Photo by Thomas Diasio
Founded by Catherine Oztekin in 1989, Otey’s Tavern–originally called “Cacky’s”–is celebrating 35 years of business this year and 15 years of its annual summer music festival, Otey’s Fest, which takes place on Saturday, July 27 at 6 p.m. at 224 Country Club Park. Headlining this year’s festival will be The Hurlers, T.U.B. and The Negotiators, all of whom are local to Birmingham. Chef Rodney Davis’ famous cheeseburgers always delight both newcomers and age-old fans alike. Between the festival’s highly anticipated “beer tent,” live music, delicious food and more, this festival remains Mountain Brook’s ultimate summer shindig. Here, Otey’s Tavern co-owner Will Haver details his appreciation for the community’s support.
When Catherine Oztekin created Otey’s Tavern, what was her vision, and how does it compare to 35 years later?
The vision for Otey’s remains the same today as it did 35 years ago. It’s just a neighborhood hangout, where family and friends come to unwind and enjoy a burger, an ice cold beer and some tunes with friends.
How did you decide on Edgewood when expanding the business, and how has the community responded to the new opening?
Well, we have a lot of friends who live in the Edgewood neighborhood who love Otey’s, so we took a chance.
Where did the idea to start “Otey’s Fest” come from, and what is your favorite part of the event each year?
I had the idea to start Otey’s Fest to just say, “thank you,” to all our friends who support us. Selfishly, it was also a great excuse to have an outdoor cookout with some amazing, live music.
Who will headline the festival this year, and why were these musicians chosen?
This year’s music lineup is one of our favorites because it has some of the groups who have been a staple at Otey’s for a long time. Being that this is our 15th Otey’s Fest and we’re celebrating 35 years of Otey’s, we wanted to take it back to where we began. This year we will have live performances by The Hurlers at 6 p.m., T.U.B. at 8 p.m. and The Negotiators will bring it home inside at 10 p.m.
What specific foods and beverages will be offered at the festival and are there any selections you or Chef Rodney Davis recommend?
You know, we will have a large beer/cocktail tent outside, and we will be slinging ice-cold, local craft beer. Rodney and the crew will have the large grill fired up, cooking his mouth-watering cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches. It’s going to be the “Shindig of 2024” and a great time, too!
Otey’s Fest 2024 will take place on Saturday, July 27 from 6-10 p.m. at 224 Country Club Park. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit oteystavern.instagift.com.
