Some of those responsible for that great food: from left to right: Christopher Jones, Cathy Osborn, Samuel Klamm, Cain Roberts.
-Photo by Tanya DeForest

The last couple of weeks of September saw this local restaurant packed with diners and well-wishers after the announcement that Cathy’s Restaurant would be closing for good on September 30. Cathy’s has been a staple in Port O’Connor for many years, with a loyal base of local customers and a steady stream of visitors coming to enjoy her award-winning shrimp.

Cathy’s husband, Jerry Osborn, a shrimper, figured out many years ago when the price of shrimp was so low, that they could make a lot more money from his catch if they had a restaurant. So, 33 years ago the couple rented the old Stryker’s Restaurant and began. A few years later, they built a new building and continued serving their delicious fried shrimp and other great menu items.

Cathy’s had 20 employees, some having been their 7, 10, or in the case of Tasha Jones, 23 years!
In November, the Osborns will celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary. They have two children, Heather, a teacher at Travis School, and Justin, a lab tech at Formosa. Justin and his wife, Allie, have two children – Tegan and Romy.

Cathy says she is sad to leave her loyal employees and customers, but after the recent deaths of both her mother and mother-in-law, she realized that she and Jerry needed to slow down and live life while they can enjoy it. At the top of her list is spending more time with her grandchildren.

They won’t be completely retired, as they plan to set up a food truck in Port Lavaca’s Calhoun Plaza. Although the restaurant building has been sold, no details about it have been released.

Red Childers, Cathy Osborn & Bob Allen

 
Afternoon Coffee

Red Childers, retired fishing guide (at right) and Bob Allen, retired farmer/rancher, have been enjoying afternoon coffee together for about 20 years. There were once more than a half dozen fellows who met together. With the passage of time, moving away and passing away, the group is now down to usually four regulars: Red, Bob, Jerry Tucker, and Joey Lane.

Cathy says she will surely miss these guys and all the good folks who have been her regular customers for all these years.