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Background:
Oklahoma City was once crowed the cafeteria capital of the United States, a place home to such legendary eateries as Lady Classen, Queen Ann, Anna Maude, Adair’s, Dobson’s, O’Mealey’s and Boulevard. Boulevard Cafeteria is now the only one remaining.
 - Boulevard Cafeteria, 1111 Classen Drive, c. 1950.jpg "(RACp.2010.15.11) - Boulevard Cafeteria, 1111 Classen Drive, c. 1950s")
The cafeteria craze started with Anna Maude Smith starting up her own cafeteria after operating one at the old downtown YWCA. Her partner was Bob Smith, who later partnered with Ralph Geist, a Norman restaurateur. Geist then partnered with Naomi O’Mealey and opened Classen Cafeteria at NW 23 and Classen. O’Mealey left the partnership and started her own cafeteria at NW 23 and Walker – O’Mealey’s. Geist hired a new cook for his Norman eatery, John Schroer Sr.
Garland Arrington opened the Boulevard Cafeteria in 1948 at 1111 Classen
 - Boulevard Cafeteria, 1111 Classen Drive, c. 1950s .jpg "(RACp.2010.15.10) - Boulevard Cafeteria, 1111 Classen Drive, c. 1950s")
In 1966 Oklahoma City was home to 23 cafeterias. And it was that year the Schroers launched an extensive renovation and promoted it as the first “restaurant-style” cafeteria with comfortable seating and a more formal design. John Schroer Jr. joined as a partner in the corporation and together the father and son duo enjoyed great success running Boulevard Cafeteria.
In 1973 younger son Robert joined as manager and 10-percent owner and John Schroer Jr. left to start up his own eatery, Queen Ann Cafeteria, at Founders Tower. In 1975 the cafeteria moved across the street from its old location to its current home at 525 NW 11 (the original location is now home to EMSA).
Robert Schroer became controlling partner and general manager at Boulevard in 1977 and then sole owner in 1979 when John Schroer Sr. retired. Younger brother Bill joined the staff in 1978 and worked as manager until opening his own restaurant, Hudson’s in Edmond, in 1984.
The Collection:
Bill Schroer purchased Boulevard upon Robert Schroer’s death in 1989. Bill continued the operation until his death in 1998, at which time his wife Malin Schroer took over the business. Bill and Malin Schroer’s son Harrison now runs the business and he generously allowed Retro Metro OKC to create a digital collection of photos displayed at the cafeteria by his grandparents and their customers over the past half century.
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Did’t the Boulevard Cafeteria use to be across the street from where it is now???????
Yes Mike – it was in the building that is now home to EMSA.
Steve – I remember a cafeteria in the very early 60′s a little farther North on Classen. Memory serves that the name was Classen Blvd. Cafeteria. I remember it being due North, across 23rd from the Gold Dome, which back then I believe was a bank.
I also fondly remember Adair’s Cafeteria and their famous chocolate icebox pie.
Nice article – thanks.
You’re right about Classen Cafeteria Pat. The Oklahoma Historical Society has several great photos of the Classen Cafeteria on its Star archives online. I can’t tell whether the building is still standing or not.
I’m not sure, either. I believe a CVS is in that location now.
Yes. It is CVS on that location. I happened to see it yesterday on our way to the State Fair.
Does anyone have an image of the billboard on Classen Blvd. in the late 1950′s that said “Anna Maude Fricket eat lunch every day at Adair’s cafeteria. Come to Adair’s and tell ‘em Anna Maude sent you.”
I think it was one of the best ad in Oklahoma City History!
Joe Crosby
Does anyone have an image of the billboard on Classen Blvd. in the late 1950′s that said “Anna Maude Fricket eat lunch every day at Adair’s cafeteria. Come to Adair’s and tell ‘em Anna Maude sent you.”
I think it was one of the best ad in Oklahoma City History!
Joe Crosby
I love all of these pictures!!! I’m hoping somewhere there are pictures of John A. Brown’s, and the shops adjoining it, and Anna Maude Cafeteria, which was down stairs. I loved going to all of those wonderful places as a child. I remember shopping for Christmas presents one year, and trying to include more of our family, so we spent more time shopping and I loved that! I hope someone has actual pictures of Anna Maude Cafeteria. I also remember most of the other cafeterias and loved them all!
We used to eat at Queen Ann’s frequently and thoroughly enjoyed the cherry cobbler. I would like to locate the recipe for the cobbler if it is available. Thank you.
I’m not 100%, but I believe my grandfather, Dick Gilpin did the lettering for the Boulevard Cafeteria signage. It’s very similar to his signature style and typography. He owned Graphic Art Center which was located in 1330 Classen Building in the 50′s.
I asked my dad about the signage and he’s pretty sure it was his dad’s work, but said it might also have been Burt Rosamond.
Any information about it would be great…Thanks!
I remember my Grandfather Max Harrington telling me that he and my Grandmother used to employ anna maude and I remember meeting her when I was about 6 or 7 years old. it would have been around 1959 or 1960. I also ate at one of the anna maude cafeterias in downtown okc. thanks for a way to keep these memories alive!