Up the Creek

[sgrizzle]

After being vacant for about a decade, someone finally bought the old Grandy's...


http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?articleID=071107_5_E1_hThin70263

quote:
Seafood chain casts net in Tulsa

by: DEBBIE BLOSSOM World Staff Writer
11/7/2007

Think fish in a hunting lodge setting.


Restaurant-goers looking for a dining experience that offers some of their favorite seafood, along with steaks and pasta, will have another choice early next year in a part of town with a wide selection of eateries.

Up The Creek Grill should be open by early March on the former site of a Grandy's restaurant at 7020 S. Memorial Drive, said franchisee Bruce Marano. The project represents a more than $2 million investment that begins this week with the demolition of the vacant Grandy's building.

Construction on the 7,000-square-foot project is scheduled to begin in the next 10 days, with work expected to be complete in three or four months.

Up The Creek will seat 200 and employ 110. The Atlanta-based chain "is family oriented," Marano said, and targets a middle-ground environment that isn't too casual but also isn't classified as "upscale."

The chain is known for its distinctive architecture, ironwork touches and exterior neon signage. Interior decor features 400-gallon saltwater aquariums and lodge-style accents such as vintage framed fishing magazine advertisements, rustic metal signs and other fishing memorabilia.

"They're really along the lines of a Bass Pro," Marano said.

Also notable will be the restaurant's curb appeal.

"We're making a substantial investment in our green space, with waterfalls and landscaping," he said. "That's something we feel is very important.

"I think Tulsa will be very impressed."

Up The Creek's emphasis on shellfish and fish is evident in its large menu.

Lunch and dinner offerings include appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads and entrees. Dinner selections favor pasta dishes with chicken and seafood, several fish entrees -- including salmon, trout and grouper prepared with different cooking methods -- five steaks and nine side orders.

"About 65 percent of our business is seafood," Marano said, with steaks and pasta entrees the other big sellers.

Up The Creek was started seven years ago by Bill Palmer, founder of Applebee's International Inc. -- the companies are not related -- and 14 locations are open in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and North Dakota.

Four additional restaurants -- including Tulsa -- are set to open soon.

Marano, who has the franchise rights to Oklahoma, southern Missouri and southeastern Kansas, will base his operations in Tulsa after relocating here from California.

"Tulsa is a beautiful city; I have no hesitation about moving here," he said, adding that the city's strong economy, business-friendly environment and available land and labor supply made the choice easy.

"The market here favors eating out," Marano said, and research shows that neighboring restaurants are faring well.

The area of 71st Street and Memorial Drive is perfect for Up The Creek, he said.

"We looked all over town and we like that area. It's very clean and there's lots of traffic."

[Conan71]

That's great news.  Tulsa is seriously hurting for restaurants, especially in the one mile radius of 71st & Memorial.

[breitee]

Yeah, let's see, a new restaurant coming to town, where to put it, hmmmmmmmmm, I know, 71st and Memorial area! Gee, nobody ever thought of that before! No competition there!

[inteller]

fish in a hunting lodge setting?  um, I guess they never went to the Kodiak Steakhouse?

idiots.

i give them 6 months.


Oh, I guess they never heard of SMokey Bones either.  listen, I dunno what the infatuation with hunting lodge themes is, but it just doesn't fly here.

if you want the hunting lodge look, just go to bass pro.

[TheArtist]

You know, I haven't been around that 71st and Memorial area in ages. But the way you all talk about whats there now makes it sound downright freaky.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

You know, I haven't been around that 71st and Memorial area in ages. But the way you all talk about whats there now makes it sound downright freaky.

Consider yourself lucky.  I wind up having to drive through that hell a few times a year, and it's only out of someone else's necessity, friend or family.  I recall in 1992 or 1993 there was a report that there were 120 restaurants in a one mile radius.  No idea what it is now.  I'm sure that counts the food court as well at WHM.

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

You know, I haven't been around that 71st and Memorial area in ages. But the way you all talk about whats there now makes it sound downright freaky.

Consider yourself lucky.  I wind up having to drive through that hell a few times a year, and it's only out of someone else's necessity, friend or family.  I recall in 1992 or 1993 there was a report that there were 120 restaurants in a one mile radius.  No idea what it is now.  I'm sure that counts the food court as well at WHM.

oh give me a break....it is no more a "hell" than some of the congested, no turning lane dreck around midtown.

besides the Ring of Lard around the mall, there are some good restaurants in that area.  But every tom dick and harry who thinks they can plop down at that intersection with some new "theme" restaurant needs to wake up and get out of the 90s.  People want good food and service, they could give a rat's donkey what the theme or decor is.

btw, this was discussed in another thread, but thank GOD that ****ty Jazmo's closed.

[reign]

Great Alaskan Kodiak Steakhouse was doing great business until the doctors sold it. New owners and the idiot of a Director of OPs(Mark) killed it.

quote:Originally posted by inteller

fish in a hunting lodge setting?  um, I guess they never went to the Kodiak Steakhouse?

idiots.

i give them 6 months.


Oh, I guess they never heard of SMokey Bones either.  listen, I dunno what the infatuation with hunting lodge themes is, but it just doesn't fly here.

if you want the hunting lodge look, just go to bass pro.