Olde Tymer’s Cafe is replacing old, decaying piping, and while it is closed for the work, it is freshening up its dining area and upgrading its kitchen with a reopening planned for early April.
Keith Roessler, co-owner of Olde Tymer’s, said the major work focused on replacing old plumbing that was at the end of its useful life. While work is underway with that, Roessler and his twin brother, Kevin, are using the opportunity to resand floors, paint and bring in new refrigeration units.
The plumbing work also led to a remodel and replacement of equipment in the dishwashing area and replacement of beer and soda lines, he said. Lighting will change to more efficient bulbs, but fixtures will remain.
Work began Feb. 10, and Roessler said he would like to reopen April 1, but work might keep the restaurant closed for a few more days into early April.
“Along with the work, we’re going to update the menu,” he said. “We’re going to offer more salads, and that required more refrigeration. We want to feature locally grown produce.”
The menu update will keep the sandwiches the eatery is known for, Roessler said. “The sandwiches are good sellers, and we couldn’t get rid of them.”
The restaurant is also changing its happy hour to feature a sampler of 10 wines that Roessler said will be affordable. Also, Roessler said the restaurant is working on five or six “signature dishes” to offer during happy hour.
“We’re rethinking our happy hour,” he said.
The Roessler brothers took over Olde Tymer’s – which seats 60 inside and about 40 on its patio – in 1981 from their uncle, Roger Roessler. The restaurant employs 35 people, some part time and some full time.
The Roesslers plan a celebration after the reopening to celebrate the restaurant’s almost 40 years in Durango.
Emily Zook who has been recruited from the Maui Brewing Co., in Maui, Hawaii, joined Olde Tymer’s in December to lead the restaurant.
“Not only did we need a physical remodel, but we needed a refresh of the culture and the philosophy, too,” Roessler said.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
