The Snider Group Successfully Complete Food Tasting Interview for the new Innovation Hall Cafe

TSG Coffee Co., LLC to Open Café in Oklahoma City’s Innovation Hall

Oklahoma City, OK – In May 2023, the Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID) launched a search for local and regional food and beverage operators to manage and operate a café inside the highly anticipated Innovation Hall, currently under construction. This new development, strategically located between I-235 and Lincoln Boulevard at 9th and Stiles, aims to serve as a vibrant hub for Oklahoma City’s thriving business community.

Situated in the heart of a rapidly growing area that includes major employers such as Wheeler Bio, Cytovance Biologics, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the café is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the district’s workforce. OU Health Sciences Center, the district's largest employer, is located just east of Lincoln Boulevard, further contributing to the area’s bustling activity.

The Café: A Key Feature of The Convergence Development

The café, managed by The Snider Group, and operated by TSG Coffee Co., LLC, will occupy a fully air-conditioned 574-square-foot space within The Convergence Development, a dynamic mixed-use facility. Designed to cater to diverse dining needs, the café will feature light kitchen equipment to support its operation as a coffee shop, breakfast and lunch spot, and evening bistro offering happy hour services.

With plans to be open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the café will offer a thoughtfully curated menu of high-quality food and beverages in a welcoming atmosphere. Its indoor seating will seamlessly integrate with Innovation Hall’s public lounge, training center, conference rooms, and event hall, ensuring it serves as a central gathering place for professionals, students, and visitors alike.

A Unique Opportunity in the District

The café will be the only restaurant/cafe located within The Convergence Development, adding significant value to the surrounding businesses and Innovation Hall's activities. It will also be one of only three dining options in the immediate area, making it a crucial amenity for the Innovation District’s daily visitors and employees.

With its strategic location and innovative concept, the café is expected to become a key player in enhancing the dining and social experiences within the district. Its presence aligns with the mission of the Innovation District to create a thriving ecosystem of collaboration, creativity, and connectivity.

What’s Next?

As construction on Innovation Hall progresses, excitement builds for the café’s opening. The café is set to not only provide high-quality food and drink options but also to serve as a welcoming space where people can gather, collaborate, and recharge in the heart of Oklahoma City’s burgeoning business district.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new addition to the Innovation District, brought to you by TSG Coffee Co., LLC.

Initial renderings of upcoming developments in the Innovation District are from Robinson Park’s 2020 concept.

The Innovation Hall is just one piece of the Convergence development. Convergence features a 400,000+ square feet office tower that will be dedicated to shared technology for 3D imaging & printing, biomedical work, research labs, office space, and an open-air community environment. In addition, hotel and retail spaces will come in a later phase.

The Snider Group, a Management & Hospitality company submitted our best proposal and were one of few companies invited to participate in the tasting. We are now pleased to announce that we have successfully completed the food tasting, and in-person interview in competition for the contract to take on management & operation of the café and are excited about the possibilities. We are confident that our presentation was the best of the bunch.

The tasting panel was made up of the team who make all of this possible, and who will make the Oklahoma City Innovation District a model for the innovation economy. The representatives were ten Innovation District Team members to include other Board Members listed below.

CFO

Executive Director
Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Center

Director of Programs & Events

Director of Partner Engagement & Special Projects

OKCID Marketing Manager

OKCID Office Manager

Founder, CEO
Echo Investment Capital and Echo Energy

Retired Project Manager
Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Founder,
The CoAlign Group

SR. V.P. of Marketing & External Relations
Oklahoma University Health

President, PHF OKC

We were asked to prepare a menu of two dishes that would highlight our culinary skills and our ability to create innovative and delicious food. We chose to prepare a combo of four items that included sweet n tangy BBQ chicken sausage sliders on Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, Mediterranean veggie wraps, pork Bahn Mi sliders with turmeric on a baguette atop a bed of mixed greens and baby spinach with cherry tomatoes, blueberries, and strawberries, with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing all in a Bento Box followed with cream cheese and strawberry Danishes for dessert.

THE SNIDER GROUP Showcases Expertise in Innovation Hall Proposal

The feedback from the tasting panel was overwhelmingly positive, with panel members expressing their delight and admiration for the quality of our dishes, the creativity of our flavors, and the professionalism of our presentation. Our consulting chef demonstrated a deep knowledge of nutrition, responding thoughtfully to questions about ingredients and cooking techniques. This transparency and expertise helped to underscore our commitment to quality and innovation.

