BREAKING: Nic’s Place in history now and forever

But look for the return of breakfast service to Nic’s Grill in time for summer

Nic’s Place Diner and Lounge, 1116 N Robinson Ave., closed for good on Saturday night, ending nearly eight years operating between Automobile Alley and Midtown.

Owners Justin “Nic” Nicholas and Jovon Bunkley confirmed the news late last week, saying they plan to redirect their energy towards bringing breakfast service back to Nic’s Grill in Ten-Penn and expanding their current holdings.

Nic’s Place opened in October of 2016, featuring a slightly smaller burger than the original Nic’s burger plus steaks, chops, chicken, pasta, salads, desserts, brunch on weekends and a gorgeous basement cocktail lounge. Nic’s Place was also a prime destination for Thanksgiving diners.

“We’re so thankful to all the folks who came out and saw us at Nic’s Place all these years, it was a heckuva ride,” Nicholas said after final service. “Opening a beautiful restaurant and basement lounge like we had fulfilled a lifelong dream for me. We’re definitely walking away with a smile on our face and a good taste in our mouth from the experience.”

He said Nic’s Place was definitely a victim of the pandemic.

“Everything was different after the pandemic,” said Nicholas, who lost two employees to COVID-19. “Guest habits changed, dependable labor is a lot harder to find, food costs are up, and rent is just ridiculous now. It’s a different world, and Jovon and me are doin’ our best to adapt.”

Post-pandemic, Nic’s Place shrunk its dining service down to mostly burgers, some with lamb Nic raised himself, plus homemade pies while relying heavily on the success of the basement lounge.

“We’re getting older,” Nic explained. “We only have so much energy to go around, and this is just the best way for us to direct our energy going forward.”

Bunkley and Nicholas built Nic’s Place Diner and Lounge on the reputation of Nic’s Grill, which opened in the fall of 1997 and quickly rose to local prominence. International acclaim emerged throughout the aughts and into the 20-teens. Nic’s got a shout-out on the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from Hollywood celebrity Colin Farrell, a mention in French GQ and a segment on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives in 2009. Trip Advisor ranked it No. 2 in its Top 10 burgers in America in 2017. That fame was founded on hulking burgers inspired by classic Oklahoma fried-onion burgers, which Nic calls Depression burgers, but not limited by their restrictions.

However, for good part of the first decades of its existence, lines for breakfast at Nic’s Grill were almost as long as those for burgers.

“We’re bringing breakfast back to Nic’s Grill,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of call for it over the years. This gives us a chance to bring it back. We should have that up and running in the next couple of weeks, then we’re gonna get to work on the building next door.”

The local burger icon told me breakfast wasn’t the only reason he and Bunkley were leaving the space they breathed life into starting nine years ago. Nicholas owns the building directly north of Nic’s Grill, which was an antique store for many years. Nicholas purchased it shortly after the owner passed away.

“By first of next year, we’ll have something out front for people to enjoy,” he said. “Won’t be anything like we’ve done before. Thinking deli sandwiches, Depression burgers and Lunch Lady cinnamon rolls with a drink station from hell while we’re making beef jerky in the back!”

Nic said his food truck remains available for private events. Look for the return of breakfast to Nic’s Grill on or around June 1. As for the property Nic’s Place leaves behind, indications are the next occupant won’t be in food-service.