Earlier this week, we were first on the scene, first on the story, in reporting that Ingrid's Kitchen – the venerable Oklahoma City Bavarian eatery and bakery that was once featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – was shut down by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for failure to pay at least $125,000 in back sales taxes.
The news quickly shot through the Oklahoma City food scene like the smell of Ingrid's dinner rolls being brought to the table, leaving thousands and thousands of Oklahomans with thumbprint cookie-sized holes in their heart, wondering if, when, or how the wound will ever heal.
Well, I guess we have good news to report!
Yesterday afternoon, Ingrid's left a couple of updates on Facebook. One of them thanked a list of local businesses, while another announced the eatery would be reopening its doors today.
Check this out:
If true, that's fantastic news! In addition to whipping up great food, Ingrid's has a quirky charm and brings much-needed character to a city that's continually assaulted by Generica. Oklahoma City is a better place to live with a place like Ingrid's open and plumping up the masses.
That being said, you still have to wonder what the future holds for Ingrid's. It's great that it looks like they got some stuff worked out, but it's still probably not a good thing that they owed the tax commission over $100,000 in back sales taxes. Did the businesses mentioned above help them cover the tax bill so they could re-open? Is the place under new ownership and/or management? Are they going to remain cash only?
The next time a stop by for an after-school cupcake, I'll see what I can find out.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We'll keep you advised.