D ouglas Wadley’s memories of eating at Shoney’s stretch back to childhood, when his father and brother would stop by the Shoney’s in Tulsa during hunting and fishing trips together. Years later, when he and his wife, Nancy, would take their family to Branson for holidays, they’d never miss an opportunity to pull in for breakfast. “Shoney’s is known for their breakfasts, and we ate many Branson,” Wadley said. “We didn’t realize they had such a great menu until we got into the franchise.” It was two years ago that Wadley and his wife opened Shoney’s, located at 610 E. Main St. in Henryetta. They had purchased the franchise after acquiring the old Colonial Motel and Restaurant, which had been downtown since the 1960s. When trying to decide Shoney’s in Henryetta what to do with that property, they thought back to the warm feelings they got when eating at Shoney’s. They wanted to share that hospitality with their neighbors. “The food is very good, and they’re always friendly with a nice atmosphere,” Wadley said. “That’s what we wanted to do right here in Henryetta. We want everyone to feel like they’re at home when they’re there.” Along with all-day breakfast, Shoney’s specializes in true comfort foods. Meatloaf, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans are favorites at the buffet. The soup bar features two different soups everyday. Plus, you can order burgers, slim jim sandwiches, turkey clubs, milkshakes, and more from the menu. “I like a good turkey club. You’ll never find one better than ours,” he said. “But I’m a little biased.” As residents of the community for 40 years, Wadley and his wife previously owned a pizza business and a convenience store in town. They are raising their family in Henryetta and support their community with donations to the local schools and other charities. Their 6,500-square-foot restaurant, which seats 200, employs 39 people who pride themselves on great customer service. “If you don’t deliver with good service and have relationships with the customers, they’re not going to come,” he said. “I’m proud of Shoney’s, and I want our customers to be happy when they leave.” Henryetta, OK
