Rib Crib refurbishing spot for new location in downtown Tulsa (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20130228_53_E1_CUTLIN895082)
(http://i.imgur.com/M0uQgGA.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/M0uQgGA.jpg)
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QuoteBy KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer
Published: 2/28/2013 2:04 AM
Last Modified: 2/28/2013 7:44 AM
Sometimes good barbecue just requires patience, and so have plans for a downtown Rib Crib that had been on hold for almost two years.
But the Blue Dome District location for the Tulsa-based restaurant chain is cooking again - construction started this week.
Plans now call for a May opening, said Seth Nimmo, vice president of finance and development for Rib Crib.
"Quite frankly, we had four projects in front of us and it took us longer than we had anticipated," Nimmo said. "But we're very excited to be downtown and really looking forward to opening this location."
Rib Crib has been serving barbecued ribs, brisket and pork for 21 years in Tulsa, along with sides such as sweet and smokey beans, potato salad and onion rings.
The restaurant chain also serves catfish, sausage and hot wings. Entrees range from a $7 barbecue sandwich to $17 for baby back pork ribs.
Rib Crib's first location still stands at 1601 S. Harvard Ave., and the company's corporate headquarters is about four miles south on the same street near Interstate 44.
But the company has long outgrown that first restaurant; it now has 47 locations in eight states, mostly in places neighboring Oklahoma but extending as far away as Florida.
Rib Crib officials announced plans to develop the location at 302 E. First St. in May 2011, saying they hoped to capitalize on the revitalization of downtown's dining and entertainment offerings with a restaurant in their hometown's core.
But it wasn't until this week that they started construction after submitting a building permit earlier this month that listed $210,000 worth of improvements to the 3,300-square-foot building.
The location was formerly an annex location of the Metropolitan Environmental Trust, a pro-recycling group based downtown. But the building has been vacant since Rib Crib announced its intentions.
Nimmo said there is plenty of work to do on the structure, which dates to 1935.
Rib Crib plans to blast decades of paint off of the walls to expose the original brick, install more inviting windows around the building and add neon signs across the facade.
Nimmo said Rib Crib will be well suited for downtown's mix of downtown workers during lunch and the growing evening dining scene.
"We've designed a style that is very quick," he said. "We can get you in and out of there as quick as possible.
"But if you live downtown or are coming in the evening, you can hang out and enjoy a meal."
EDIT - link on the image to bigger version
Whatever, I'm sticking to my too many eateries chasing too few mouths theory.
And why oh why are there no healthy choices?
Tulsan's tastes reflect their educational level.
Elote and The Vault are two which quickly come to mind as having healthier menus, I'm sure there are others scattered around I'm forgetting.
Chimera in Brady has a very healthy menu. The majority of their menu is vegetarian.
Using the two phrases 'good barbecue' and 'Rib Crib' are BBQ blasphemy.
Yes. You both seem correct. I enjoy these three venues despite the additives. Chimera is a bit limited. And Kaisers new place will also offer up several choices.
But there is not a single place devoted to the conscientious crowd. As I said, limited by education.
I mostly posted because I'm digging the rendering of what the building will end up looking like, not necessarily because "OMG, rib crib!". I'm more looking forward to the Albert G's place by McNellies. Also, for some reason, I'm mildly amused that they chose to render it with a rainy setting.
I'll probably take a few "in progress" pictures of the outside today at lunch.
Hopefully they will stay open past 7:00..while I don't love rib crib I have had much worse from even "local legend places" that have opened up recently.
They will do well downtown. They have a competitive price point, broad lunch menu, and very organized catering machine. You certainly won't get the best BBQ there, but you will get a consistant experience, and reasonable pricing. They have evolved into more of a casual dining restaurant than a BBQ joint, and that means that the menu has a far broader appeal than just Q.
The process to have an office meeting catered by Rib Crib is very quick and easy, and the way the product is delivered makes for simple service and quick clean-up. They are going to capitalize on that, making sure that they have more than enough capacity to "out cater" any other business downtown. As far as overhead and food cost, catering has a very high profit margin and low cost.
This will become their star location, I can almost guarantee that. All other BBQ downtown will need to compete on quality alone.
