In 1951, Otto and Annie Sofka opened the doors to the original Otto’s off an old two-lane dirt road called Memorial Drive. Originally, Otto’s was a small grocery store selling mostly canned and boxed goods. They sold 25 pound blocks of ice for 5 cents and farm fresh eggs for 13 cents per dozen. Soon after opening, “Ms. Annie” began grilling hamburgers and making sandwiches & chili at the request of some of her regular patrons. The hamburgers quickly became so popular that within two years, Otto had replaced all of the groceries with tables and chairs to accommodate his dine-in guests. The small store quickly became a “standing room only”, “line out the door”, “best food in town,” dining experience.
In 1963, Otto and his family decided to “expand” by going into the barbecue business. Much like the hamburgers, the barbecue instantly became recognized as the best in town. Old family recipes, the finest and freshest ingredients and the patience and care to make everything from scratch, began the legacy that has been handed down to the third generation of this family owned and operated business.
Much has changed over the past 65 years. But one thing that has not changed is Otto’s commitment to serving the best “good ole’ fashioned, country cooking” in town. Our Certified Angus burgers are still fresh ground daily and our briskets are still pit smoked over hickory logs for 18 hours. You cannot find better food or more friendly folks than at Otto’s.
We have had the pleasure of serving some very distinctive guests such as President George Bush, Liberacci, George Foreman, Ron Howard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Lewis and Evander Holyfield, just to name a few. Our most valued guest, however, is YOU! So, if you are reading about Otto’s for the first time…thank you and we hope you dine with us or cater from us soon! If you have been enjoying Otto’s for 40 or more years, (and there are many of you); we thank you for your loyal patronage and hope to see you again soon!