Oklahoma City will soon lose one of the downtown restaurants that earned notice from the James Beard Foundation Awards.
Tahnee Francis, chef-owner of Naija Wife Kitchen and James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest in 2025, announced the closure of the restaurant via social media on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Tahnee Francis of Naija Wife Kitchen, served chili during the 2025 Carne Diem Chili Cook-Off on Park Ave in downtown Oklahoma City, Oct. 24, 2025.
According to Francis’ post, the restaurant, located at 119 Robinson Ave. in the Robinson Renaissance food court, will have its last day of service on Sept. 25, 2026.
The statement cited “circumstances beyond [Francis’] control” as part of the reason for the closure.
The restaurant, which serves a variety of Nigerian food items, began with a desire from Francis to learn how to cook traditional Nigerian food, in part for her husband, and grew into a way to bring those flavors to more people through creating a distinct fusion she refers to as Nigerian-American cuisine.
The restaurant moved into Robinson Renaissance in February of 2023 and has enjoyed three years of growth and success in that location.
Francis’ mission of sharing Nigerian and Yoruba culture with those who dine at Naija Wife Kitchen, was evident in her willingness to always offer free samples, allowing people approachable access to Nigerian food. The menu was filled with various stews and swallows, spicy suya wings, jollof rice, fried plantains and more.
In 2025, Francis was noticed by the James Beard Foundation Awards committee, earning a mention as a semifinalist in the category of Best Chef: Southwest alongside several other prominent OKC chefs. This success led to Francis being invited to cook at the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago.
Throughout its time open, Naija Wife Kitchen has been a steadfast community supporter, with Francis participating in area cookoffs and collaborations and even sponsoring meals for people in need during times of economic stress or downturn.
Tahnee Francis of Naija Wife Kitchen, served chili during the 2025 Carne Diem Chili Cook-Off on Park Ave in downtown Oklahoma City, Oct. 24, 2025.
Francis’ bright nature and quality cooking made her a fan favorite and even led to multiple caterings for the University of Oklahoma football team.
Francis was born in Oklahoma City, but spent a large portion of her life in Texas, before eventually moving back to Oklahoma years later. In her post, Francis reflected on her love for the people of OKC, including other people in the culinary industry that she has come to know, saying she has met friends, mentors, brothers and sisters along the way.
“Most of you all have been with me since I first started from nothing, with literally nothing. From then TOGETHER with your support, encouragement, and love I was able to grow by leaps and bounds really really fast,” Francis wrote in her online post. “During this time with y’all, I didn’t just sell food to the community after returning back to my hometown after 23 years, I became part OF the community.”
Francis went on to invite the community out to see her and experience Naija Wife Kitchen again in its final month of operation, saying she will be forever impacted by the lessons the restaurant has taught her and the way a desire to learn how to cook in her 30s would turn into an “accidental career” that changed her life.
“Most of all, I’ll never forget all of your love, kind words, and smiling faces,” she wrote. “Y’all don’t forget to come celebrate with me during this last month I’m open. I need my hugs.”
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: James Beard semifinalist to close downtown Oklahoma City restaurant
