After taking over ownership of a restaurant in Jefferson almost four years ago, it was recently sold.

Ora Stevens bought Uptown Cafe from Beth and Wayne Hougham and started operating the business on January 1, 2016. However, when Stevens found out he was going to need major back surgery that would take at least four months to recover, he decided to sell the restaurant. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio it was a very difficult decision, but one that he had to make. 

The new owners are previous employees of Uptown Cafe. Karla Holman and Krystal Dzuris took ownership this week and are planning to open the new Junkyard Cafe this Friday. Holman says the new name of the restaurant has a sentimental value.

“I’ve had that name in my brain for 30 years. It’s kind of an homage to my father, who passed away at 58, (and) who used to sell antiquing and classic cars. So it’s just paying a tribute to my dad.”   

Stevens talks about what he’ll miss the most after spending close to four years as the owner of the main-stay restaurant. 

“Just the whole hustle and bustle (and) the customers. You know seeing the customers everyday walking up and saying ‘Hi.” You just get used to seeing all those friendly faces and people that support you and are excited that you are there. So it’s going to be that and I’m going miss some of the cooking and being in the kitchen as well.”

A grand opening of the Junkyard is slated for Friday, November 8th.