TASTES of the TERRITORY

If you stop by one of these spots, know they’re part of the OEC and OEC Fiber family— just like you.

by the OEC marketing and OEC Fiber sales teams

Newcastle

Boudreaux’s Fried Chicken

STOP BY: 10:30 a.m. to 8 pm. Tuesday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays; 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. 992 N Main St in Newcastle. (405) 387-2828. facebook.com/boudreauxsfriedchicken

Drive through Newcastle with your windows down, and there’s a good chance the smell of Cajun spices will catch your attention. That’s Boudreaux’s Fried Chicken, a family-run local favorite.

Starting as a side hustle food truck, Boudreaux's grew into a full-blown restaurant in January 2025. Owned by Shelby Howell and Amy Allen, along with their four teenage boys, Boudreaux’s is a dream turned reality. Shelby always wanted to open a Cajun-style restaurant.

The restaurant serves up more than just comfort food—it serves connection.

“The difference in the food truck and the store is that you get to see their faces when they take the first bite,” Shelby said. “That’s what it’s always been about for me.”

And those bites? They deliver. Crispy, perfectly seasoned fried pickles and fried green tomatoes start things off right. The fried chicken salad is generous and well-balanced, topped with the kind of golden-brown chicken you instantly crave again.

Everything at Boudreaux’s is fresh, homemade and never frozen.

“We’re not a fast-food restaurant—we’re a good food restaurant,” Shelby said, and it shows in every bite.

With Amy’s roots in Newcastle and the whole family behind the counter or in the kitchen, Boudreaux’s is more than a restaurant, it’s a family operation.

PSST: Don’t fill up too fast! Save room for the banana pudding, we promise it's worth it.

Noble

Tiffany's

STOP BY: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 101 Main St in Noble. (405) 573-4003. facebook.com/tiffanys2000

There are hometown diners and then there’s Tiffany’s in Noble, where the food is big and the heart behind it even bigger.

For 25 years, Gary and Donnie Hicks have served more than just hearty breakfasts and Oklahoma comfort food. They’ve served their community. From sponsoring weekly “athlete of the week” spotlights to providing meals for school events and honoring veterans with a full week of free meals each year, Tiffany’s doesn’t just talk about giving back, they do it daily.

Walk in often enough, and you’re not just a customer, you’re a friend. And whether you are there for the pancakes that spill over the edges of your plate or a chicken-fried steak sandwich so massive it practically laughs at portion control, you’ll leave full in every sense of the word.

“My sandwich looked like it was trying to be a sandwich but missed the mark by about 4 inches,” one longtime fan joked. His wife turned her own order into three meals.

Behind it all is a kitchen helmed by Donnie Hicks, turning out giant biscuits, stuffed omelets, and that signature smalltown generosity. As co-owner Ian Hicks puts it, “Owning a small business in a small town isn’t about what you can get, but what you can give… Invest in your schools. Invest in your community. Love one another and grow together.”

At Tiffany’s, that’s more than a quote— it’s the recipe.

PSST: Come hungry. The portions here are more than generous—and the Tiffany’s Omelet is a fan favorite.

Washington

Trek Coffee Co.

STOP BY: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. 25343 State Highway 74 in Washington. (405) 642-4420. trekcoffeecompany.com

In the heart of Washington, Oklahoma, Trek Coffee Company is giving small-town mornings a serious upgrade. Family-owned and proudly small batch, this local roastery and café puts care into every step. From the organic, fair-trade beans they roast fresh each day to the warm, thoughtful service that greets you at the counter.

Whether you’re grabbing a cappuccino to-go or sitting down with something a little more adventurous—say, a blackberry cobbler

iced latte—Trek delivers quality and comfort in equal measure. Even the Cookie Butter Frappe (yes, it comes topped with a Biscoff cookie and cookie crumble) manages to feel indulgent without going overboard. Other favorites include a crisp blackberry lemonade made with Lotus energy and a seasonal honey lavender latte that’s subtle and soothing.

But it’s not just about the drinks. The food menu holds its own, with standout options like a sourdough sausage biscuit layered with melty havarti, a crispy and gooey cherry cream cheese danish and a cinnamon roll big enough to share—but you might not want to. The avocado toast is a solid choice too with just the right amount of balsalmic glaze drizzled over top (add an egg on top for a little extra protein).

With its house-roasted beans, welcoming vibe and an all-around strong menu, Trek Coffee is more than a caffeine stop—it’s a reason to make the drive.

PSST: High-protein bites are a favorite, especially if you’re saving calories for a cookie butter frappe.

Tuttle

Tiger Shack

STOP BY: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 151 East Main Street in Tuttle. (405) 441-1152. facebook.com/tigershack-10008859492

In a town where community pride runs deep, Tiger Shack feels like a tribute to Tuttle itself. Right down to the walls, which are covered in photos of local landmarks and familiar scenes. But it’s the sandwiches that steal the spotlight.

Regulars rave about the Meat Monster, a stacked and savory creation that lives up to its name.

“They had me at the name,” said Daniel Lofland, a self-proclaimed meat lover who also gave high praise to the sourdough bread. “I will be back when I’m in town.”

An OEC lineman, Tony Ramirez, tried the Jalapeño Popper Sandwich, and it didn’t disappoint. Bold flavors, creamy heat, the sandwhich is next level.

