Saturday evening, Dec. 31, 2022, the community and surrounding area patrons said goodbye to Freddie's BBQ and Steakhouse. People waited for up to over an hour to enjoy one last meal at the restaurant.
Freddie's BBQ and Steakhouse has been in business for over 60 years. Founded in 1962 when Fred Joseph began cooking in the back of his grocery store, in Drumright. Ten years later, Joseph's nephew, Edmond “Tex” Slyman purchased it. After a fire destroyed the restaurant in 1978, Slyman moved the restaurant to Route 66, and has owned it ever since, making it a legend in the restaurant industry. No matter what day you decided to dine, Slyman was always at the door to greet you, with a smile on his face and a warm, friendly Hello.
Slyman and his wife, Sherian, were members of the Bristow community and he was a member of the Bristow City Council, serving the community for many years. Unfortunately, Slyman passed away in July 2022 and in October, the family announced, after deep consideration, they would be closing the restaurant at the end of the year, December 31 to be exact.
Most of the week before closing, the restaurant was packed with diners seeking that last memory of Freddies with a great steak, cabbage rolls and tabouleh. For many, memories with friends and family, Christmas parties, community events and so forth, will continue on after the closure.
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