I found no gas stations downtown. I thought that was strange.

mranderson
10-06-2005, 12:53 PM
You know I just realized that there are NO gas stations downtown!! At least I couldn't find any while driving on Empty the other day in a panic! What gives? I finally found a Shell on Broadway and 10th (I think) ... thank goodness.

I've never run out of gas before and I didn't want to experience but seriously, I found no gas stations downtown. I thought that was strange.

Actually, there is one. It is at the edge of Bricktown next to the Coca Cola Events Center on Reno.

metro
10-06-2005, 01:11 PM
You know I just realized that there are NO gas stations downtown!! At least I couldn't find any while driving on Empty the other day in a panic! What gives? I finally found a Shell on Broadway and 10th (I think) ... thank goodness.


Actually, there are several, there is a new one between the arts district and Midtown, there is also one on Broadway and 10th which is still downtown, there is also the one in Bricktown as well as 2 others and the streets skip me at this time, I think Reno and something near the edge of downtown over by the county jail. There is also several walk-up restaurants in the CBD but yes we do need more. The key to getting more is supporting the ones we have. I know there is Chick Fila and Subway as well as several others, there is alot of mom and pops which is even better. There is also several underground both in the conncourse and in basements and first floors of several of the office buildings. I know Leadership square also has some walk-ups.

gbyte
10-06-2005, 01:12 PM
Something that seems to be a common theme is putt-putt style but you could expand it to be like some of the places that also have a few batting cages perhaps a couple of indoor golf (not really a driving range but one of the items that helps people look at swing pattern with a given club).

Basically make it a varied sports equipment / park with different things for different people. If you could do it right outside of the Bricktown area where more land is available perhaps a small pitch 'n putt course besides just the putt-putt stuff. (I miss the pitch 'n putt course that Stillwater used to have).

You could basically rent out equipment, sell some equipment, and even have books on how to improve their games but yet still have a wide variety of activities for the different people in families.



For bookstore so many of them are getting to just be the same type of format (have some reading areas, maybe a couple group areas, with a little music section, and a franchised coffee shop). I would like to see something that is different than one of those but perhaps have some of the relaxed atmosphere still.

Perhaps a miniature bookstore / cyber cafe combination and I'm sure if you do well you could convince some coffee shop to pay rent for a space in there :)

HOT ROD
10-06-2005, 03:25 PM
There is also several walk-up restaurants in the CBD but yes we do need more. The key to getting more is supporting the ones we have. I know there is Chick Fila and Subway as well as several others, there is alot of mom and pops which is even better. There is also several underground both in the conncourse and in basements and first floors of several of the office buildings. I know Leadership square also has some walk-ups.

I was just in OKC for vacation and I didnt see any! We were sorely disappointed that a city that big doesnt have a vibrant street scene - not even considering any comparisons to other cities. There just was not any 'commerce' in the CBD, and I know street front restaurants in those empty skyscrapers I drove and walked up and down the streets would surely help.

You have to remember, YOU know where things are "here, there, underground, whatever, ..." but what about US - tourists? WE need to know so WE can spend our $$$ in your city!!!

And Street Front retail at the skyscrapers would surely be difficult to miss.