Molly Murphy's General & Historical Stories



Hey, my name is molly murphy and my aunt's then-boyfriend went to oklahoma (almost 18 yrs. ago) and went to the restaurant and told my mom about the name... so i guess in a way i was named after it... but anyways i used to have a t-shirt (that i wore seriously all the time)  from your restaurant that had that logo on it that's on your webpage, but my exboyfriend has it and he wont give anything back... so i was wondering if you have any more, and if you do can i buy one?? let me know! thanks!     - Molly Murphy

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I was a sophomore in college at the time and thought it was the best job in the world.  Our training began before the restaurant opening and I remember that Mark Shipp was there in the beginning.  My next year at Molly's I met Brett Leveridge, who has become a close friend (I see him at least once a year).

Hank Kraft was our GM and Russell Keys was the Kitchen manager (Russell committed suicide just after being named the replacement for Hank).  I was Humphrey Bogart and Columbo but Brett really got on to me for not staying in character literally all of the time!  I was asked in the summer of 1977 if I wanted to train as a DJ under our head DJ Dave Hart (the man who directed the set-up of the DJ booth and who developed Molly's programming format was Sammy Moon).  I can still remember that all of the records were given a rating of 1,2,3 or 4 depending on tempo (1 being for those songs with the fastest tempo and 4 for the slowest).  I eventually left Molly's to become a DJ at the soon to be opened Michael's Plum and then to Zanzibar in Norman - but I often think of and miss, Molly Murphy's.

About thirteen years ago my girlfriend and I were eating at a Mexican restaurant and she commented that several members of the wait staff kept coming by our table to look at me.  Eventually a young man came by the table and introduced himself as Bobby Tayar (when I worked at Molly's Bobby was about 8 or 9).  He asked if I had ever worked at Molly Murphy's.  I was stunned.  I was sure that the little kid couldn't have remembered me.  He said that the Tayar's corporate offices had a large framed photo of the very first crew standing in front of the restaurant and that I was in it.  He said that they had moved the picture to the office of this new venture and therefore, most of the wait staff recognized me from that.

I felt that during the late 1980's the characters became less convincing.  People didn't stay in character as much and quit acting their part.  But from 1976 to about 1986 or so, the restaurant was phenomenal!  It was one of the best places I've ever worked!  Wow, what memories!  I sure miss Molly's!   I still live in OKC and drive by the old site every now and then.     - Brent Payne

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First I want to apologize for being mean to you Superwoman.
A new hire walked in the door on a busy Saturday night, she was suppose to be Superwoman. She was holocaust bone thin with long stringy bleached blond hair.
The cocktail waitresses were protective of their image. We had an unwritten rule the managers did not know we enforced. Basically no one who looked like a slut, whore, or a crackhead was allowed to work with us. We told her Jim, the manager, was deaf and very self conscience of this so she needed to talk really loud, slowly, and clearly every time she talks with him.
Then that night we told him we thought something was wrong with her, (planting the seed she may by on drugs) she literally yelled at him all night. It was so funny. He began to believe what we made up. Then later that night when I was taking a break by the back door about 10:30pm she walked out the back door, flipped off the kitchen, and said F%#* you all. I guess it worked.     - Suzanne Torvi

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I started working at Molly Murphy's in 1980 and worked there until 1986.  I was the Camp Director and eventually "ruled" the poduim with many great friends.  I was a Key Employee which only meant that I too had to go to meetings on Saturdays and do the managers work, like making the schedules, without much extra pay.  During my time at Molly's I worked at TaMolly's and the Corporate office as a receptionist (I am still trying to forget that experience!).
It was a wild time at Molly's and I am proud to have been a part of it all.  But...let me tell you about my first day on the job.
I was hired to be a podium person because they were very short handed.  The Kabala brothers were the managers  and Steve Kabala was dating Jo Freeh (also front house and for some reason I cannot remember if she wore any costume.  Front house didn't always wear them then).  Jo and Steve were in the middle of a fight in the managers office.  I would come to learn that this was not a one time event.  I had to wait at the back door for the argument to be over so that she could come train me.  Eventually it became clear that the fight was not going to end any time soon and Brett Leverage (Groucho/Hawkeye) told me to go to the podium and Jo would be there soon.