The rendering has a bike rack outside. Surely you don't begrudge the active person an occasional pulled pork sandwich.
Quote from: Teatownclown on February 28, 2013, 09:41:45 AM
Yes. You both seem correct. I enjoy these three venues despite the additives. Chimera is a bit limited. And Kaisers new place will also offer up several choices.
But there is not a single place devoted to the conscientious crowd. As I said, limited by education.
I have about 700 feet of fence line that needs to be cleared out if you want to keep acting like a goat about this.
That building looks really, really nice. It's quite the contrast to the current look.
Quote from: Ibanez on February 28, 2013, 11:10:28 AM
I have about 700 feet of fence line that needs to be cleared out if you want to keep acting like a goat about this.
And that's all natural with no additives! Perfect for the clown!
Quote from: Conan71 on February 28, 2013, 12:04:20 PM
And that's all natural with no additives! Perfect for the clown!
Any all natural poison ivy?
Shots of the building today. A long way to go before it matches the render :)
(http://i.imgur.com/N5a9YY5h.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/N5a9YY5h.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DT4fxmQh.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/DT4fxmQh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gDBhbtGh.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/gDBhbtGh.jpg)
You think if Sager's Folly ever gets finished the folks moving in might have a Kenny Rogers Chicken issue with Rib Crib?
Quote from: saintnicster on February 28, 2013, 09:42:21 AM
I mostly posted because I'm digging the rendering of what the building will end up looking like, not necessarily because "OMG, rib crib!". I'm more looking forward to the Albert G's place by McNellies. Also, for some reason, I'm mildly amused that they chose to render it with a rainy setting.
I'll probably take a few "in progress" pictures of the outside today at lunch.
Old architectural rendering concept. If you have a building in an otherwise stark downtown setting, rendering it in the winter, or durring a rain storm makes it look warm and inviting. The eyes are drawn to it instead of any of the other items in the rendering and the mind thinks of it as "a safe warm place."
I think the rendering is rather well done.
Quote from: saintnicster on February 28, 2013, 03:39:31 PM
Shots of the building today. A long way to go before it matches the render :)
Tulsa world says It'll be open in May.
Bwahahaha.
But seriously, it'll still be open before Archer market.
*rimshot*
I am friends with a big shot at Rib Crib and he thinks they will be open in April.
Quote from: Townsend on February 28, 2013, 03:45:32 PM
You think if Sager's Folly ever gets finished the folks moving in might have a Kenny Rogers Chicken issue with Rib Crib?
You mean something like this?
Quote from: Townsend on February 28, 2013, 03:45:32 PM
You think if Sager's Folly ever gets finished the folks moving in might have a Kenny Rogers Chicken issue with Rib Crib?
This site needs the "Thanks" mods for posts like this!
Why are both of the cars in the picture a BMW? Part of the illusion of grandeur?
Quote from: tulsascoot on March 02, 2013, 11:12:27 PM
Why are both of the cars in the picture a BMW? Part of the illusion of grandeur?
Saw a few BMW's at the 81st and Yale location recently. Took note due to this thread.
Quote from: tulsascoot on March 02, 2013, 11:12:27 PM
Why are both of the cars in the picture a BMW? Part of the illusion of grandeur?
Reaching out to the minority that doesn't drive a pick-up truck.
;D
I walked by today.
It's really looking sharp.
Quote from: BKDotCom on May 13, 2013, 02:38:34 PM
I walked by today.
It's really looking sharp.
Opening soon?
Quote from: Townsend on May 13, 2013, 03:36:19 PM
Opening soon?
Sooner rather than later.
I've never seen this much hustle on a downtown project.
In February they said May (which I didn't think there was a snowball's chance of happening).
They've got 3 weeks..
All bets are off, but my guess is early June.
(from other downtown bbq post)
Rib Crib opens on Monday
http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Rib_Cribs_new_downtown_location_to_open_Monday/20130608_44_D1_CUTLIN199522
Sandwich board in front of Rib Crib says they have the best pork in the Blue Dome.
Them's fightin' words.
Rib Crib isn't a regular haunt for me, but walking past with Mr. & Mrs. cannon_fodder and MC during Tulsa Tough Friday night, it's a great addition to the corner of 1st & Detroit. Very nice looking build-out and exterior.
