Oklahoma is no stranger to growth and change. Businesses come and go and while some have the staying power of decades or even century-long histories built in the state, we see new places arrive as others shutter regularly.
As we round the corner on two-thirds of the year behind us, let’s look back at some of the restaurants that have opened and closed across the metro lately.
What restaurants have closed in OKC in summer 2026?
Whether it’s closing due to retirement, a restaurant reaching the end of a lease, ownership wanting to move in a new direction, or the sad truth of a business failing, we’ve seen several locations across the city close their doors in summer 2026.
Opus Prime
Beloved Oklahoma City steakhouse Opus Prime, 800 W. Memorial Road, closed on June 28 after 19 years in business so that owner Bill Wilson could retire.
The restaurant, which Wilson opened alongside his son in November 2007 on the state’s centennial, became known for its extensive wine collection — thousands of bottles in the restaurant’s multiple cellars, a collection comprising more than 1,100 wines — and high-quality beef, prime designation only, aged to precise specifications and treated to masterful cookery.
The Loaded Bowl
Popular purveyor of vegan comfort food, The Loaded Bowl, 1211 SW 2nd St., announced in April that it would close its doors following normal business hours on June 27.
The restaurant, which began as a food truck 13 years ago, is known for its vegan bowls, commonly featuring bases like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes or fried rice topped with various flavorful plant-based protein options.
Owners said they had achieved their goals and were ready to move on to their next adventure in life.
Whiskey Cake
Texas-based chain Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar announced on social media that it would close the Oklahoma City location on April 26 after its lease expired.
The location operated in Oklahoma City over the last 12 years, sitting at 1845 NW Expressway near Texas de Brazil and in front of the Penn Square Mall.
Zaxby’s
All four Oklahoma City metro-area locations of fast-casual chicken chain Zaxby’s closed abruptly after business on Sunday, June 28.
On The Border
Two Oklahoma locations of Tex-Mex chain On The Border closed June 12 as the company began shuttering several restaurants nationwide.
What restaurants have opened or reopened in OKC in 2026?
Closures weren’t the only headlines throughout the last several months, though. We saw a number of restaurants open and reopen across the city as well.
Kaizume
Kaizume, a sister restaurant to popular Awaji Izakaya, has opened in OKC with high-quality sushi, cooked entrees, and unique craft cocktails. After months of steadfast preparation, the restaurant officially opened for business in early May at 1501 NW 23rd St.
Bayou & Barrel
Bayou & Barrel, OKC’s newest Cajun restaurant, was born when chefs Chris McKenna and Richard Ly purchased and overhauled the former Taqueria El Camino. It opened in June at 9120 N MacArthur Blvd.
La Buca
Italian restaurant La Buca, 605 NW 28th St., Suite B, opened in OKC’s Paseo Arts District earlier this spring. Guests will find handmade pasta and Tuscan flavors on the menu, ranging from tagliatelle ragu to tableside tiramisu.
Taco Empire
Taco Empire not only reopened its flagship location in northwest OKC following repairs from a kitchen fire, but the restaurant also expanded, adding a second location in the Yukon area.
Bojangles
Fried chicken chain Bojangles has opened its first Oklahoma location at 13135 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in OKC in April.
The OKC location also features a “biscuit theater,” where patrons can watch staff roll out, cut and butter the brand’s iconic biscuits through a window to the kitchen.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: These OKC restaurants are closing, opening in summer 2026: Latest updates
Dining and Cooking