Play Cafe
A new restaurant is in the works for the Uptown / NW 23rd area.
Not a large development, but it is based on an interesting concept.
This building was formerly a pawn shop.
It received (the start of) a renovation, including the white paint job, in 2017 when it was to become a fitness center.
The Dallas based company ZYN22 signed a lease to create a spin studio there.
But they unexpectedly backed out (never did hear an explanation of why).
Instead, it is to be developed as a restaurant called Play Cafe.
The name reveals the strong emphasis on catering to families with children.
https://www.playcafeokc.com/
The front half of the building is to hold a restaurant / cafe with fine dining for adults.
The back half contains a children's play area.
But the two sections are integrated and encourage family interaction during visits.
There will also be an outdoor kids play area behind the building.
The idea is that parents with small children can actually enjoy a nice dinner out without having to find a baby sitter.
Or attempt to take the kids to a nice restaurant, which normally does not work out well for the kids or the other patrons.
Or give up on the idea, and grab fast food takeout to bring back home.
Their instagram page is full of quotes such as: "Remember when leaving the house was fun? SO DO WE"
Of course, "family friendly" is a common buzz phrase these days and a lot of restaurants attempt accomodations.
But this is taking it a step further, building it into the core philosophy of the business.
Renderings of the interior:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0TwlDehO0D/
This is located along a vibrant section of NW 23rd Street:
original:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cajun053019a.jpg
source:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44471
The cafe is about halfway between the Tower Theater (on the east end) and Guyutes restaurant (further west).
It is adjacent to Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and Pizza23:
https://www.crexi.com/lease/properti...600-nw-23rd-st
Construction photos:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5qnizhGI6/
https://www.instagram.com/p/By32-R1hskd/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzn5p64BENA/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1w476xBI0f/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2NnqYeh7P_/
The last photo was from 5 days ago.
Originally scheduled to open in the fall.
But that seem unlikely.
Probably more like early 2020.
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45069
https://www.instagram.com/playcafeokc/