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Otey’s celebrates 25 years at annual event

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Photo by Keith McCoy.

Otey’s Fest

Rodney Davis knows each of his customers by looking at their order that comes into the kitchen.

After all, he’s been serving as kitchen manager at Otey’s Tavern for 22 of the 25 years it’s been open.

“I just like it,” Davis said. “The people are great.”

Current owner Will Haver, who grew up eating at Otey’s, is quick to explain how everyone knows everyone there. That starts with Davis. 

 “You won’t meet a stranger at Otey’s,” Haver said, referring to its similarities to Cheers. 

Haver has owned the establishment for seven years and has never heard Davis say anything negative. He’s always smiling.

“My kids don’t like to go out with me because everywhere we go I see people I know,” Davis said. “‘Dad, you know everyone,’ they tell me.”

The food hasn’t changed much since Davis started working there, but he has noticed it’s gotten a lot busier. By day kids and little league teams come in for chicken fingers, by evening families for dinner and by night adults for drinks, trivia and sports games.

Catherine Sullivan “Cacky” Oztekin originally started the bar as Cacky’s in 1989. In fact, if the “Y” and the “S” on the Otey’s sign look a bit faded, it’s because they are. Both came from the original Cacky’s sign; the “OTE” just came later, under owner John Otey Hutchison. 

Hutchison used Otey’s as a practice and performance venue for his band, then Milton Edward Otey Band, and would fill the space with “a ton of friends he would invite,” Haver said. His current band, The Hurlers, still plays at Otey’s at least once a month.

Fittingly, The Hurlers are always on the lineup for Otey’s Fest, a concert festival held outside the restaurant every summer. This year MBHS senior Hugh Rowe Thomas will kick off the night, followed by Super T. Revue, Blues Old Stand and The Negotiators.

The event will benefit The Phoenix Club of Birmingham, which supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.

Otey’s Fest started as a way to celebrate its 20th anniversary five years ago, and it’s been going strong ever since. The date is set for Saturday, July 25, this year, with gates open at 5 p.m. In past years the event has attracted 1,000-2,000 people.

The Otey’s parking lot will be blocked off, and Davis will be outside cooking burgers and chicken sandwiches. Kids always enjoy the dunking booth and can also jump in the moonwalk.

For Haver, the event is a celebration of what he loves most about Otey’s: the music and the people.

“We take pride in our music, and we work hard to bring in the best bands we can,” Haver said. “But my favorite part is our people. It’s a lot of fun to come to work.”

Lauren Crow has worked there as long as Davis. She was a bartender for years and now works on accounting for them part-time. Daniel Cox and Sean Nixon are longtime staff members as well.

Otey’s Fest tickets are $25 at the gate. To purchase them in advance, visit oteysfest.com or stop by Otey’s or Taco Mama in Crestline.

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