Family members working together. A perfected way of preparing and cooking catfish. A secret family recipe. Combined, these three ingredients have led to a successful restaurant career that has spanned over 40 years for a Waurika family. Bill’s Fish House or Bill’s Catfish, or more commonly called, Bill’s or simply the Fish House is a favorite of many Oklahomans. Even though the Waurika restaurant is located in Southwest Oklahoma, only yards from the Texas Border, its popularity has spread throughout the state.

      Behind this success are the families of Jeri Nell and Jim Mays and Steven and Anita Goza. The brother and sister team of Jeri Nell and Steven spend a great deal of time with the family business, following in the path of their grandparents, original restaurant founder/owners Bill and Nell Schram.

      The Schrams first opened Bill’s in Terral in the early 1960s. Upon losing the lease a short time later, they moved into the former Stewart Hotel in Waurika. In 1962, they moved to their present location, atop a hill on Highway 79, west of Waurika. Cotton Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Walters, serves this location. In 1964, Bill passed away, but Nell kept the dream of owning a restaurant alive until her retirement in 1978. At that time, Jeri Nell took over the ownership. Her brother, Steven, joined her in this venture. Both had been working at Bill’s since they were 10 years old.

      Apparently, they learned well from their grandmother, as the business continues to be successful. Now, over 40 years later, Bill’s is not only flourishing in the Waurika location, but in two others as well. Since taking over the business ownership from her grandmother, Jeri Nell said she has often thought of opening other restaurants.

      This dream was realized in April 2001, with the opening of a new restaurant on Highway 70 in Lone Grove. And, in May 2002, Bill’s expanded even further, in both opportunity, as well as distance. A franchise restaurant of Bill’s was opened just last month in Tuttle. Laura and Jerry Earley are the franchise business owners at the new establishment, opened May 7 on Highway 37, east of Tuttle, and about 10 miles from Interstate 44.

      The Earleys approached Jeri Nell late last year with the possibility of opening a franchise. Having grown up in Waurika, Laura was familiar with the outstanding reputation of Bill’s. Combined with Jerry’s 20-plus years in the restaurant franchise business, the new working relationship is expected to prosper.

      Bill’s prides itself on being family-owned and operated. Jeri Nell’s husband, Jim, also helps out at the restaurant, as does Steven’s wife, Anita. Jeri Nell and Jim’s son, Jimmy Wayne Mays II (J), and Steven and Anita’s three daughters, Samantha, Shannon and Savannah, also help out.

      While Bill’s specializes in catfish, their shrimp, frog legs, scallops, oysters and calf fries have also become a hit with many. Bill’s hand-sliced tenderloin catfish filet is battered in a seasoned cornmeal, and then fried to crispy perfection in specially blended oil. The farm-raised catfish is sliced thin and is full of flavor.

      Then comes the secret family recipe. Bill’s tasty tarter sauce adds the final touch to the filets. When combined with cole slaw, hush puppies, French fries and all the trimmings, one can have a very satisfying meal.

      In addition to the seafood type menu items, Bill’s also has steak fingers, steaks and chicken among the food selections. Plus, a kid’s menu is sure to satisfy the little ones.

      The menus are basically the same at all three Bill’s restaurants, with a few new items added to the Lone Grove and Tuttle locations.

      And, the food is all cooked and prepared in the same manner that has been tested and tried throughout the history of the restaurant. When their grandparents first opened Bill’s, they went along with the theme, “A friendly place where friends meet.” Lately, they have been using another saying, “For a sure catch every time. The best ‘lil fish house around.” And, over the past 40-plus years, Bill’s has certainly lived up to these principles, because customers and friends keep coming back for more. “A lot of people are really familiar with the name,” Jeri Nell commented. She said she didn’t realize how popular the name had become over the years until they opened the other two businesses. People have come into both restaurants primarily because they recognized the name. “I have a lot of fun and really enjoy it,” commented Jeri Nell in referring to her restaurant career. “I have made so many friends from all over and it has been a wonderful experience,” she added. She noted that residents in the areas in which the restaurants are located are all extremely supportive and encouraging. “I love hearing all of the stories that people come in and tell.” And, these stories will continue for the Mays and Goza families as the restaurants reap their obvious successes, with frequently crowded dining rooms - a sure sign of great food. Through the hard work of siblings, a dream that was started back in 1960 has been kept alive over four decades. They have truly found their “catch of a lifetime.