Carl’s Coney Island, a mainstay in the historic Crystal City Shopping Center along Route 66 in Tulsa, in October marked its 50th year and welcomed new owners.
According to a Facebook post a few weeks ago, Carl’s celebrated its half-century on Oct. 21. It served 50-cent Coney dogs that day.
It also announced owners Mike and Janet Cook sold the business to a couple from nearby Sand Springs, who pledged not to change the flagship items on its menu.
Carl Kennedy, who sold Carl’s Chili to Tulsa-area restaurants for many years, founded the restaurant in 1971. It’s even listed on the Travel Oklahoma website.
Tulsa has a long and storied history with Coney dogs, or chili dogs.
The Coney I-Lander regional chain was launched in 1926, as was the Coney Island restaurant downtown. Both were founded by a Greek immigrant Christ Economou.
Jim’s Coney Island was another notable Tulsa restaurant that served Coney dogs and Greek food since the 1950s, but it closed in late 2019.
Then there’s Ike’s Chili, a Tulsa institution since 1908, which dutifully serves Coney dogs, as well.
Carl’s Coney Island lasting for 50 years is an accomplishment enough in the restaurant sector, especially in a Crystal City Shopping Center that for years was moribund until it landed new owners about a decade ago.
The fact it kept going despite competition from local and long-established Coney dog eateries is a testament to its quality.
(Image of Coney dogs and Frito pie at Carl’s Coney Island in Tulsa via Facebook)