Join us for Episode 178 of On the Delo as David DeLorenzo welcomes Cecily—“the awesome Toasted Owl lady.” From a 396-sq-ft first cafe to multi-location growth, Cecily lays out the real grind behind building a beloved breakfast brand anchored in vintage finds, community, and relentless owner-operator standards.
This conversation moves fast and stays honest—Flagstaff origins, Phoenix expansion (including the former Oink Café space in PV), why owls became the brand, labor and tipping realities, and a 60-year “try 60 new things” mindset. If you care about hospitality, culture, and staying scrappy without sacrificing soul, this one’s for you.
Chapter Guide (Timestamps):
(00:13) Episode 178 Intro + Guest: Cecily, “the awesome Toasted Owl lady.”
(01:29) From teacher to restaurateur: Grand Canyon roots & “a high school with ashtrays.” (02:05) First 396-sq-ft shop → S. Mike’s Pike across from Mother Road (Route 66).
(02:33) Expansion: East Flagstaff; Phoenix at 3rd Ave & Camelback; PV takeover of former Oink Café (rehab timeline: 102 days).
(04:07) Starting over after divorce; the 106-year-old owl-filled home. (06:41) Why owls: classroom gifts during the Harry Potter years → the brand.
(09:57) Treasure hunts: the 700-owl Bakersfield haul at $1 each. (11:45) “This is 60 month”: hiking, dogs, and DIY owl garden sticks that sell.
(15:56) Workforce & tipping: costs, culture shifts, and operator realities in Flagstaff.
(17:52) Community & giving back: Mother Road/Pizza Coletta/Fratellis; Flagstaff Shelter Services, Joni Foundation, Habitat builds.
(26:31) Notables: Robert Plant, Serena, and altitude athletes finding the Owl.
(27:59) Owner-operator ethos: “won’t embrace mediocrity” and the dream of “six Owls.”
(33:49) Phoenix shout-outs: Camelback next to Changing Hands; PV (REI/Target).
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LINKS:
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