The late Elaine Kauffman, who was the proprietor of the popular “Elaine’s,” in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, was eulogized in the obituary that appeared in the New York Times on December 3rd 1990 as being one of the most beloved restaurateurs in the Big Apple. Her genuine interest and concern for both her staffers and very diverse clientele, that included numerous celebrities as well as individuals of modest means was noted, as was the tribute that was paid to her place in the Billy Joel song “Big Shot.” And the community of Stillwater, Oklahoma, has long had a somewhat similar restaurateur in the presence of Mohammad Mahmoud who operates the popular “Granny’s Kitchen” on Main Street there that serves breakfast and lunch as well as mimosas and other alcoholic beverages to a diverse clientele. The Times’ obit told of how the friendly and welcoming Elaine herself was one of the primary attractions of her establishment, and the same could be said of Mahmoud; and Stillwater attorney and former mayor of that community Roger McMillian reflected the attitude of many people there when he said “I love Mohammad.” The original Granny’s had opened in the late 1940’s at a different location on Main Street, and after he acquired it he moved it to a larger location that featured an outdoor porch on that thoroughfare and obtained a liquor license for it and decorated it with mementoes from Stillwater’s colorful history, including a portrait of ‘Pistol Pete,” the cowboy who became the mascot of the Oklahoma State University’s sports teams. The menu was updated with a variety of omelets, crepes and other tasty fare that soon patrons were ordering on of frequent basis. Possibly inspired by the example of Eskimo Joe’s, Mahmoud also began to offer what is now known as “merch” that included tee shirts and other items with the Granny’s Kitchen logo embossed on them.
The success of his place prompted the industrious Mahmoud to open two other Granny’s in Oklahoma City, and he has recently taken a greater role in the operation of the one that is located at 2121 Memorial Road, and on a recent Saturday morning he was observed there greeting patrons in a friendly manner, delivering food to tables, and asking people about their experience in his place. For a brief time, the Granny’s logo seemed to come to life as well in the presence of a large woman who made her way through the place as patrons looked on in wonder. And one of the patrons inquired if he would be there on the following day, he replied that he now will spend Saturday at his North Oklahoma City location and Sunday at his Stillwater place. The Southside Granny’s Kitchen, that is situated on South Pennsylvania Avenue may be to distant from Stillwater to warrant his presence. Another Oklahoma City location is planned for the Northwest Highway, and the Memorial Road staffers tell of how it will be operated by Mahmoud’s kinsman, Rami Heljeh, who has served as one of the managers there since shortly after it opened several years ago, who is said to be ready to assume that responsibility with the encouragement and support of Mohammad Mahmoud.
Against the Grain 