# Nonesuch owner Kelly Whitaker in Oklahoma City for the long haul

> Kelly Whitaker, Nonesuch chef, says Oklahoma City is one of America's most interesting growth cities for the long haul.
- Title: Nonesuch owner Kelly Whitaker in Oklahoma City for the long…
- Summary: Kelly Whitaker, Nonesuch chef, says Oklahoma City is one of America's most interesting growth cities for the long haul. Nonesuch owner Kelly Whitaker…
- Keywords: kelly whitaker, nonesuch, oklahoma city, id est hospitality, boulder, fine dining, oklahoma, regenerative agriculture, wheat, rye, antero wheat, ryman rye
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/independent-restaurants/nonesuch-owner-kelly-whitaker-is-in-oklahoma-city-for-the-long-haul-
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kelly whitaker, nonesuch, oklahoma city, id est hospitality, boulder, fine dining, oklahoma, regenerative agriculture, wheat, rye, antero wheat, ryman rye
## 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
## Key takeaway

Nonesuch owner Kelly Whitaker believes Oklahoma City is one of America's most interesting growth cities for the long haul.