Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 10. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
The near 50-year history and tradition of family-owned Italian restaurant Othello’s has cemented its status as a Norman staple among long-time customers and students.
Since opening in 1977, Othello’s has remained in its original location on Campus Corner serving authentic Italian recipes from the restaurant’s founder, Pasqual Benso. Owner Jennifer Dennis’ family took over ownership of Othello’s after a brief closure in 2011 with the intent of restoring the restaurant to its roots.
“When you come to Othello's, you're not a customer, you’re family,” Dennis, who worked at the restaurant while studying at OU, said. “We're trying to create a wholesome place where you can come and feel comfortable and create memories.”
Othello’s embraces the traditions it’s built on, ranging from befriending regular customers to creating a “feeling of home.” Dennis said the restaurant operates in the best interest of customers by being reliable and accommodating.
Sports Animal broadcaster Al Eschbach, OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione and Hal Smith at Othello’s on Aug. 26.
“We're not like your local chain restaurants that have strict hours. We're flexible because we're family owned,” Dennis said. “When there's a snowstorm or whatever, we always try to open, even if it's just one person here, because there's always someone that needs a place to go.”
After being struck by lighting and sustaining heavy fire damage, Othello’s closed again in 2017. Though the incident catalyzed a lengthy rebuilding process, the community rallied in support of the restaurant.
“All the staff heard and all of our regular customers came out just to show support,” Dennis said. “We weren't going into the building, we weren't cleaning, it was just to come give hugs and show support.”
Following the restaurant’s reopening in 2018, Othello’s expanded its relationship with OU athletics which dates back to the friendship between Benso and Barry Switzer, who coached the football team from 1973 to 1989.
The historic “Table of Truth,” dubbed by Benso, survived the fire and remains a relic from the original restaurant, still reserved for the coach. Switzer exclusively sat at the table with colleagues and players to discuss the team, asking that they tell the truth, otherwise the table would superstitiously crack.
“Legend was there were a lot of cracks in the table, and every time someone sat there and told a lie, (the table) would crack again,” Dennis said. “Coach Switzer took a napkin, hand wrote ‘Table of Truth’ and taped it to the wall.”
The restaurant has continued catering for the university’s sports teams, spearheaded by general manager and executive chef Andy Feldman.
Toby Keith's picture inside Othello’s on Aug. 26.
Othello’s has also served famous Oklahomans such as Broadway performer Kristin Chenoweth and country music artist Toby Keith, who died in February following a diagnosis of stomach cancer.
“(Keith) asked us to keep a guitar on the stage, that way, when he came in, he could always sing and jump on stage with the band,” Dennis said.
Othello’s is well known for its live music, with stages inside and outside the restaurant. Throughout the week, Othello’s showcases a variety of entertainment, from jazz and blues musicians to open mic comedy night on Tuesdays.
The restaurant is also home to many regular customers. Among them is Mark McGuire, who has visited Othello’s for 20 years, crediting not only the food but the way the staff treats their customers.
“Andy can fix anything, and they have such a wonderful command of their kitchen. I’d go back just for the coconut cream pie,” McGuire said. “This is a family-run business, and you can really tell how much they care by the way they treat their customers.”
Alongside new menu items like the coconut cream pie, Othello’s still uses Benso’s original sauce, bread and lasagna recipes. The restaurant’s menu includes customizable dishes, with many pastas offering choices of different sauces and cheeses.
The menu also offers a large selection of customer creations, including “Brenda’s Bruschetta,” Italian nachos and pepperoni chips served with marinara sauce.
Othello’s has a history of retaining employees for many years, pointing to a positive workplace culture fostered by Feldman.
“I want to cultivate a culture of happiness and hard work here,” Feldman said. “You don’t have to hate coming to work every day, so I might as well create an environment where people want to come into work.”
At 434 Buchanan Ave., Othello’s is open from 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Othello’s also has a second location in downtown Edmond open from 4-10 p.m. daily at 1 S. Broadway.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Natalie Armour, Sophie Hemker, Grace Rhodes and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