We also emphasized our focus on local sourcing, highlighting the Oklahoma-based farmers and suppliers that contribute to our offerings. This aspect resonated strongly with the panel, reinforcing our alignment with the Innovation District’s mission to support local economies and sustainable practices.

Design Capabilities: A Key Differentiator

When asked about our ability to design and configure the café space, we confidently conveyed our experience and expertise in restaurant and café design. Our team has been involved with a number of projects of creating functional, visually appealing spaces optimized for limited areas. The panel was particularly pleased to learn that we could take an active role in the café’s design, bringing not only operational expertise but also thoughtful planning and innovation to the table.

If awarded the contract, we would immediately become partners in the design and implementation of the new café and bistro, ensuring a seamless integration of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This collaboration would involve preparing shop drawings, coordinating with licensed contractors, and overseeing critical elements such as:

• Structural buildouts and plumbing.

• Commercial kitchen installations, including grease traps and hoods.

• Procurement of cost-effective equipment and furniture that aligns with the café's vision.

Our team’s ability to streamline processes while maintaining attention to detail and budget constraints sets us apart as an ideal partner for this project.

Why THE SNIDER GROUP is the Perfect Fit for Innovation Hall

With over 30 years of experience in the food service industry, The Snider Group has consistently demonstrated excellence in hospitality, management, and culinary innovation. We bring a deep understanding of the needs of the tech community and Innovation District patrons, allowing us to curate menus and dining experiences that resonate with this unique audience.

Our Competitive Advantages:

1. Local Sourcing Commitment: Supporting Oklahoma farmers and businesses by incorporating fresh, local ingredients into our menus.

2. Innovative Dining Experiences: Crafting meals that are not only delicious but also inspiring, leaving guests energized and excited to return.

3. Eco-Friendly Practices: Using environmentally responsible products and sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.

4. Design Expertise: Combining customer needs with optimal café configurations to ensure high functionality and aesthetic excellence.

If selected, the café will operate under our Le Bon Café brand, bringing its unique blend of French-American charm and hospitality to the heart of the Oklahoma City Innovation District.

A Commitment to Excellence

Our passion for hospitality drives us to create an experience that is welcoming, innovative, and deeply aligned with the values of the Innovation District. From managing daily operations to overseeing catering and special events, our team is ready to bring a new level of excellence to Innovation Hall.

We extend our gratitude to the Oklahoma City Innovation District for the opportunity to participate in the proposal process, including the tasting and interview stages. This experience has further solidified our commitment to becoming a key partner in this exciting project.

Looking Ahead

With decades of experience, a clear vision, and a proven ability to deliver, we are confident in our capacity to design, manage, and operate the café in Innovation Hall. We eagerly anticipate the next steps and the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant growth of the Oklahoma City Innovation District.

For more information on the Innovation District Maps 4 Project, visit OKCID’s website.

How to Make Cold Brew - Iced Coffee

Have you tried cold brew coffee? It is as refreshing as iced coffee. In fact, I find it much more pleasing than due to the watering-down effect of iced coffee. Cold brew coffee is smooth, sweet, and packs a much bigger flavor profile than iced coffee.

It is really super easy to make at home, so I want to share some essentials for smooth, delicious cold brew coffee that's just as good or better than your favorite café. The best part is, you can make it in small or large batches and keep in the refrigerator for up to a week at a time, and have it every day!!

Here is a detailed recipe for making a large batch of cold brew coffee feel free to scale up by doubling or even tripling the below ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces coarsely ground coffee beans

• 32 ounces cold water

• A large mason jar or container with a lid

• A coffee filter

• A pitcher or glasses

Instructions:

1. Grind the coffee beans on a coarse setting.

2. Add the coffee grounds to the large mason jar or container.

3. Pour the cold water over the coffee grounds.

4. Stir to combine.

5. Cover the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.

6. After the coffee has steeped, strain it through a coffee filter into a pitcher or glasses.

7. Enjoy your cold brew coffee!

Here are some tips for making the perfect cold brew coffee:

• Use fresh, cold water.

• Use coarsely ground coffee beans.

