Shirley’s Café closes in Overbrook

Rosie Blacketer
Staff Writer

Shirley Simmons, owner of Shirley’s Café in Overbrook, served her last meal to customers on Feb. 15. After 45 years of serving the residents of Overbrook and beyond, she was given a fond farewell at a reception last Friday.

Overbrook Mayor Jack Young proclaimed Friday as Shirley Simmons Day. Osage County Commissioner Larry Woodson presented her a certificate from the county commissioners. She was crowned queen, given flowers, and her scepter was a decorated mixing spoon. JoEllen Criger presented her with an inscribed brick that will be placed in the commemorative walkway being planned for Overbrook.

Simmons bought her first restaurant in 1955, in Missouri, between her junior and senior year in high school.

“I liked it so I bought it,” she said. “That was the start of my restaurant years.”

She is proud that she made a go of Shirley’s Café and never had to ask for help.

“I had five children to raise after my divorce,” Simmons said, “and I didn’t believe in welfare, so I had to do something to support them.”

“We also delivered newspapers for awhile, to help with the income,” she said.

The purchase

Simmons bought the restaurant on Feb. 13, 1963, from Andy Gruber. A dining room and restrooms were added in 1972.

“I still have my original first menu,” she said, that has hung on the wall. “Gas was 17 cents a gallon, hamburgers were six for $1, hot beef sandwiches were 35 cents, and bacon and eggs cost 50 cents.”

In comparison, prices today are $2 for one hamburger, $4.25 for bacon and eggs and a hot beef sandwich is $4.80.

“The biggest price changes started happening about three years ago, and everything went higher and higher,” Simmons said.

“ I was born Feb. 6, 1937, and I am 71 years old,” she said. “So it is about time to retire.”

She woke up each morning around 4 a.m. to prepare for the breakfast crowd and to greet her friends she has met over the years.

“I just figure on my first day off, I will probably still wake up at 4 a.m., and then remember I don’t have the restaurant to open,” Simmons said. “But I will go anyway, because I have to clean it and put stuff away.”

She raised two sons and three daughters by herself and her children are very proud of her. They are happy but sad to see her retire.

Her oldest daughter, Vicky Jones, said, “She is happy with all she has accomplished. Mom always said, if you are going to do something, do it right or don’t do it at all and give 110 percent, and she has done that.”

Her children all agree that Simmons’ true heroes are her 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her mother influenced her the most and her father was her inspiration.

Her son, Steve, who has worked by her side for many years, is happy to see her finally find time for herself.

“If I had to describe my mother, I would say she is totally awesome,” he said. “I am excited for her and her retirement, but I know she will miss it.”

Her son, Doc, is also happy for her and said, “I think it is great she is retiring, but she should have done it 10 years ago.”

She has a lot of memories she is taking with her, like the time a drunken couple came in and began throwing chili. She kicked them out and called the police. Soon after, the police showed up at the couple’s house and found stolen property belonging to residents in the area. She even chased out an unruly customer once with a hammer.

“I was never afraid of anyone or anything, and I am still not,” she said. “I can handle myself and take care of myself.”

Shirley’s Café has been robbed three times. All three times the robberies were solved, mostly by Simmons’ watchful eye.

“One time someone took my silver dollars and then they tried to spend them,” she said. “They were not very smart robbers.”

Simmons’ grandchildren have made plans for her retirement. They are all active in sports and plan to see their grandmother at the games now that she has time. She also wants to spend time gardening and doing yard work, which she finds enjoyable.

Simmons plans to keep many of her mementos from her years in the business. She plans to sell the business and has listed it for sale with Richard Wright Real Estate. If the business does not sell as a restaurant, she will have an auction to sell equipment and other items.

“My friends in the community have asked me not to retire, but due to my health, I feel now is the time to do it,” Simmons said with a tear in her eye. “I will miss all the memories everyone in the community has been a part of.”