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Highway 77 & Mainstreet
Mulhall, OK 73063
LUCILLE’S TO REBUILD & REOPEN.
an oklahoma icon rebuilding and expanding after fire and tornado.
MULHALL, OK--One of Oklahoma’s favorite landmark restaurants is rebuilding and will reopen
this summer. Lucille’s had a strong loyal following of motorcycle riders and clubs, townspeople and
statewide patrons who were disappointed when a fire shuttered the restaurant two years ago. Until
now, there had been no plans to reopen. Mulhall natives Don and Chris Harman, purchased the restaurant and have begun construction on the refurbishment. Now Lucille’s is expected to open once
again in late summer.
Diners and enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that Lucille’s is not just experiencing a minor make
over - but rather a major expansion. A new addition is being built that will add inside seating for 170
plus seating for another 170 outside. An additional area is being outfitted with plenty of space to
accommodate motorcycle crowds looking to hang out with plenty of seating, large screen TVs and
room for live music. Between the buildings will be a road reserved for hot rods, classic cars and motorcycles. Lucille’s will host a monthly poker run and a classic car show every Saturday night.
Lucille’s is slated to open late summer with an official grand opening celebration on September 9,
2011. The date is significant because it marks the 2nd anniversary of the fire that closed the restaurant.
Pre-fire, Lucille’s would host huge crowds up to 800 bikers, classic car enthusiasts and loyalist who
wanted great food. Biker crowds discovered the small town restaurant and made it a legend for its
chicken fried steak, cold beer and burgers. The usual biker route comes through Highway 77 from
Guthrie that first crosses the Cimarron River, entering Lawrie Stretch, which is still used for unofficial
drag races in the spirit of the ‘60s. The next portion of the route is a particular favorite of bikers
LUCILLE’S REOPENING / PAGE 2
referred to as the “Wild Cat Curves” which are tree-overhung curves that parallel the Cimarron River. As you exit the curves, you enter several miles of roller coaster hills, which lead directly
into Mulhall. The route is a particular favorite with bikers all over and from out of the state, which
brought them directly to Lucille’s for refreshments.
Lucille’s is no stranger to adversity. In 1999 when an F-4 tornado leveled the town of Mulhall, the
restaurant was one of the few places left standing besides the historic bank building which had
been constructed in 1894. Only a few years later, fire devastated the kitchen and interior of the restaurant. Lucille’s has been closed for two years. Repairs and renovations have just recently begun.
The Harman brothers couldn’t stand to see the historical landmark bank and restaurant go unused
with no plans for reconstruction. It was clear someone had to do something and,” well I guess it
was us” said Don Harman. “The support and interest from everyone has been overwhelming. If we
get half the following and support committed, Lucille’s will be bigger than ever. We have added so
much to make it an even more fun visit than ever - you will just have to come up and take it all in to
appreciate what Lucille’s will be when it reopens.”
Lucille’s was named for Lucille Mulhall, which as legend has it, was the ”first cowgirl.” She was
given the nickname by then unknown Will Rogers, who was a performer in Lucille’s father’s traveling wild west show. She started girl power before there was such a thing. Crowds gathered to see
Lucille rope, ride and wrestle livestock that were several times her size. It is fitting that a restaurant
named after her has pulled through every hardship thrown its way - just as Lucille herself did.
The restaurant has become something of a local legend - letting people revisit the small towns
of Oklahoma’s past. “It’s a bit like visiting Mayberry - a place you can step back in time and enjoy
yourself,” said Don Harman.
It is fitting that the major rebuilding is being done by Mulhall natives. The Harmans grew up in the
town as their parents did. Renovating Lucille’s has been a bit of a homecoming and blessing for
the town which has suffered many setbacks in recent years. “The town isn’t big enough to support
us completely but perhaps we can support the town. Come see us for an experience that goes
back in time as life travels at the speed of s-l-o-w,” said Don Harman.
More information and updated construction photos will be posted on www.lucillesok.com or on
Lucille’s Facebook page.
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