You order at the counter on the way in and fill your own drinks. Fast in and out. Plus free ice cream.
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 10, 2013, 04:09:08 PM
You order at the counter on the way in and fill your own drinks. Fast in and out. Plus free ice cream.
"Jason's Deli model"
Quote from: BKDotCom on June 10, 2013, 01:56:22 PM
Sandwich board in front of Rib Crib says they have the best pork in the Blue Dome.
Them's fightin' words.
But who has the best pork
made in the Blue Dome, rather than shipped in to the Blue Dome?
Quote from: carltonplace on June 11, 2013, 10:01:02 AM
But who has the best pork made in the Blue Dome, rather than shipped in to the Blue Dome?
No smoker at that location?
Main thing that pisses me off about RC is they can't make anything without MSG in it, other than a salad with no dressing. Seems like plenty of other ways to enhance flavor.
Quote from: Conan71 on June 11, 2013, 10:11:02 AM
No smoker at that location?
Main thing that pisses me off about RC is they can't make anything without MSG in it, other than a salad with no dressing. Seems like plenty of other ways to enhance flavor.
Amen Brother...the #1 Migraine headache trigger is MSG. When I'm King it will be the first thing to go!
Quote from: Vision 2025 on June 11, 2013, 12:17:36 PM
Amen Brother...the #1 Migraine headache trigger is MSG. When I'm King it will be the first thing to go!
You will have to outlaw tomatos, hard cheese, milk, mushrooms, seaweed, peas, corn, and your own body (you make about 50g of it a day). ;D
Quote from: Gaspar on June 11, 2013, 02:03:01 PM
You will have to outlaw tomatos, hard cheese, milk, mushrooms, seaweed, peas, corn, and your own body (you make about 50g of it a day). ;D
Naturally-occuring I could care less. Why add it to BBQ when developing the flavor and the art of it is all about common spices, herbs, and the almighty smoke? It's a crutch.
Quote from: Conan71 on June 11, 2013, 02:13:39 PM
Naturally-occuring I could care less. Why add it to BBQ when developing the flavor and the art of it is all about common spices, herbs, and the almighty smoke? It's a crutch.
Tru-dat!
Went there today. The pulled pork is defnitely not better than Back Alley and I'm sure it probably isn't better than Albert G's (if they ever open). It took me a while to realize I was supposed to be drowning it in BBQ sauce. The 2 meat combo is about 10% more expensive at Rib Crib than at back alley. That surprised me. The beans are horrible compared to BA. I'm biased though.
Quote from: Townsend on June 12, 2013, 01:29:39 PM
What? No.
Go buy some Rib Crib pulled pork and I'll get you BA and we will do a townsend taste test.
Quote from: Townsend on June 12, 2013, 02:06:02 PM
You're so dirty.
I am surprised you took it the way I meant it.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on June 12, 2013, 01:13:35 PM
Went there today. The pulled pork is defnitely not better than Back Alley and I'm sure it probably isn't better than Albert G's (if they ever open). It took me a while to realize I was supposed to be drowning it in BBQ sauce. The 2 meat combo is about 10% more expensive at Rib Crib than at back alley. That surprised me. The beans are horrible compared to BA. I'm biased though.
Rib Crib and Albert G's aren't even in the same league. The only thing they have in common is they both started out in mid-town on Harvard. Albert G's is far better than RC in all areas.
I still have yet to re-visit BA since they revamped a few things in their system. Gaspar says it's a "must try".
Quote from: Conan71 on June 12, 2013, 03:08:45 PM
Rib Crib and Albert G's aren't even in the same league. The only thing they have in common is they both started out in mid-town on Harvard. Albert G's is far better than RC in all areas.
I still have yet to re-visit BA since they revamped a few things in their system. Gaspar says it's a "must try".
It is better for sure.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on June 12, 2013, 03:16:11 PM
It is better for sure.
I tried them again recently, and I still wasn't very impressed. Maybe I'm just doing it wrong or something.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on June 12, 2013, 03:16:11 PM
It is better for sure.
It is better, but still not top shelf. I would put them on par with Rib Crib to be honest.
