Eskimo Joe's: Iconic Oklahoma Business Turns 50

Eskimo Joe’s, the iconic restaurant and clothing store on the campus of Oklahoma State University all started with two OSU students doing what college students do.

“The very beginnings of Eskimo Joe’s involved my laying on the couch at a friend’s house and his walking in and saying hey Clark, I’m going to open a bar,” said Eskimo Joe’s owner Stan Clark.

It wasn’t the craziest idea between childhood friends, Stan Clark and Steve File, but it may have been the best.

“And I always say as fate would have it the owner of the building was there that Sunday afternoon, because had he not been, I don’t think we would have ever gone back,” said Clark.

But that building owner must have seen something in the two young men that day. “Within 15 minutes, thereabouts, we shook hands and told him we’d take it and that is the inception of Eskimo Joes,” said Clark.

Initially, Stillwater’s jumping juke joint was just a bar that sold iconic T-shirts, but in the Fall of 1983, the drinking age changed from 18 to 21 years old, creating a scary time for the college bar.

“On Saturday night, kids that were between the age of 18 and 21 were legal, and on Monday morning they were no longer legal, so, it was really a bazar time,” said Clark. 

The challenge ended up being one of the best things to happen for the business.

“I was glad to find out, that more people eat every day than drink every day,” said Clark.

Everyone knows, that if you come to Eskimo Joe’s, you have to try the cheese fries. “That is our signature item,” said Clark.

Endorsed by then-President George W. Bush at a commencement ceremony.

“One of his opening comments was, I wish Barbara could be with me here, she did tell me to get a beer and some cheese fries over at Eskimo Joes, and in that moment cheese fries became our signature item,” said Clark.

This year Stillwater’s jumping little juke joint is celebrating 50 years with a commemorative T-shirt that goes on sale today, and other events scheduled throughout the year.

“We buried a time capsule right outside the front doors, that will be brought out of the ground, and we’ll see what all is in there,” said Clark.

As Clark reflects on a dream of college friends, 50 years in the making. “I’m just humbled that the state of Oklahoma has embraced this brand as they have,” said Clark.

This year for everyone turning 50, if you come in for your birthday you'll receive a free meal and some cool Eskimo Joe swag.