Locally-Owned Business: Steve's Sundries, Tulsa Oklahoma - The Charms of the Neighborhood Shop
Steve's Books and Magazines - also known as Steve's Sundries is still within our midtown boundaries – in the shopping center at 26th & Harvard where the Broken Arrow Expressway crosses Harvard. And it’s next door to Southern Agriculture – also locally owned.
The many Tulsans committed to supporting local businesses have fond memories of Steve’s Sundries. My friend Marina Metevelis remembers “I am very familiar with Steve's Sundry store because when I lived by TU (Tulsa University), I would walk over with my neighbors and spend afternoons visiting with Steve and drinking a soda or lemonade, looking at the latest books and 
magazines. He always had something new in his store. He was located on the east side of Harvard south of 11th Street then. We lived in that neighborhood five years before moving to Boman Acres. What memories.”
I didn’t move to Tulsa until 1982, so I didn’t remember Steve’s being located on 11th. Turns out Steve Stephenson sold everything from small appliances to lawn mowers, magazine to fishing rods there. And, he sold burgers & shakes there. When more space was needed, Steve’s moved to its present day location at 26th & Harvard.
In addition to books and magazines, posters, puzzles and knickknacks, you can still enjoy the soda fountain in the back which serves sandwiches, sodas, shakes and such.
Locally-Owned Business: Steve's Sundries, Tulsa Oklahoma
Caroline Richardson interviewed the owner, Steve, some years ago and said he joked about teaching Barnes & Nobles how to run a store. His daughter-in-law, Joanie attributes its good business to loyal customers and likens their store to “Cheers without alcohol.”
A tradition since 1947, Steve's now has a web site. You can check out the new Bobby Flay book that just arrived or the menu at the fountain.
In fact, I’m “jonesing” for a pimento sandwich from Steve’s and an Archie’s comic book right now.
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Lori is a residential Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors serving the greater Tulsa area and specializing in downtown Tulsa and midtown Tulsa real estate.
I have a few friends in Tulsa, they tell me it's the buckle of the bible belt. Do they have the book, The Greatest Story Ever Told?
Well, Kenneth, I have no clue whether that particular book is in stock, but if it's not, they can certainly order it.
Tulsa is blessed to have most every religion represented in our very diverse city. Should you ever visit your friends, please do give me a shout!
Thank you for your welcome note!
Lori--visiting locally owned stores like Steve's is so much fun & better than the big chains. And it has a soda fountain. Wow! When I travel I prefer local restaurants, too. They give a flavor of the region that the chains can't do. If I am ever in Tulsa I will let you know.
Mary, when we travel, my husband researches ahead of time to find locally-owned restaurants. Now that I'm on AR, I'll just find a Rainer where we're headed and ask where to go! Yes, it has a soda fountain - the best cherry phosphates! Do shout if you make your way to Tulsa!
Lori, I love Steves! Used to live right around the corner.
And yes I'll take you up on the lunch date!