Rachel Cope

Co-Founder & CEO at 84 Hospitality Group

Speaker

Rachel Cope is the founder and CEO of Oklahoma-based 84 Hospitality Group. Since launching the company in 2013, she has built a portfolio of distinctive restaurant concepts across Oklahoma—including Empire Slice House, Goro Ramen, Burger Punk, and the recently opened Italian-American restaurant Elisabetta—employing more than 400 people across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and Stillwater. Empire Slice House, her flagship NY-style pizza concept with eight locations, was named 2018 Independent Pizzeria of the Year by Pizza Today and is the first local restaurant vendor on the concourse of Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rachel has been instrumental in shaping Oklahoma City's dining identity, helping establish the city as an emerging culinary destination. A longtime champion of the arts, education, and culture in Oklahoma, she played an influential role in revitalizing OKC's Plaza District and continues to support organizations such as the Homeless Alliance and Positive Tomorrows. In 2026, Rachel was named a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur.