Oklahoma Restaurateurs
Learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's restaurateurs and food service leaders and how their indelible legacies shaped the gastronomy of Oklahoma.
Learn From These Influential Oklahomans
Jim Economou
The Coney Island StoryIn 1926, the Economou family introduced Tulsa to what became a local tradition: Coney Island hot weiners.
Maxine Kelamis
Savoy RestaurantMaxine Kelamis and her son, Bill, tell a story of immigration, food, and the American dream.
Mike Samara
Celebrity Club Fine DiningKnown as the friendly owner of Celebrity Club, he also helped bring liquor-by-the-drink to Oklahoma.
Sonic Drive-in
American Drive-in Fast food ChainDr. Bob Blackburn, historian and former executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society tells the story of Sonic, America’s Drive-In, which is also the subject of his book “The History of America’s Drive-In.”
Stan Clark
Eskimo Joe’s OwnerStan took Eskimo Joe's from a small college town bar to a national brand known worldwide for its quirky logo and cheese fries.
William S. Atherton
Businessman, Pizza HutBill applied the work ethic and values he learned from his family to build a lasting, meaningful business legacy.
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