I walked through the kitchen doors and as I passed the TR room I heard loud noises and saw a partially clad couple having sex on top of a table.  (I also later learned that this too was not an unusual occurance.  You might encounter this in the employee bathroom or even in the customer bathroom before or after work. There were some memorable moments when a certain waiter, who shall remain nameless, had sex with a customer in the men's room during working hours but I will leave that story for someone else.)

I hurridly continued walking to the front and went to the podium and waited.  Minutes later a crazed man in tights and a cape came flying through the doorway and landed literally on top of the podium.  I was a bit alarmed but he introduced himself as Mighty Mouse (Darren Stone).  He just wanted to say hi.  I would see this event repeated many times later when he would bring me my tip packets.  I thought it was just because he was a nice guy but it turned out that my measly portion of the tip pool would collect in the box and it annoyed him. He was very sweet about bringing it to me though.  he always made me laugh.

So on goes the evening and Jo comes up and shows me what to do.  It is slow for an hour and so Jo leaves me at the podium to continue the heated debate with her boyfriend.  Unfortunatley, it got very busy, very fast.  I started seating people like crazy and soon I had several waiters coming up to complain that I had "Double Seated" them.  For anyone who worked podium this was a constant complaint among some of the wait staff.  Never mind that we completely filled the restaraunt within a half hour span, it was still a punishable act of war for a few waiters, including Hawkeye, the SD.  Mike Kabala, who was the kitchen manager, came up to the podium to see what kind of a wait we were developing and saw me close to tears and angry too.  I asked him what I was supposed to do differently to make them stop complaining and he told me "I will take care of it."  I found out later he told several waiters that if they didn't get off my case he was going to personally see that none of their food came out on time for the rest of the night.  Amazingly enough everyone was very nice to me after that.

Eventually Jo came back and I learned a lot from her.  She was great to work with.  I decided to return the following night and give it another try.  On my way out of the kitchen that night I passed the employee bathroom and witnessed several people taking turns doing lines of cocaine.  I thought to myself, "I don't think I am in Kansas anymore."     - Kelley Griffith Nedbalek



Hi my Darling!
"I'm Mom and I'll be takin' care of you little ones tonight. Now, this is the way its going to work. I order, you eat it as well as pay for it and don't forget your salad you know all the food groups must be represented. How bout we play a little airplane" God, how many thousands of times did I say that!
It's Mom, and I miss my babies. I was Mom for 14 yrs and was trained by Darren, Mike Nelson and Brett Leveridge. I did a short stint as Baby Schnookems in my thinner days and even did a little Laticia the gypsy woman occasionally.I was a hostess for 3 days, a WA for 6 weeks, then waiter, SD, Training Director, and Manager for my remainder (except the investor parties when Bob would call me in to work one table for the night, pay me $100 and not mind that the real reason I was there on those nights was to play with my friends! My favorite position was that as a regular waiter. It was a license to have all the fun without the SD bullshit.
Sorry kids, I had no idea at the time that I was such a control freak.
Remember Mom's section inspections. Damn I was a bitch! I know there were a few that tried to take over my character after I left but I was the original. My but doesn't time fly at Molly's when you're on drugs and turning and burning. Thank God we all survived! I'm grateful that my current children have no idea that their Mom was such a wild child. As a matter of fact if I have a glass of
wine on Christmas or Thanksgiving my kids look at each other and say oh my god! Mom is having a drink! If they ever knew. Remember "Mama needs a martini" or Murphy's Sundays and the inverted Margaritas that I was the plant for? The male customers took it as a challange,"if a woman can drink like that well then, by god so can I"
In the midst of all the craziness how did I graduate from college? When I look back on those days I have to smile. I made life long
friends there. I'm still very close to Terrie Kelso, Mikey Cotten, Kell Riha, and Dayna Brown(Wallace now) and I got to see Dave Eagle when he was still in town. Such a love (unless you pissed him off). But there are many I still miss.
Well enough of my rambling. I would love to hear from some of my old friends.
Take care XO, Mom     - Toby Tobin

