Family-owned since 1974

Carl’s Coney Island continues to serve up good food and “a side of faith” to customers

For over 40 years, Carl’s Coney Island has been a Claremore landmark. On the current menu you’ll see an offer of a Baker’s Dozen—buy 12, get one free. To the regulars who enjoy lunch at Carl’s Coney Island, located in Claremore’s Ne-Mar Center, that means buy 12 coneys and get the thirteenth one free. But you don’t have to buy a dozen to savor the taste of one of Carl’s coneys.

The business served up its first coney when the doors opened for business on June 21, 1974. Under the ownership of Bill and Yvonne “Jean” Schloss, and with the help of their daughter, Judi Schloss, the business of delivering a tasty coney with a choice of different fixin’s began to lure regular customers.

In 1998, another daughter, Beth, and her husband, Ed Truitt, took over the family business.  “I remember when dad first bought the business,” says Beth. “It took a while for it to take off—for our customers to find us—and they did slowly.”

But, as word-of-mouth spread about the restaurant, they began to see a steady stream of regulars.

“When Ed and I bought the restaurant from my dad, he was having some health issues,” she adds. “He told me then, as he always did, that what we do—our business—is done for the Lord. He wanted me to continue to do that, which I have. Our faith is a big part of not just how we live our lives, but it’s a big part of Carl’s Coney Island.”

Beth’s sister, Judi Schloss, agrees. “My dad always took care of people who were down and out,” she says. “He was a minister at the jail for 14 years, and many of those men he ministered to, he maintained relationships with and continued to bless for years.”

Beth admits that when she and Ed took over the business, it wasn’t easy filling her father’s shoes. “When Ed and I took over the business, and tried to do everything he did—run the business and take care of people—well, I just have to say that God’s been very good to us in that way.”

Many changes have occurred through the years at Carl’s, including becoming a lunch-only eatery. Bill Schloss had risen at 3:30 each day to provide breakfast for the crowd beginning at 4 a.m. When Beth, who had just married Ed, decided to take over the business, the couple agreed they couldn’t continue to serve the morning meal. “I had my own job at the time,” she explains.
Ed will tell you it’s “Beth’s management skills and personality,” that have contributed to an increasing lunch crowd while Beth gives Ed credit for his behind-the-scenes efforts.

According to Ed, there have been many changes since the business opened. “And, we’re one of the few businesses still operating in Ne-Mar that were open in 1974.”

This longevity means they’re seeing third-generation customers. “That’s really my thrill—seeing families coming in together, coming in year after year, decade after decade,” she adds.

For more information, contact

Carl’s Coney Island 

NeMar Center

926 W Will Rogers Blvd.

Claremore, OK  74017

(918) 341-7811