The Silver Spoon owner Vera Oldham and her staff have overcome huge odds in the last two years after suffering through two fires at the downtown Lawton restaurant and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oldham, who started a catering business that eventually evolved into the popular eatery, was honored with the Rising Star award during the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce banquet in June.
“As a community leader, Vera sets a perfect example of partnership and support of the local community,” said Dr Krista Ratliff, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer. “She has overcome so many things, just as so many of our businesses have, but The Silver Spoon leads the way by setting an example of what a community partner looks like.”
It hasn’t been easy. In 2019, a fire that caused $1 million in damages forced Oldham to close for nine months. A short time later in 2020, all restaurants were forced to close for three months because of the pandemic. About a year later, another fire struck the restaurant, forcing Oldham to shut down operations for another six weeks.
“We were totally blown away by all of this,” she said. “You can’t just close your doors and go home. You have a relationship with your staff. You have responsibilities and you just have to work through all these things.”
That’s exactly what Oldham, her husband, and the staff have done.
“Sometimes you ask yourself ‘What am I doing?’ I’m the mother to sons and this business is like a child. You go through all the phases of having a child,” she said. “We’ve just been very fortunate.”
The Silver Spoon has been at its current location, 529 SW C Avenue since 2011. Prior to then, Oldham operated the restaurant out of Walters where the family lived.
“This restaurant is an extension of my home,” said Oldham, who has since moved to Lawton. “I like the colors, the industrial vibe, the mixed elements. No one’s going to replicate me. It’s more than that. It’s a great adventure that we’ve been on.”
Oldham compared the restaurant business to a machine with a “lots of moving parts,” but admits she and her husband, Stan, are enjoying their journey together.
“We’re livin’ a good life and I’m happier than anyone deserves,” she said. “Are there challenges? Yes. But I’m around people who enjoy their jobs.”
Oldham also owns Atlanta Bread, which is located at 2 NW Sheridan Road in Lawton. The scenario for the casual dining restaurant was the same during the pandemic. She was forced to shut the doors and send employees home.
As time marches on and the economic recovery continues, Oldham is witnessing an increasing number of old as well as new customers spending their money at The Silver Spoon.
“We’re definitely seeing it (business) go up. It’s not leveling off or going down so that’s good,” she said.
The Silver Spoon is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mon- day, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
The restaurant offers an extensive catering service and bakery. Reservations are taken, but walk-in customers are always welcome. For more details and the complete menu, visit www.silverspoonlawton. com or call (580) 357-6800.