Former NBA all-star Kevin Johnson’s soul food restaurant planned for downtown Tulsa

Fixins Soul Kitchen plans to complete a first-floor space at 222 N. Detroit Ave., an 11-story building owned by Oklahoma City’s Devon Energy, pursuant to a recently filed building permit from the city.

Johnson, who attended the Tulsa building’s dedication in September, could not be reached for comment. The real estate manager of the 222 North Detroit building declined to comment, citing a non-disclosure agreement.

Johnson played 12 years in the National Basketball Association and is a three-time All-Star. After his playing career, he became the first black mayor of Sacramento, California, being elected in 2008 and 2012.

Co-founded by Johnson’s wife, Michelle Rhee, Fixins has additional locations in Sacramento and Los Angeles.

As a professional basketball player, Johnson traveled to more than two dozen NBA cities each year. He said during those trips he would seek out soul food restaurants because they reminded him of the great cooks in his family.

“Barbecues and get-togethers always featured Grandma Glady’s famous peach cobbler and competitions to see who made the best collards or potato salad,” says the Fixins website. “This restaurant pays homage to this amazing African American family and Johnson’s wider network of friends and associates by showcasing all of their best recipes and family favorites.”

Fixins joins Crowe & Dunlevy, the tenant of 222 North Detroit, who has leased the entire sixth floor.

Local drilling company Helmerich and Payne Inc. announced last month that it plans to move its Tulsa headquarters to the high-rise in 2024. Legacy Bank and Trust has leased the entire third floor and will build a full service branch on the ground floor.