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Blockbuster deal: Paramount building to get sit-down restaurant, theater
By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record June 11, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY – Melodie Garneau has operated The Paramount in Film Row since 2012. The cafe and viewing room have become a hot spot in the district.
About six weeks ago, George Adams was talking to her about how he wanted to open a restaurant and entertainment venue in the Paseo District. Garneau said that he could buy her 37,000-square-foot business at 701 W. Sheridan Ave. He took it as a joke, but she was serious. The two discussed the possibilities. The conversation ended with Adams leasing the cafe, the viewing room and an area on the north end for live theater productions. He will call the new operation Paramount Arts and Entertainment. Garneau will still operate the event space on the second floor.
“We want to have a reason for people to come down here and stay here,” Garneau said. “There’s been a lot going on, but there’s not as much in the retail area. If we have a restaurant and theater, people can come shop, eat and watch something.”
Adams will close the cafe in July to renovate from a grab-and-go style to a sit-down restaurant called Noir Bistro and Bar. He said he will hire a chef that will create a casual menu with local, seasonal flair. The menu will have gluten-free options as well. He plans to reopen for Film Row’s Premiere event on Aug. 21.
“We want to do what we can to make sure we’re serving non-(genetically modified organism) food,” he said.
“We’re going to do the best we can to get as much as we can from local vendors,” he said. “We want to make everything from scratch, even our ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise.”
He said the focus on local food and chef-created recipes will create a price increase, but that change also includes the table service. In addition, Noir will offer a full bar and Sunday brunch.
During construction, George will keep the screening room open. He is working on a July schedule for the renamed Paramount Movie House. He realizes that people may not be enthused to come watch a movie they could see on Netflix. But he plans to bring in guest speakers or other entertainment to create not just a viewing, but an experience.
The live theater will have 99 seats and be the home to the Asylum Theater company. Other companies can rent the space as well.
Between all the renovations, George said he expects to spend a significant amount, but didn’t give an exact price. The filmmaker, a transplanted Californian, said he’s excited about the possibilities with the new space.
“This is a bit of Hollywood history,” he said. “It’s just meant to be in a way.”
Paramount Building
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