• Let the coffee steep for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours.

• Strain the coffee thoroughly to remove all of the grounds.

• Store the cold brew coffee in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

You can also experiment with different types of coffee beans and brewing times to find your perfect cold brew coffee. Enjoy!

Coffee to water ratio:

The general rule of thumb for cold brew coffee is to use a 1:4 ratio of coffee to water. This means that for every 1 ounce of coffee grounds, you would use 4 ounces of water. However, you can adjust this ratio to taste. If you like your coffee stronger, you can use a 1:3 ratio. If you like it weaker, you can use a 1:5 ratio.

How to store cold brew coffee:

Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To store it, simply pour it into an airtight container and put it in the fridge. When you're ready to drink it, simply pour it over ice and enjoy!

How to make cold brew coffee concentrate:

If you want to make a large batch of cold brew coffee that you can enjoy throughout the week, you can make a concentrate. To do this, simply double or triple the amount of coffee grounds and water in the recipe. Then, let the coffee steep for 12-24 hours, just as you would with a regular batch of cold brew coffee. Once the coffee has steeped, strain it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To enjoy, simply dilute the concentrate with water or milk to taste.

Latte vs Cortado

CORTADO

I have learned a great deal upon stepping into the world of coffee at the next level. Especially once I started branching out and trying the different types of coffee and espresso that I originally had no interest in.

So, I figured I would share my experiences with some of my “now” favorite coffee and expresso beverages. Ill start with the Cortado, a beverage that’s more different than I would imagine in an amazing way.

A cortado and a latte are both espresso-based drinks, but they are prepared differently and have distinct flavor profiles.

A cortado is a drink made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of warm, steamed milk. The ratio of milk to espresso in a cortado is usually around 1:1 or 1:2. The milk in a cortado is not frothed, but rather steamed to a velvety texture, which adds a slightly sweet flavor and helps to temper the strong espresso. The result is a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet drink that showcases the flavor of the espresso.

On the other hand, a latte is made with a shot or two of espresso and a larger amount of steamed milk. The ratio of milk to espresso in a latte is typically around 3:1 or 5:2. The milk in a latte is frothed to create a creamy texture and is usually topped with a small amount of foam. The result is a milder, creamier drink that balances the espresso flavor with the sweetness and creaminess of the milk.

In summary, a cortado is a smaller, stronger, and less creamy drink than a latte. If you prefer a bold espresso flavor with a hint of sweetness, a cortado may be the right choice for you. If you prefer a creamier and milder drink that still showcases the espresso flavor, a latte may be the better option.

How to Make A Great Cup of Coffee

I’m quite sure we all know how to make a cup of coffee, but for a Café quality cup of coffee, you may want to follow a few added details as making a great cup of coffee to start your day can be just as important as breathing to some of us, so here are some tips on how to make a great cup of coffee:

Use fresh, cold water. The quality of your water will have a big impact on the taste of your coffee. Most tap water doesn’t taste all that great, so try using filtered or bottled water.

Use good quality coffee beans. The beans you use will make a big difference in the taste of your coffee. Choose beans that are freshly roasted and ground.

Use the right amount of coffee. The general rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

However, you may need to adjust this amount to your own taste.

Grind your beans fresh. Pre-ground coffee is convenient, but it doesn’t taste as good as coffee that is ground fresh. If you have a burr grinder, use it to grind your beans just before brewing.

Brew your coffee at the right temperature. The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot, it will extract bitter flavors from the coffee. If the water is too cold, it won’t extract enough flavor.

Don’t over-brew your coffee. Over-brewing coffee will make it bitter. Aim to brew your coffee for 4-5 minutes, depending on your brewing method.

Enjoy your coffee fresh. Coffee is best enjoyed fresh. If you can’t drink your coffee right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Here are some additional tips that might help you make a great cup of coffee:

Experiment with different brewing methods. There are many different ways to brew coffee, and each method has its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different methods to find one that you like the best.

Use different types of coffee beans. There are many different types of coffee beans available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different types of beans to find one that you like the best.

Add your own personal touch. There are many different ways to add your own personal touch to your coffee. Try adding different flavors, such as milk, sugar, or spices. You can also try making coffee drinks, such as lattes or cappuccinos.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to make a great cup of Café quality coffee that you’ll love, and proud to say you made it yourself.