The roots of this venerable establishment were originally planted by Tennessee native Leroy “Van” Vandegrift, who moved with family to Oklahoma City, where he graduated from Central High. He served in the Army before working as a tool dresser in the oil fields of North Texas and began cooking for fellow roughnecks on rig sites. Around 1928, Van opened his first Pig Stand in a hotel in Wewoka, Oklahoma. It was a small little store serving barbecue such as the Pig Sandwich® and Ribs. The menu also included other types of sandwiches such as Liverwurst, Pimento, Chicken Salad, and Cream Cheese. In 1929 a second Pig Stand opened in Seminole and was then sold in 1935. Pig Stands were later opened in Wichita Falls, Texas and Wichita, Kansas.
On June 5, 1930, Van opened his third Pig Stand Location at 714 Highland in Shawnee. In the same year, Van married Thelma Maree Glenn. In 1935 the Shawnee store moved across the street to its present location.
There are mixed reviews on food quality, with some customers praising the ribs and brisket while others report dry, cold, or poorly prepared dishes.
Service
Customer service is generally noted as friendly and quick, but there are instances of poor order accuracy and staff inattentiveness.
Cleanliness
The restaurant is frequently described as clean and well-maintained, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Pricing
Many customers find the prices to be high relative to the quality of food received, with some expressing disappointment over value for money.
JD
Justin Durbin
Feb 11, 2026
1.0
Fries were soggy, mac and cheese was horrible and ribs/ pulled pork was strange. My drink was all syrup. Do not recommend for my dog.
JH
Jade Housley
Feb 8, 2026
5.0
Food was really good and got it pretty quick! They were really kind and the restaurant was very clean!!
CE
Craig Edwards
Jan 20, 2026
5.0
We had heard and read good things about Van's. We ordered a rack of ribs and a pound of sausage. It was all very good. The ribs were soooo good!
MK
Mark Klinger
Jan 19, 2026
4.0
Came by with the Okie Santas for our quarterly meeting. Look to see the look on people's faces when they see 60 Santas and Mrs. Clauses. Food was good. I ate the Brisket Salad.
DK
Dale Kight
Dec 31, 2025
1.0
I ordered sliced brisket, baked beans and coast law when they brought it out to me.The sliced brisket was very thin and very dry and full of grisel. This is probably the worst brisket i've ever seen in a barbecue restaurant.I got my money back.I'm not eating at this place very poor layout on the inside the open sign on the outside of the building. You can hardly see it every time I drive past here. The place looks closed and out of business. They need to get a huge, bright, open sign. But it doesn't matter. I will not be back at this place again. Extremely poor
I forgot to mention that the brisket was cold, not freshly cooked