Two former OU football players will open sports bar and grill Coaches Corner on Friday where Penny Hill Deli once was.
Former Sooners Corey Wilson and Maylon Wesley became best friends during their college days in the 1990s. The pair joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, leaving the university closer than friends but as brothers.
After taking time to build families and start careers, the pair is teaming up to open a sports restaurant.
Originally from Texas, Wilson and Wesley’s decision to open Coaches Corner came from the mutual agreement that Norman was too special to pass by. Wesley felt that the city needed more Black-owned businesses and wanted to help with the change.
“We both decided this is where we want to be, and this is home for us. This is where we cut our teeth at. This is where we grew up,” Wilson said. “You have two grown men that were here as boys, now back as men.”
For seven years, the building housed Penny Hill Deli, a restaurant and bar beloved by Norman that closed in January. When Wilson and Wesley saw the building, they felt confident that the atmosphere was exactly what they wanted for their space.
“We wanted to make sure that we found a space that would make everybody feel at home,” Wilson said. “You know, we're just two southern boys from Houston and Dallas, Texas that got southern hospitality ways. We want everyone to come in to feel comfortable and welcomed.”
Before the building was Penny Hill, it was Big Dog Daddy’s Ice House, country music star Toby Keith's property. Keith was a known OU fan and has multiple properties across Oklahoma. Wilson said Coaches Corner will preserve the ambiance that Keith created.
The restaurant's name was inspired by a club in Dallas that Wilson and Wesley found special. The club was owned by the late father of former OU football player Dante Jones, who gave permission to his friends Wilson and Wesley.
Wilson and Wesley said the goal of Coaches Corner is to provide mentorship and community. Wesley said he noticed a lack of facilities catered to Black men, motivating him to provide a space where Black athletes can feel support, specifically by men who have walked similar lives.
"Playing here in the '90s, we didn't win any championships, but as a mature adult and somebody who wants to be a mentor to the younger players, we've been through the struggles,” he said. “Coaches Corner is to provide a safe haven for those who don't feel that they have representation throughout the city.”
Wilson and Wesley said they are thankful for friends, family and anyone who has helped them in their journey. Wilson said they hope to give back to their community and expressed their purpose in life: to give out support and blessings to those around them.
“The students come and go, that's been a norm since the University of Oklahoma was established,” said Wilson. “But we also want to let the community that has been in Norman all their lives to know that (Coaches Corner) is your home.”
Coaches Corner will serve a variety of dishes such as catfish, filets, wings, hotdogs, fried tomatoes and fried green beans. The restaurant will also serve dessert, kept secret until opening day.
“Great fun, great food, great ambiance, great communication and just great vibes,” Wilson said.
Inside the restaurant, the 2018 Super Bowl Trophy will be displayed, won by Chris Wilson, older brother of Corey and former Philadelphia Eagles coach.
With OU joining the Southeastern Conference, Wilson said Coaches Corner is ready for game days and that, at every home game, the restaurant will have a live DJ with other surprises throughout the season.
“Every day will be an exciting opportunity to be in this place. I tell you about any day that I get to live and breathe it's a party,” he said.
Coaches Corner will open Friday at 1150 W. Lindsey St. The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Coaches Corner is currently hiring staff and can be reached by email.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Avery Avery and Riley McDaniel copy edited this story.
