By Ally Morrison
Rodney Davis, long-time chef and beloved personality of Otey’s Tavern, was presented a Key to the City on Jan. 18 by the Mountain Brook Mayor for his service and dedication to the popular Crestline Village restaurant and Mountain Brook community.
As Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch handed Davis the Key to the City, he thanked Davis for all he has done for the community and residents of Mountain Brook.
Rodney Davis has been the face behind fan-favorite hamburgers and savory meals at Otey’s Tavern for 30 years. Customers who frequent the establishment love the restaurant, the staff and Davis’ charming personality.
Davis said he was grateful and honored to receive such an accolade from the city.
“This means everything to me, from a city that I’ve grown to love for over 30 years,” Davis said. “I love the residents and the people here. It is just the pinnacle of my career here at Otey’s. I am so overwhelmed and can’t say anything but thank you.”
Friends, family and city officials gathered to celebrate Davis and his accomplishments.
Will Haver, co-owner of Otey’s Tavern, attested to Davis’ work ethic and personality.
“He has such a genuine spirit as a person,” Haver said. “He is the most positive person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’ve never seen him have a bad day. Rodney is loved by everyone because he is always smiling and has such a positive spirit. He is extremely talented from a culinary perspective, but I think who he is as a person makes those cheeseburgers taste a little bit better.”
When asked what Otey’s Tavern meant to Davis, he replied that it meant family.
“Otey’s is a fun place and a fun atmosphere where we take care of the customers and the customers take care of us,” Davis said. “That’s the way it’s always been. Most of the customers here say I’m family to them, and I say they’re family to me. I’ve been to many weddings, baptisms and other events. They invite me, and I show up. It’s just family.”
Haver agrees with many that Otey’s and Mountain Brook, are made better by Davis.
“Rodney really embodies Otey’s,” Haver said. “We’re all about friends, family and the community. Rodney being here, being who he is as a person, brightens everyone’s day, makes everyone want to come to work and makes all of our guests want to come to support Otey’s. Rodney is tremendous.”
