First National Center to reopen with steakhouse, Italian restaurant and basement speakeasy

Preparations are underway for the opening of an array of restaurants, bars and retail at the historic First National Center, with residents set to move into apartments over the next few weeks followed by a spring opening for its 146-room boutique hotel. 

The 32-story art deco tower is the biggest private preservation effort in city history, with $287 million spent since developers Gary Brooks and Charlie Nicholas bought the landmark in 2017. 

Previous plans for a Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse changed as the chain quit expanding and closed 23 locations at the start of the pandemic. Instead, First National will feature four food and beverage venues that will be launched by hospitality company Apicii and Michelin-starred chef and chief culinary officer Jonathan Benno. 

Tom Dillon, CEO of Apicii, said all of the restaurants and bars will be open to the public, including private dining and event rooms. 

Read the full story on NewsOK.com.