This is just a random email, but I was sorry to hear that Molly Murphy's is no more.  I was able to make it to the restaurant in Oklahoma City while on a choir tour from Northeast Missouri State University on two successive years.  You were apparently our waiter on at least one occasion in 1981 as the Clark Kent/Superman characters, so give me good marks for remembering that detail.  We had the Bacchus Feast on both trips, and I still remember the message under the gas tank cover in the salad bar, 'For Gas, Order the Steak and Enchiladas.'  I always love to tell people about that place, but never could figure out the story about the ice in the urinals.  Sorry to see it's gone, but alive on the Internet.     - Dean Blakely, MC


I have a different "angle" on everything, since I was Bob Tayar's Personal Secretary from June of 1984 until December of 1985, and worked in the Corporate Office.
It was my responsibility to drive the Excalibur to Red Carpet Car Wash on 63rd and May every week and get it cleaned up - in order for Bob to park it in front of Molly's!! Bob and Jeffiee lived in a 6,900 square ft house (or so) near the Oklahoma City Country Club, and I was frequently asked to pick up some honey roasted peanuts and deliver them to his house!!

One of my favorite "perks" of the job was the Bob Tayar Enterprises blue, plastic comp card that enabled me to eat at either Molly Murphy's or Gump's free of charge each month. I just loved all the shenanigans of the waiters and waitresses at Molly's and was always treated respectfully when I went there. (Of course, I had to report back to the boss about my visits!!) I do remember one time I went - it was prom night - and some poor guy and his date were at the salad car. He was teased mercilessly about the fact that he was wearing tennis shoes!! (I still feel sorry for him!)     - Brenda Hansel
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Do you all remember when I went to Tijuana Tillies to be a manager? There was a fun 90 hour weeek. After working all day Bob had come in and saw that the walk in was in scrambles soooooo...he told me to clean out the walk in and organize it. This was at closing.
My dear dear friend Mr Rusty decided he would help me. So we unload the walk in - knee deep in guacamole.. while I'm doing this... he decides to start another project..... half way through it's about 3 or so in the morning.. he decides to go lay down in one of the booths. So I have guacamole hanging off my face, hair, clothes etc..... and HE'S SLEEPING. So I finish up my project and his project and we leave when the suns coming up.. just in time to go home wash the guacamole of me and go back for more. Thanks for those memories my friend.     - Dottie Pearson

I'm here in Las Vegas Nevada!  I sure miss everyone.  Robert Brown (Papa Luigi) is also living here.  We have been working on a show for Ruby Ann and Donna Sue Boxcar to do here in Vegas.  I sure would love to visit with everyone to catch up.  I do hope someone will post updates on everyone after the party!   So sad to hear about Bob T passing.  We have him to thank for some fun memories and great times.  I'm not sure how a business could have so much affect on so many peoples lives?  Amazing isn't it?  Will talk to you soon.  Please feel free to post my email.  I will send some current pics and an update soon.  Thanks for the memories!!!
May your glass always be full and your bottoms up!     - Curtis Moore -Woody the Boyscout 1980-1985? / Patty Melt - Miss Gay Oklahoma 1987  / Donna Sue Boxcar - Author of Donna Sue's Downhome Trailer Park Bartendin' Guide

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Just an FYI:  Curtis and I were in the same training class together.......we started the same day back in '80!
Love ya' Dirty Curty!     - Darren Stone

My name is Steven Vincent and I was Pee Wee Herman in 1986-1987.  I worked with David Eagle and Robert Riggs, Brent Alexander and tons of others who I can only recall their character names.  Dallas - The Nutty Professor, Jeff - The Ref, Pebbles, Captain Chaos, Papa Loiugi, etc.
I remember the tiny bathroom where we changed and wearing the same stinky costume over and over.  I also remember trying really hard to get laid but failing miserably while others there were like rock stars.  Maybe it was my persona.
I still have my costume, but it shrunk up a lot over the years.     - Steven Vincent

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I just thought it important to point out that Russ suffered from almost completely debilitating migraine headaches, and it is thought among those of us close to him that this was the reason he shot himself in the head.   It was absolutely terrible.

