EPISODE · Sep 14, 2025 · 39 MIN
The Toasted Owl Lady: Cecily’s Journey from Teacher to Multi-Location Restaurateur | Ep. 178
from ON THE DELO: Arizona Restaurant & Hospitality Stories · host David "The DELO" DeLorenzo
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). 👉 If this episode hit home, subscribe for more real conversations at the intersection of hospitality, business, and life—and share it with a friend who loves character-rich restaurants and owner-led brands.LINKS: 🔗 Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo 📚 Free eBook: https://iamthedelo.com/3f-method-book 📲 Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect 💡 Entrepreneur Community: https://linktr.ee/builtdifferentmastermind 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/IAmTheDelo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthedelo 📌 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daviddelorenzo1 📋 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025
What this episode covers
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). 👉 If this episode hit home, subscribe for more real conversations at the intersection of hospitality, business, and life—and share it with a friend who loves character-rich restaurants and owner-led brands.LINKS: 🔗 Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo 📚 Free eBook: https://iamthedelo.com/3f-method-book 📲 Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect 💡 Entrepreneur Community: https://linktr.ee/builtdifferentmastermind 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/IAmTheDelo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthedelo 📌 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daviddelorenzo1 📋 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025
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The Toasted Owl Lady: Cecily’s Journey from Teacher to Multi-Location Restaurateur | Ep. 178
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