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:
Local Sourcing Commitment: Supporting Oklahoma farmers and businesses by incorporating fresh, local ingredients into our menus.
Innovative Dining Experiences: Crafting meals that are not only delicious but also inspiring, leaving guests energized and excited to return.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Using environmentally responsible products and sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet.
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.