Acting on a Dare
This story starts back in December, when it appeared as if a great little restaurant in MidTown was going to fail – not because the young couple who ran it were not likable, not because they didn’t serve great unique dishes, and not because of the location.
No, the imminent failure of the old little diner at 1220 N Hudson, which originally opened as “Foodies Express,” could only be attributed to a lack of marketing, branding and word of mouth.
It was only word of mouth – an urging by Marva Ellard, who owns the neighboring Sieber Hotel Apartments - that got me in the doors. Those who read this blog know I was already in love with this half century old diner and it didn’t take me long to take a liking to the food and the owners. Quyen Le and Bang Bui are truly “foodies.” Their diverse menu is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered in Oklahoma. It’s not a Vietnamese restaurant, though that influence can be found in much of their menu. It’s not a Greek restaurant, though they have some of the most original gyros in town. It’s not a chicken wing place, though they have a diverse variety of wings that include a “suicide” batch made with ghost peppers. It’s not a burger place, though they do serve burgers and chili. It is, as summed up by people far smarter than I, an Asian American Diner.
I shared this discovery with Chad Huntington, who in turn became a regular customer himself. And it was on one night in December, just a few weeks after Foodies had opened, that Chad shared with me his fear the restaurant wouldn’t make it. He also went on Twitter and shared with the local social media world what they were missing.
Brian Winkeler, one of several people I’ve become acquainted with in the creative community who I truly respect and admire, gave his best smart ass response. He dismissed the restaurant, saying he’d be more likely to visit if they had a better looking sign, logo and overall presentation.
Bad move, Mr. Winkeler. I said just as much. Knowing he possessed the skills to address Bang and Quyen’s biggest shortcomings, and knowing Winkeler to be someone who cared about the neighborhood, and understood how a successful restaurant in this location could make a world of difference, I challenged him “pass it on.”
Winkeler, joined by his kids, met me at Foodies not long after. And he too discovered why Marva, Chad and I all wanted to see this young Vietnamese immigrant couple succeed. Winkeler, whose recent work included the rebranding of the Bricktown Brewery, accepted the challenge and drafted a fellow talent, Phillip Schroeder.
I’m happy to say that Bang and Quyen are doing well now – they’re getting great reviews on sites like Urban Spoon. And after working a few weeks with Bang and Quyen, Brian and Phillip amazed everyone by creating far more than a new logo and sign. They created new menus, and a new look for the diner itself. Bang is hoping the transformation will begin sometime this month. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of what’s to come (and yes, Bang reports the bars are about to be removed from the windows!):
Thank you for joining our conversation on OKC Central. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Comments
That looks awesome! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Foodies every time I’ve eaten there. We’re lucky to have this young couple and their restaurant in OKC. Glad for people like Steve who care enough to help then succeed.
Hours? Days? I’ve been by there and it looked closed on weekends. Apparently they have no website, which would be a good idea.
I’m glad I didn’t keep my trap shut because I love FOODIES and really want to see them survive and thrive.
I’m excited about rolling out the brand because my pal Phillip Schroeder is one of the most phenomenal designers in OKC and the work is gorgeous. We’re also currently working on brand development for Grandad’s Bar, which will be opening up across NW 23rd from Tucker’s within the next couple of months. Phillip just launched his portfolio site: http://www.philscreative.com.
And, yeah, Foodies doesn’t yet have web presence outside of a Facebook page and Twitter account (@foodiesokc). Hopefully we’ll be able to get at least a simple landing page up at some point. But I’m pretty sure their current hours are Mon-Sat 11a-7p.
I highly recommend the Korean Beef and Pad Thai, and I haven’t had a Gyro Combo yet that wasn’t delicious.
Thanks for the challenge, Steve.
This has been an exciting project, creating a retro style that balanced the buildings history with the new time brand. Working with Brian Winkler on this job has been more than awesome, he definitely knows his business. Thanks Brian.
I’m sure Foodies will be another successful restaurant in downtown OKC. So take time to check it out.
No, you guys rock. You’re helping restore a great vintage building – one of the last true diner properties left in Oklahoma City (Nic’s of course lives on)and assisting a very nice couple in discovering the American Dream is still alive and well.
Thanks to you, Steve, I stopped by this evening and ordered dinner to go. Best dang gyro I have ever put in my mouth. The seasoned corn and the handcut potato chips — OMG! Topped it all off with a very berry smoothie. Will definitely be going back.
It’s easy to dismiss people’s dreams … much harder to help accomplish them. you have done a good thing Steve (and Phillip for being up to the challenge!)
Just had the bulgogi gyro for lunch, and, like YBY, it’s by far the best I’ve ever had. My friends loved their spring rolls and quesadilla.
Took 4 other people with me to lunch. The bulgogi gyro was my favorite, but the crab Rangoon was a close second.
Went there about a month ago.
Great fusion of bulgogi and gyro, good crab rangoon and good wings.
Very interesting and unique place
What an awesome story, and proof that a little branding and social media exposure can make worlds of difference. You have to have all the other elements of food, location, and vibe, but without some useful branding and the word-of-mouth marketing that comes along with social media, success can still be almost out of reach. Glad to see some people who cared, help these folks take it to the next level. Now I’m going to have to go try this place for myself!