What’s Up Norman
What’s New in Norman
New restaurants, shops and hangouts that just opened around Norman, plus the big ones on the way.
Just opened
Doors that opened in Norman this year, newest first. Every date comes from the business itself or local coverage, researched October 2026. Chains stay on the page for 30 days after opening; local favorites stay for a year, and a business that closes stays listed as closed for 30 days.
-
Shake ShackChainOpened Oct 28, 2026
2335 24th Ave NW, Norman
The New York burger chain opened its second Oklahoma location here, and the first in the state with a drive-thru, near 24th Ave NW and Rock Creek Rd. ShackBurgers, crinkle-cut fries and shakes. Open 10 AM to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 1 AM Friday through Sunday.
- Oma’s DeliLocalNew website · Oct 2026
229 E Main St, Norman
Our presenting sponsor put up a new digital front door this month: omasdeli.com launched October 20 with the full menu, hours and deli news. The deli itself is a downtown fixture, fresh sandwiches, soups and good company in the heart of Main Street.
1316 N Interstate Dr, Norman
Elevated Mexican from chef Don Arturo Garcia, known for El Sabor de la Baja in Oklahoma City, teaming up with Oscar Correa and his family. The grand opening was October 3, and the idea is right in the name: bring Mexico to Oklahoma, well beyond the usual Tex-Mex lineup.
1514 W Lindsey St, Norman
Furkan Boros and his family opened this Turkish grill in the former Ray’s BBQ spot on west Lindsey (Ray’s moved to Ed Noble Parkway). Doner wraps and plates, lamb plates and feta rolls, with most ingredients imported from Europe. Open daily 11 to 9.
1123 W Lindsey St, Norman
The Lake Hefner favorite came home. Mama Roja is a Hal Smith Restaurants concept, and Hal Smith is based right here in Norman. Made from scratch recipes, hand rolled chimichangas, fiesta guacamole and handcrafted margaritas.
205 E Main St, Norman
A new gift shop and lifestyle boutique downtown, a few doors down from The Play Pit. Goods for living, giving and gathering, artfully arranged. One of the newest reasons to take a stroll down Main Street.
New in the last year or so
One big 2025 arrival that still feels brand new.
- Juliette Oyster Bar & SteakhouseLocalOpened Oct 2025
121 E Main St, Norman
Theron and LeRhonda Jessop’s first restaurant, opened with family savings and no investors after their food truck days, and named for their daughter. Around a thousand fresh oysters a week, steaks dry aged at least 30 days in house, dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 4.
Coming soon
Announced, permitted or reported. We will move them up the page as the doors actually open.
-
Chick-fil-A, University North ParkIn the works
Rock Creek Rd & 24th Ave NW, Norman
Chick-fil-A has filed permits for its sixth Norman location, a $4.5 million build on the southwest corner of Rock Creek Road and 24th Avenue NW. At last report the permit was still working through city approval, so there is no opening date yet.
-
Rock Creek Entertainment DistrictGroundbreaking ahead
North Norman, along I-35
The billion dollar plus district anchored by an 8,000 seat arena cleared its final legal hurdle at the Oklahoma Supreme Court in February 2026. Arena construction is targeted to begin in November 2026, with dining, retail, a hotel and housing phases following.
-
A second Target for south NormanReported, not confirmed
Classen Blvd & Cedar Lane Rd, Norman
A 40 acre Armstrong Bank development in southeast Norman is planned around two big box stores, and local reporting expects the anchor to be Norman’s second Target, somewhat smaller than the University North Park store. The developers have not confirmed the tenant, so file this one under likely, not certain.
Tonight’s venue lineup
Downtown stops, performances and exhibitions for the October Art Walk.