Railroad won’t derail Whistle Stop Cafe
WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
The very icon that always is associated with Osgood might be the very thing that has a great impact on local businesses and not in a good way. The Railroad and Depot has long been the history of the little town nestled in Center Township and home to more than 1,600.
Recently CSX Railroad gave notice that the residents, town and/or businesses could not use that vacant lot north of the tracks due to construction on the railroad. That’s a big hit for a small town with limited parking for its businesses. The Railroad noted that all vehicles needed to be removed immediately from the railroad’s property between US 421 and Walnut Street on Railroad Avenue. This is due to a project that is expected to last until July or August.
The old Depot has been long gone and the parking area used for people who frequent businesses such as the Damm Theatre on an overflow night, Trackside Pizza and the Whistle Stop Café, which is directly across from the vacant land next to the railroad tracks.
When talking with Charla McEvoy, owner of the Whistle Stop Café last week, she noted it will make it harder for her customers to park. The Café, which has recently celebrated 10 years of business in that spot, serves the finest breakfast around and has a large crowd for both that meal and lunch. They are known for their great “old-fashioned” cooked food that is sold at a reasonable price, and the atmosphere, which boasts round tables for visiting. “They come in and drink as much coffee as they like for $1.50,” McEvoy laughed, saying she is thankful for every customer. That revolving coffee pot not only tastes good, but it’s a way for a community to come together.
Their menu reflects the iconic railroad way of life from serving a Caboose, which is 2 eggs and toast, to a Freight Train, which consists of 2 eggs, ½ order biscuits and gravy, and full order of home fries. You can also pick up a Trackburger or a Trainwreck! They have Railroad Fries and even a Little Whistle Stop, 1 egg, 1 bacon or sausage link or patty and toast for the little ones!
“We still have some parking,” McEvoy waved to the street and then there’s other places on streets, but people will have to walk a little further.
Trina Huff, Treasurer for Jac-Cen-Del Schools, was enjoying lunch last Friday in the café and noted, “I don’t know what people would do without this place.” She said everything she has gotten has been good and they even deliver to the central office.
McEvoy said they deliver anywhere within reason and are happy to do it. They know it’s not always convenient for people to come into the café.
The mostly breakfast, lunch café expands their menu on Thursday nights and from 4-7 p.m. they are open. This week, February 6 the special will be Country Fried Steak, along with all the other good food customers have become used to – except breakfast. “Breakfast is not served on Thursday evenings,” McEvoy noted.
While the parking situation will limit customers, it won’t limit the shop. They will still be serving the same great food. You can get pick-up, delivery, or park a little further away. Also, they have a gift shop next to the Café where you can find a variety of items.
Owning the business of her dreams, McEvoy says she wished she had done it years before she did. She loves cooking, serving, and being around people and it shows. So stop in at 112 Railroad Avenue in Osgood and pick up a Smoke Stack or the Railroad Ave. Special (ask the staff about these great menu items). The café is open 7 days a week, Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 12:30 and on Sunday from 6:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
