Email Barbara at Barbsnow@texoma.net , April, 15, 2008.

The secret to a tasty hamburger seems to be a greasy grill, a hot bun and fresh meat, combined with
love and experience. The compact cafe, no larger than a walk-in closet, has always been a Brooks
operation. Barbara Ann Brooks Snow has known the business of burgers, all her life.

The downtown restaurant faces Highway 56, resembles a small white house, and is hardly larger than
a school bus. It has a cement floor and bread baskets against the wall.

Diners sit at a long counter that runs almost the length of the room. In a crunch, 30 people could
squeeze into the place at the same time.

Knick-knacks and signs line the walls with humors sayings like: "Your visit has climaxed an already
dull day," or "Even a fish would not get in trouble if he kept his mouth shut."

In a corner, is a menu from Brooks Sandwich Shop. Barbara's father, Joe Brooks, opened
the sanwhich shop in Sherman in the 1940's on Travis Street, near Bank One. Fire destroyed the
restaurant in the late 40's so the family moved to Bells and opened the restaurant at it's present
location. The counter from Joe's previous eating place was brought to the new sandwich shop and
is still currently being used. Brooks built his sandwich shop to his own specifications. Joe's
four children worked in the family business. In 1950, he sold hamburgers - seven for a dollar.
The menu from 1946 featured a lunch for 35 cents; steak sandwich, 20 cents, bacon omelette, 35
cents, grilled pork chops, 50 cents; and homemade pie for a dime.

Joe and Barbara Snell Brooks, 1940, (Barbara's parents)

The people living in Bells, since 1950, have dined on Barbara's burgers. Burger buffs patronize
Barbara's Burgers in Bells from as far as Houston and Louisiana, regularly returning. Barbara's is
best known for its hamburgers, which are made by Barbara and her daughter, Teresa. The sell as
many as 400 a day to people who enjoy old-fashion flavor that's fresh, hot and simple. The price is
also pleasing _ 65 cents or 3 for $1.65.
Her basic burger has meat, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, bun and mustard.

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After fifty-one years in business, Barbara's Burgers closed April 26, 2001.
We hope to see Barbara setting on her front porch, watching the cars go my and
enjoying herself, and her friends and family!

Visit Barbara's brother's page: Bobby Brooks,My Health.

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Barbara Snow in earlier years.

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High school senior trip 1956, and 1955 Barbara was the FFA Sweetheart.

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1966, Barbara in cafe and with her children, Teresa, Dennis, Sharon, David, Jennifer