Cafe Run By Some Of Oklahoma's Own Celebrates 86 Years In Same Location

It takes a lot of hard work to operate a small business and to keep it going for years. Location is an important key to success.

That's the case with The Kumback cafe, run by some of Oklahoma's Own.

It's had the same name and been in the exact same spot, on the square in Perry in Noble County, for more than eight decades.

"It's just unbelievable they've been here that long," said customer Don Link. "I think they're doing something right."

It opened with only eight seats at the counter, back in 1926.

All these years later, the friendliness and food keep people coming back to the Kumback cafe.

"We had a bunch of people yesterday from Beijing, China," said Marilee Macias.

Marilee and her husband Tony have owned the Kumback cafe since the 1970s.

They have since expanded the restaurant, adding more tables, but keeping the same commitment to quality.

"We just have good home-cooked food. It's nothing real special. It's just something you can get at home; just home-cooked food," Marilee said.

Tony Macias actually started cooking at the cafe as a teenager.

"I learned from the cooks who were here then," Tony said.

It's not just the food, but the atmosphere that folks love.

There are 400 photos on the wall, highlighting Perry's history from the past eight decades, and showing both locals and famous visitors.

There are pictures of Olympic athletes from Perry and Governors from Oklahoma. There are pictures of Toby Keith, the country superstar, and Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxer who's eaten there several times. But probably the most famous - or maybe the most infamous - visitor was Pretty Boy Floyd, who came in armed and ordered a giant steak. Thankfully, he never came back to the Kumback cafe.

But lots of others have returned time and time again, 86 years and counting.

The Kumback cafe is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It's closed on Sundays.