Kelly Whitaker Retains Ownership of Nonesuch Restaurant

The restaurateur continues his management of the 18-seat fine-dining establishment in the heart of Midtown.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of two ceramic bowls on a rustic wooden table, evoking a quiet, sophisticated culinary environment.
Restaurateur Kelly Whitaker confirmed his continued ownership of the 18-seat fine-dining establishment Nonesuch in Oklahoma City's Midtown district. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Since purchasing the restaurant in 2024, Kelly Whitaker has continued to oversee operations at Nonesuch in Oklahoma City. The Midtown venue remains a premier destination for fine dining.

Why it matters

Whitaker maintains his commitment to the local culinary scene because he views Oklahoma City as a significant growth city in America. His ownership ensures the continuation of the restaurant's distinct approach to heritage grains and hospitality.

The restaurant maintains an intimate 18-seat capacity and utilizes heritage grains sourced from a 1,000-acre collaboration with 13 farmers.

The players

Kelly Whitaker

He is the owner of Nonesuch and founder of Id Est Hospitality.

Garrett Hare

He serves as the executive chef of Nonesuch restaurant.

Id Est Hospitality

This organization operates restaurants in the Boulder, Colorado area and maintains a commercial grain milling facility.

Nonesuch

This fine-dining restaurant located in the Midtown neighborhood of Oklahoma City was named America's Best New Restaurant in 2018.

The details

Operated under the Id Est Hospitality umbrella, Nonesuch integrates high-level culinary practices with local infrastructure development to influence city planning. Executive chef Garrett Hare leads the kitchen, which is set to expand its interior offerings to include a bar space called Somesuch.

Timeline

  1. 2018: Bon Appétit named Nonesuch America's Best New Restaurant.

  2. 2024: Kelly Whitaker purchased the Nonesuch restaurant.

  3. 2028: Oklahoma City is scheduled to host events for the 2028 Olympic games.

Culture Shift

The restaurant follows a legacy of excellence set by the Bon Appétit America's Best New Restaurant list. Its continued operation reflects a broader trend of high-end establishments anchoring neighborhood culinary identities.

Residents and visitors can expect the restaurant to continue its operations in Midtown as it prepares to launch the Somesuch bar. Patrons should look for updates regarding menu changes and the new bar space as the city prepares for upcoming international events.

The takeaway

Maintaining unique, low-capacity dining experiences can anchor neighborhood revitalization in growing cities. Diners seeking specialized culinary experiences should monitor the transition of the new bar concept for future reservation opportunities.

Further reading

For more on the local food scene, browse the Oklahoma City Dining Out section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Nation's Restaurant News.

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