Russ hired me in 1976 or 7 to start in the kitchen, and train for kitchen manager.  Later I started training out front, working as a bar back (underage!), and at the door as the Fonz.  Ehhhh!!  I remember that I used to pick up all the liquor (picked up from an un-named liquor store out the back door) in the old blue El-Camino, and we had to label all the bottles with made-up names - of course that was back before liquor by the drink was passed.

I worked with Jeff Eason among many others - Hey Jeff!! - he's got all the stories I see!  I was married with small kids at the time, so I usually could not get away with the all night parties - Bummer!!  If you look at the group picture (around the salad bar) at the top of the main picture page, I am the one sitting on the floor leaned up against the car - I was either working in the kitchen or the kitchen manager at the time.  Cheers all!     - Mike Sullens

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What an interesting read. The molly site brings back many memories. I worked there while attending CSU in Edmond. I started  at the front door as a poorly dressed Rocky III with boxing shorts and gloves, I soon made my way to waiter as Robin the Boy Wonder. I worked during the fall and spring of 1980 and 1981. Each summer I went off to the oilfields and did Geology work. I must say even the short time I worked at Mollies it left a big impression on a young naïve kid from Harrah Okla. (farm town)  I met many people during this time and one special person was Terry Brown. Bless her. I had several conversations with her and even gave her rides when she needed. Years later I employed her two younger brothers at a Mazzio’s Pizza I was managing.  She is someone you never forget.

Others I remember; Bo (mark ship) He always was giving me shots and telling me to loosen up. I was always pretty loose after that. blackbeard, (he came to work after a couple of needed days off with this big bandage on his head and said he either had to many Quaaludes or not enough.)   klutz, zorro, Judy, gi joe, hawkeye, and yourself. I remember the photo finish (I was not 21 but they would always serve me if I was in costume) that mask was a pain.  Oh yea and the Kettle. I can’t remember her name but one of the cocktail waitresses a bumble bee or something like that gave new meaning to a late night snack. Then she said she was married and her husband was overseas. I felt so used. But it was worth it.

The Bus stop, the feast, birthdays, potty trains and of course I had to wait on the dreaded Mr. T. This was the only time I was ever out of Character. I remember being a little nervous but Bo had a couple of shots waiting for me and said go get him Robin. I ran up to the table yellow cape flying, made my landing and looked right at him in my normal voice and said what are you eating tonight Bob. He looked at me a second and I said I don’t have all night are you eating or not. With out a smile he said your funny and ordered something and off I went. I knew I was fired but nothing ever came of it. I delivered his food and in my everyday kind self said “enjoy its free” and off I went for another Shot.

25 years ago. Wow. How many jobs could leave such a deep memory after so many years. I worked at Molly’s on two occasions during my college years. 1980 and 1981.
I started as Rocky III as a WA and moved to Waiter as Robin Boy Wonder.

Memories of New year eves parties, heck memories of closing always seemed like a party to me. Dead tired, school tomorrow what should I do. Photo Finish that’s what.
I was only 19 at the time and I remember you [Darren] taking me to the Photo finish and getting me in. Underage , No problem if you worked at Molly’s.     - Pat Berglund

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Moi?  Take you to a bar underage?  I defer to Ron Heatly, who took ME to the Photo Finish when I was underage.     - Darren Stone

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Hey there!
I'm a former Molly Murphy's employee (87-89).  My name is Kerri Vanpool.  My maiden name was Kerri Adams when I worked at Molly's.  I was there while attending OU and worked as a cocktail waitress and also in the corporate office doing Bob's payroll.

My first character was Fifi the French Maid and then I switched to my favorite, Vegas.  Jeff and I even made up my own drink for me to sell - The Peach Flamingo - after the Las Vegas Flamingo hotel.  My signature on all my tickets and anything else anyone wanted a signature on.…was a great big flourishing "Vegas" and a lipstick-ed kiss.  Before I left, I made someone lift me up on their shoulders and I signed and kissed one of the plates over the front door.     - Kerri (Adams) Vanpool

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Hello. I checked out the site thanks to reading about the new book coming out written by the former owner. I read about it in the paper this morning. It brought back many memories. I went to Molly's several times, the last time being 1989, for prom. A group of 12 went. Jester was our waiter and........I stole his balls.

