Iconic restaurant closes, temporarily

When asked what her parting words would be, Kathy Bassler of Kelcy's Cafe said, "It's been a good life, a pleasure to serve our extended family, but it's time to relax." Family is the word we kept hearing from Kathy, as she explained that her patrons were her extended family, and seeing generation after generation coming in to dine is what she will miss most. She had always hoped and wanted everyone to feel welcome and be treated like family when entering Kelcy's.

Before Kelcy's, the restaurant was called Trustee's and was owned by Ray and Velda Trustee. One day, in 1969, the Trustees offered the restaurant to Kelcy Owens, Kathy's father, and the rest is history. Kathy said for 48 years Kelcy's has supported this town. Throughout the years many clubs have held their regular meetings at the restaurant including the Democratic Club, Chamber of Commerce, High 12, and Kiwanis, just to name a few. Prayer Breakfasts were held there, along with fundraisers. St. Malachy's Catholic Women's group has displayed raffle quilts there and Kelcy's was one of the collection locations for the American Legion Auxiliary's items for the troops and, of course, Kelcy's made many donations of gift certificates that were donated to support Tehachapi's non-profits.

Bill Lee and his daughter Corrina Sheridan are the new tenants of Kelcy's Cafe. They have plans to keep as much the same as possible. They will be keeping the name, sign, and Kelcy Owen's picture on the wall. Keeping the historic significance is important to Lee, and the goal is to, "Preserve the heart of downtown." Phase one will be turning the dining room into a retail space. Bill and Corrina will then begin the remodel and in the end, Kelcy's Cafe will become Kelcy's Cafe and Pub.