Harley’s Cafe keeps things consistent

New owner takes customer input to heart

By Van Mitchell

Milko Murray has been in the restaurant business long enough to know when something works, don’t change it.

That is the message he has heard from customers as the new owner of Harley’s Café, located 14013 NE 23rd Street in Choctaw.

“The clientele asked me not to change anything,” he said. “The menu is staying the same and the prices are staying the same for now. I left everything like it was. If it’s not broken, why change it.”

Murray took over ownership of Harley’s Café seven months ago. The restaurant serves All-American home breakfast and lunch meals plus a variety of different daily specials.

Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Mayor Randy Ross presents the Floyd Family with a citation declaring Sept. 15, 2020 at Matt and Katie Floyd Day in the City of Choctaw.

Murray has lived in Choctaw for 40 years, and is retired from the United States Postal Service.

His family has been in the Mexican food restaurant business for 20 years, and also operates Wholly Guacamole Kitchen in Midwest City. The family operation includes Murray’s wife Lydia, and daughter Jessica Conner.

“We work together well as a family and help each other where we can,” Conner said.
Murray said an employee of his let him know about Harley’s Café being for sale.

“He (previous owner) wanted to make sure someone would take care of the business like it has been, and keep taking care of the customers,” he said. “I am in for the long haul.”
Harley’s Café has its share of repeat customers to keep coming back for the food and atmosphere, including Larry Slimp of Choctaw who posted about that on Harley Café’s Facebook page.

“Great food, good hometown atmosphere, fantastic sweet tea,” he wrote. “(I) never had a bad experience in my 10 years of frequent dining here.”

For more information about Harley’s Café call (405) 390-4700.

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