Doughnut shop owners forced to leave U.S.

Joy Curtis counts out change for a customer at Oz Tex, with new owner Ben Schow looking on. Schow will take over the shop in May, when Joy and Clive Curtis return to Australia. (Lorri Sughroue/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A couple from Australia who operated a doughnut shop in McCook for 121⁄2 years have lost their immigration battle.

Joy and Clive Curtis, who owned Oz Tex, did not have their legal status renewed and will return to Australia by mid-May. Ben Schow of McCook will take over the shop.

"I haven't got a clue," Joy said of their plans once they return to Australia. "I'll get to see my kids and grandkids. I think I'll play house for awhile. I don't think I'll go into business by myself again."

With its road signs from Australia and Husker posters, the doughnut shop is popular with its customers, from senior citizens and their morning coffee, to high school students whizzing through the drive-through window for lunch.

The new owner doesn't plan to mess with much, he said.

"People know this place as Oz Tex, so I'm not changing the name," Show said. Schow plans to add a few new food items, he added, such as homemade soups in the winter and an expanded breakfast menu.

Joy said she was a little frustrated that their legal status was denied again, with no reason as to why. She said their legal status was renewed once through their years, but they have never been asked for a formal interview.

"I've never asked the government to pay a doctor's bill, I've always paid my own bills, " she said. "If we could have gotten legal status, we would stay here and sell doughnuts."

Despite leaving friends, she and Clive are philosophical about the situation.

"What will be, will be," she said. "You can't change what you can't change. It's like the price of gas. You can complain all you want but it's not going to change."