Known for creating cool and innovative concepts where they want to hang out, the local restaurant group’s empire evolves and leverages regional collaborators
OKLAHOMA CITY (FEBRUARY 28, 2025) - 84 Hospitality, the local restaurant group that notably brought late-night pizza by the slice to the metro more than a decade ago, evolves its portfolio with the opening of modern Italian concept Elisabetta tonight at 7300 N. Western in Nichols Hills. The inspiration for Elisabetta relies less on regions of Italy or a singular chef-driven direction. It is more so an exploration of range enhanced by strategic partnerships, and offers elegant comfort foods inspired by the culinary adventures of the hospitality group’s management. The restaurant will be open for reservations only in the beginning, but will allow walk-ins in the near future.
84’s Founder and CEO Rachel Cope has teamed up with Austin-based Excelsior Hospitality’s Chef Nicolas Yanes and Chef Junior Borges as partners in the concept. Though Cope’s middle name is Elizabeth, the restaurant is intentionally a team effort. It uniquely highlights the expertise of regional hospitality and industry visionaries in both front and back of house. Longtime 84 Director of Operations Britton Stewart joins as a partner in Elisabetta and the group’s beloved Community Relations and Catering Director David Rackley will serve as General Manager.
“The OKC market has several great Italian-inspired restaurants, but we believe this concept will fill a need to create a connection with guests through unwavering hospitality and attention to detail alongside thoughtful food and beverage offerings built for the concept, not built around an individual,” Cope said. “Elisabetta is a concept, and a name, that has lived in my mind for over a decade, but never felt complete– until now. I joke that this is the evolution of not only our group but a sign of my own personal growth as I roll into my 40’s and am looking for ways to slow down a little and be more intentional in all aspects of my life.”
Elisabetta represents the evolution of the restaurant group known initially for pizza, ramen and burgers as a more convivial, leisurely, or slower-paced experience. Open for dinner only, Elisabetta will offer handcrafted pastas, seafood and Italian-inspired Oklahoma favorites sectioned across the menu, including Starters: Pull-apart Garlic Bread, seasonal Stone Crab Claws, Cacio e Pepe chickpea fritters, Elisabetta’s Chopped Salad; Pasta: Spicy Cavatelli, Squid Ink Bucatini, Lobster Ravioli Al Limone, Taglione; and Entrees: Grilled Swordfish, Pork Chop Milanese, Grilled Half Chicken, Braised Bone-In Short Rib and Grilled 20oz OK Strip. The team will source locally when possible, prioritizing quality and integrity, with fresh seafood flown in throughout the week.
Room for dessert will always be recommended, with menu highlights such as Zeppole, Chocolate Budino Tart and Sweet Cream Soft Serve. Thoughtful beverage offerings include an eclectic but approachable Italian and worldly wine list by the glass or bottle and a full bar featuring classic and signature cocktails.
A visit to any 84 hangouts will reflect an atmosphere driven by personality, whether items selected for the menu, tactile elements throughout the interiors, or the music pulsing through the speakers, and Elisabetta will stay that course, promising a balanced, moody, and low-hum energy setting and scene to compliment the elevated vibe. 84 has tapped friend and Palm Springs-based architect Chris Pardo of Arrive Hotel fame to transform a second-generation coffee shop into a luxe walnut-paneled dining room with marble and terrazzo, raw brass accents, and jewel-toned furnishings. Al fresco dining will open later this year as a beautiful outdoor seating option, prime for Oklahoma sunsets and evenings fit for a patio.
“2020 reduced restaurants to mere numbers,” said Cope. “And it got everyone, including us, so focused on survival and the bottom line that many of us have lost what made us love restaurants in the first place, which is the art of genuine hospitality. Elisabetta is our way of doubling down in the belief that curating guest experiences and relentlessly striving for quality in all aspects of the restaurant will help make this a concept that lives for many, many years.”
Elisabetta joins as the newest hangout, alongside Empire Slice House, Goro Ramen and Burger Punk, under 84 Hospitality Group.
Elisabetta will seat 85 guests inside with outdoor seating for 35. The restaurant will be open 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday - offering the perfect setting for date night, business dinners, extended happy hours and nightcaps.
For reservations and more information, visit www.elisabettaokc.com or book on the SevenRooms website or app.