Popular Restaurant Reopens

There's new life for a landmark restaurant in Pryor. It's been a year and a half since Thomas' Restaurant burned. But, on Monday they opened up again for business. The News On 6 anchor Craig

Monday, November 19th 2007, 2:11 pm

By: News On 6

There's new life for a landmark restaurant in Pryor. It's been a year and a half since Thomas' Restaurant burned. But, on Monday they opened up again for business. The News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports it was a day the owners and customers have been looking forward to for some time.
This is a day Thomas' restaurant has been looking forward to for some time.

Regulars at the restaurant were ready to dig into their favorites.

"I'm going to have a cheeseburger. If you come for breakfast, order number nine over easy with wheat toast. It will get you through the morning. It sure will,â€ said Larry Lees of Pryor.

Thomas' has been open for a long time, more than half a century, but this day is their grand reopening. In May of 2006, the restaurant, which first opened in 1954, burned to the ground. For many it was like losing an old friend.

"It's a place where people interact and where they feel comfortable," said Donna Lees of Pryor.

The owners vowed to reopen. And, their customers couldn't be happier.

"Oh I think it's great. They've rebuilt. Same location. Back with the good food. Excellent pies and the atmosphere,â€ said customer Barbara Panagiotis.

Thomas' isn't just a restaurant; it's a landmark in the community. Itâ€™s a place where generation after generation of people has come, not just for the great food, but for much more. Like many diners, Randy Chitwood has been coming here since he was a kid.

"It's more than just a restaurant. Darryl is like family. He always took care of us and made us feel special. This is a day I've really looked forward to,â€ said diner Randy Chitwood.

Thomas' restaurant is located on Highway 69 in Pryor. Just look for the old sign, which was about the only thing that made it through the fire. The best sellers on Monday were the chicken fried steak and onion rings.

Watch the video: Pryor Restaraunt Reopens After Fire

Related Stories:

5/18/2006 Fire Destroys Pryor Restaurant

5/19/2006 Pryor Mourns Loss Of Restaurant

6/29/2007 Rebuilding An Oklahoma Landmark