Trevor Little, another OEC lineman, may have put it best: “Most indulgent sandwiches in town.”

PSST: Ask for hot honey on the jalapeño popper sandwich. It adds just the right kick of sweet heat.

South OKC

Sushi Hayashi

STOP BY: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. 10600 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Site 4 in Oklahoma City. (405) 759-7788. facebook.com/hayashi.okc

Sushi Hayashi in South OKC is proof that great sushi doesn’t have to come from a big city—though the chef here did come from Las Vegas, and the menu reflects that level of ambition.

With new ownership and a focus on highquality ingredients, this neighborhood spot is earning a reputation for flavor-packed rolls and generous portions.

One standout is Code #5, a house favorite with layers of tuna and cream cheese inside, topped with salmon, shrimp, avocado and masago. Finished with a drizzle of eel sauce, it’s the kind of roll that wins over both sushi regulars and skeptics. The Philly Roll offers a creative twist on the classic, with tuna and cream cheese on top and a thin slice of lemon that cuts through the richness in all the right ways.

Starters hold their own too. The Bomb, a deep-fried jalapeño stuffed with spicy tuna, crab and cream cheese, lands somewhere between an appetizer and a power move.

The service ties it all together—friendly, attentive and laid-back.

Sushi Hayashi doesn’t skimp on quality or quantity, and it doesn’t need flash. It just delivers, one great plate at a time.

PSST: Order The Bomb, crunchy, creamy, spicy and totally over the top (in the best way).

Amber

Ken's Steak and Ribs

STOP BY: 4:30 p.m. to 9 pm. Thursday through Saturday. 408 Main Street in Amber. (405) 222-0786. facebook.com/kenssteakandribs

Tucked inside what used to be a convenience store, Ken's Steakhouse skips the flash and focuses on what really matters: the food.

At Ken's, your order starts before you even speak. A plate of ribs lands at your table as a kind of welcome—hot, smoky and delicious.

You won't find a menu at Ken's—at least not one you can hold. Instead, the waitress walks you through the night's options of thick-cut prime rib, tender sliced brisket, grilled chicken and sausage with that justoff-the-smoker depth of flavor. The sirloin comes in two sizes (8 oz. and 12 oz.), and the three-rib dinner is more than just a starter; it's a statement.

Regulars don't need a menu, and they don't need convincing. Dan Baker, an OEC member from Mustang, has been coming every weekend for 20 years. He first went on a friend's recommendation, and now he brings friends and family.

"Usually Thursdays," he said, "unless there's a basketball game."

Katy Voegeli, wife of OEC's Field Design Technician, Jared Voegeli, greets guests and helps keep things running. She's worked at Ken's for years with her brother, who is a owner. It's a family operation built on consistency, community and the kind of food that keeps people coming back.

PSST: Grab a scoop of fried okra from the salad bar. It’s hot, crispy and lowkey one of the best bites of the night.

Moore

Alfredo's

STOP BY: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2701 South I-35 Service Road in Moore. (405) 7944700. alfredosok.com

The steak street tacos at Alfredo's Mexican Restaurant are a standout example of authentic Mexican street fare done right. Served on warm, freshly made corn tortillas, the tacos feature tender, well-seasoned steak with a perfect balance of smokiness and char. Each bite is complemented by fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro and a zesty squeeze of lime. The accompanying house-made salsa adds just the right kick, enhancing the meat without overpowering it. Simple, flavorful and satisfying—these tacos are a must-try for any fan of classic Mexican cuisine.

PSST: Ask for the white queso, just trust us on this one!

Norman

Royal Bavaria

STOP BY: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. everyday. 3401 South Sooner Road in Norman. (405) 799-7666. royal-bavaria.com.

Just off the road between Moore and Norman sits Royal Bavaria, a family-style German restaurant that's been filling tables— and stomachs—since 1994. From the first bite of schnitzel to the last sip of beer, this place delivers an experience as rooted in Oklahoma as it is in the old-world traditions of its owner.

Andy, a native of Germany, first came to Oklahoma as a consultant during the restaurant's early days. In 2007, he took over and hasn't looked back. His mission stayed the same: keep the food authentic, the space inviting and the community at the heart of it all. The menu reflects that commitment with crispy pork schnitzel, house-made bratwurst, golden potato pancakes and imported pretzels served with tangy mustard and creamy Obatzda cheese. Most ingredients are sourced directly from Germany, which shows in every bite.

Meals here are hearty, warm and meant to be shared. Patrons can sit in the beer garden with a pilsner or grab a table inside where the rustic décor matches the comfort food on your plate. The salad comes with a house vinaigrette that's a quiet standout, and desserts like apple strudel or Black Forest cake wrap things up in true Bavarian style.

But what makes Royal Bavaria special goes beyond the food. Regulars return week after week, year after year, often bringing new generations with them. Many know Andy by name, and the same familiar faces have worked the floor and the kitchen for years. It’s also why Andy chooses local partners like OEC Fiber.

“Oklahoma has the nicest people,” Andy said. "I know I can rely on them to give me the best connection, so I can keep doing what I love—serving my customers," he said.

Now, he's looking ahead. With Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets on the horizon, Andy hopes to make seasonal celebrations a new Oklahoma tradition, offering immersive experiences that bring a little piece of Germany to the heartland.

PSST: Try the bratwurst platter. It’s classic, hearty and easy to split if you're sharing.