Kelly Whitaker's Oklahoma City journey

Kelly Whitaker had no intention of returning to Oklahoma City after growing up there.

“I said, 'It’s not gonna turn a corner and all of a sudden someone’s going to think of Oklahoma City as like a Portland or an Austin or something'”

Whitaker's confidence in OKC

Whitaker now says Oklahoma City is one of America's most interesting growth cities.

“I think it's one of the most interesting growth cities in America, by far”

Nonesuch restaurant ownership

Whitaker bought Nonesuch, an award-winning 18-seat fine-dining restaurant in OKC's Midtown.

Whitaker's background

Whitaker leads Id Est Hospitality, which operates acclaimed restaurants in Colorado.

Sustainability efforts

Whitaker has worked with 13 farmers to cultivate 1,000 acres of regeneratively-grown heritage grains.

Oklahoma's agricultural potential

Oklahoma's wheat grows well, with opportunities for local food production.

Whitaker's vision for OKC

Whitaker sees Oklahoma City as a city with growing infrastructure and food culture.

Whitaker's collaboration with local tribes

Whitaker has contacted local tribes to discuss heritage corn usage.

Nonesuch's future plans

Whitaker plans to rework Nonesuch's bar and expand Oklahoma City's food scene.

“We’re in for the long haul”

Oklahoma City's growth drivers

Oklahoma City has professional sports and 2028 Olympics games driving growth.

Whitaker's sustainability focus

Whitaker emphasizes regenerative agriculture and local food systems.

Whitaker's long-term commitment

Whitaker says he's in Oklahoma City for the long haul.

“We’re in for the long haul”

Oklahoma City's food scene

Oklahoma City has a growing food scene with chefs and neighborhoods.

Whitaker's future plans

Whitaker plans to rework Nonesuch's bar and expand Oklahoma City's food scene.

“We’re in for the long haul”