On Friday, May 8, the Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School will open its doors to a new exhibit serving up treasures from the Kumback Lunch, Perry’s beloved hometown diner. Thanks to owner Marilee Macias, these keepsakes will invite visitors to explore the eatery’s rich history.

When the Kumback Lunch first opened its doors in 1926, it welcomed guests with only six barstools, a counter, and a humble “EAT” sign. Today, it proudly claims to be one of Oklahoma’s oldest continuously operated restaurants, a downtown Perry landmark famous for its timeless comfort food and irresistible desserts.

Through the decades, the Kumback Lunch has welcomed everyone from celebrities and dignitaries to the infamous outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd. Remarkably, it has had just three owners over the years, preserving its unique spirit.

The exhibit joins a week of festivities celebrating the Kumback Lunch from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Guests can savor daily specials inspired by the original menus, enjoy a lively concert and street dance on April 25, and witness a centennial ceremony with honored guests on May 1. The celebration continues with the exhibit on May 8.