They were 3" cubes made of different colored cloth. I learned to juggle with them in college. I still have them- all three.

If you remember or know who Jester was in 1989, you may send this to him to let him know. I should auction them on Ebay. That's one way we could all get on the evening news.

I wish Molly's would open again........... - Andy Brooks

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Hello,
I'd like to share my experience of my many visits to Molly Murphys as a young boy and later, as a young man.  My mom was a really hip mom.  She would take me and my brothers and sister to Molly Murphy's everytime one of us had a birthday.  It truly became a tradition for us to have our birthdays there.   We are all originally from the sticks of Georgia, and we had moved to OKC in 1976 when I was only 12 years old.  I fell in love with the "big" city of OKC  because of the type of fun folks liked to have there, as proven on any given night at MM's.  This photo is from March 1980. I was fifteen and my little brother, seated to my left, was too young to appreciate the atmosphere provided by the wait staff and fixtures.  I have many more pics from MM's as I went there more frequently and as I got older and more able to con the waiters into serving me the hard stuff.   I estimate the number of our family outings to MM's to be around 50 or so over the years.  Of course, I have staggered out of there sans the family on occasion, however, that is nothing to be proud of (hehehe, I was quite the swinging bachelor until I was busted crawling across the parking lot on my hands and knees by a future ex-girlfriend).
 
At any rate, I will send more pics as I find them.  For the most part, they are of better quality than the few I am sending now, in spite of the fact that they were all taken with various polaroids over the years.  The quality varies, depending on where we  were seated.  I can't quite remember where we were seated this particular night,  but I recall being frightfully close to "the Cave", so correct me if I'm wrong.  Years later (1989) I would apply for a job at MM's and get hired on the spot by a lovely lady named Jeff(sp?).  Regretfully, I accepted a more promising position at Will Rogers World Airport (AAR) and have been in the aviation business ever since.  Don't tell my mom though, she thinks that I'm a piano player in a whore house  ; ) 
 
Happy to see your website,
Jeff Hinson
Somewhere in Utah and NOT a Mormon, thank you very much

You did in fact seat us, I remember well.  It was my Mom's thirty-ninth birthday (again!) and I was already a veteran of the MM's dining experience.   I think my sister wanted in your mouse pants.  She sure thought you were it.   I'll never forget the first time I asked where the bathroom was....thank God I never had to ask again.  It was an exercise in good humor.   My mom had warned us not to ask, but would I listen????  Not a chance...
 
This pic I'm sending now is from my sixteenth birthday (November 1981), with my big brother Steve.  I hadn't seen him since the previous year and he was in town with John Conley, the country music singer who was on a pretty good run of popularity at the time with Rose Colored Glasses and Friday Night Blues, I think. I was still listening to 96X in those days...you know, the Blue Walrus and all that album rock.   Anyway, Steve was a professional musician who played guitar for Mr. Conley (nowadays Steve plays for Randy Travis) and they were touring and happened to be in town around the time I turned 16.  We all went to dinner at MM's on the 28th of November, which as I recall was a Saturday night.  Mr. Conley joined us unnoticed by anyone, but silly shy me did not take his picture, nor can I find any photos of us together at the same table.  Sorry!  Anyway, we all had a great time and me family would later return for more fun and fine repute.  I'm still digging for more pics...wish they were all in the same place but you know how it is.  I'm sure I'll find more as time permits.
 
Thank you for your prompt reply.  You might notice the incredible shrinking portions in this photo in contrast to the meaty beaty big and bouncy prior serving of BFeast in the earlier pic I sent yesterday...Of course, I never noticed at that time as I wasn't the one shelling out the cash for the meals yet.  Thank you for the wonderful entertainment.  I really wish my wife would have had the chance to experience the great times to be had there.  You know how special it was.  She asked me to take her when we first started dating back in about '92, but for some reason I never felt compelled to take her there.  Now I wish I had.  Take care until next time.
Jeff Hinson

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