I'm sure it depends on the day you go and the location. The rib crib we had today wasn't very smokey at all. So I guess their process is on par with rib Crib. ;D ;D
Back Alley is very good. People seem to need to find something to complain about. I also don't get people who need to rail on Rib Crib and other bbq joints. There is nothing wrong with Rib Crib. It's not the best in town, but it's still decent bbq. BBQ isn't like pizza. Even "bad" pizza is still pizza (crust, cheeze, sauce, pepperoni). Bad bbq, however, is inedible. Too much heat and it's dry. Too much smoke and it makes for a headache. Rib Crib at least gets its cooking right. And its consistent. I prefer other places though. Back Alley is my favorite in town. The place I was underwhelmed by was Oklahoma Joes. Again, good bbq. But based on his reputation I thought it would be noticably better than other places. It was not, and the sides at Back Alley are much better in my opinion.
Quote from: DowntownDan on June 13, 2013, 10:01:35 AM
Back Alley is very good. People seem to need to find something to complain about. I also don't get people who need to rail on Rib Crib and other bbq joints. There is nothing wrong with Rib Crib. It's not the best in town, but it's still decent bbq. BBQ isn't like pizza. Even "bad" pizza is still pizza (crust, cheeze, sauce, pepperoni). Bad bbq, however, is inedible. Too much heat and it's dry. Too much smoke and it makes for a headache. Rib Crib at least gets its cooking right. And its consistent. I prefer other places though. Back Alley is my favorite in town. The place I was underwhelmed by was Oklahoma Joes. Again, good bbq. But based on his reputation I thought it would be noticably better than other places. It was not, and the sides at Back Alley are much better in my opinion.
so because someone says they don't like Back Alley, their just looking for something to complain about?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
Quote from: Conan71 on June 12, 2013, 03:08:45 PM
Rib Crib and Albert G's aren't even in the same league. The only thing they have in common is they both started out in mid-town on Harvard. Albert G's is far better than RC in all areas.
I still have yet to re-visit BA since they revamped a few things in their system. Gaspar says it's a "must try".
Two very different markets. Albert G's is BBQ. RibCrib is "Fast Casual." In fact the majority of the menu at RibCrib is no longer BBQ. They will do exceptionally well downtown. They have a catering program like no other, and their ability to respond to multiple large groups for catering is also very well developed. They have a great marketing organization designed to market to sales reps (pharma and other industries), as well as office managers and small business owners for business lunch catering gigs. Ordering is super easy, just tell them how many folks, and the items you want. $9.99 per person for a half pound of meat and a half pound of sides. BAM! You're done!
RibCrib catering has gained a reputation for being easy, and that's what sells to the average office manager or sales rep. They show up with everything (utensils, serving spoons, plates, napkins, and even table cloths) all branded with the RibCrib logo. They'll even set it all up for you if you like, and provide a server. The only thing you need to worry about is a table and a trash can.
Though I consider the BBQ mediocre, I admire the marketing and service. That downtown location was designed to be a catering hub, so if you work downtown, expect to have lots of RibCrib catered meetings!
As for Albert G's, Chuck will have to get away from the smoker for long enough to open his other restaurant. It's hard to be both an owner and an operator if you want to have multiple locations. That is especially true with a complex protean like BBQ. You have to replace control with process.
And for Back Alley, they've got it dialed in now, and I would encourage everyone to give em another try.
I think they did try it with the new smoker/process and say it is slightly better than rib crib.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on June 13, 2013, 10:46:39 AM
I think they did try it with the new smoker/process and say it is slightly better than rib crib.
RibCrib has those sweet KC style sauces that Okies are used to, they also have a Carolina mustard sauce that's not half bad (still on the sweet side). I think some Memphis style sauces are still a bit of a challenge for the Oklahoma palate, but then again I'm a bit jaded when it comes to sauces. ;)
CAUTION SHAMELESS PLUGOh, hey, look at that guy. Is that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals from the NBBQA? Why yes they are. Has any other team ever swept the sauce competition? Nope. Never. ;D
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9033289905_dd0c6f7bf5.jpg)
The club sandwich at Rib Crib is awesome. Just sayin'.
Quote from: rdj on June 13, 2013, 02:41:43 PM
The club sandwich at Rib Crib is awesome. Just sayin'.
I see what you did there