Otis Café planning for Lincoln City reopening in May

The storied Otis Café, that burned down July 4, 2019, is rebuilding in south Lincoln City and the owners hope to be up and serving German potatoes by May.

Otis Café’s new location in Taft will allow owners Jeff and Lynne England the opportunity to serve their famous food to more people as the size of the building can hold double the customers over the old restaurant space.

The new building will also feature a bakery twice the size, so those wanting to bring home Otis Cafe’s Black Molasses Bread can do so via a new take-out window.

The England family is working long hours alongside W Enterprise’s Jason Williford, a general contractor. The family says it’s doing everything they can to bring the Otis Café experience back as quickly as possible and confirmed the same menu and cooks will be operating out of the new building.

May is the tentative timeline for reopening, but things happen in construction that could possibly delay the England’s from offering their good eats to the public. The City of Lincoln City has been very accommodating according to the Englands and there have been no problems with permits or regulations during the building process.

Salem Sign Company, who held onto the original sign for the owners after the fire, recently reinstalled it at the Lincoln City location. Tye England, co-manager of the restaurant and son of the owners, said he was emotionally moved by its first lighting since that fateful day in July 2019.

“When the sign was lit up I felt a rush of nostalgia,” he said. “It felt like a coming home experience — warm and welcoming.”

North Lincoln Fire and Rescue’s St. Claire Station sits just behind the restaurant’s new footings and firefighters can have lunch by taking a brief walk. Noah Dixon, co-manager, said he is “excited to serve first responders who have done a wonderful job serving our community.”

Owner Jeff England said he feels positive locals, newcomers and travelers to the area will enjoy the new location with the same great food people have come to expect.

For those who can’t wait for the restaurant to open, Otis Café Seasoning Salt is available by the pound and jar by contacting them on Facebook or calling 541-921-5931.