The Caddy Shack comes to downtown

ODESSA- Diane Kennedy, 68, has worked in the restaurant business her whole life and is now bringing her culinary inclinations here through a business that was previously in Ritzville, "The Caddy Shack."

Kennedy first opened the restaurant at the Ritzville Golf Course almost three years ago.

"I got started in Ritzville," Kennedy said. "I leased out the golf course for a few years."

Her departure from Ritzville was the city's decision, clerk-treasurer Julie Flyckt said. Kennedy, meanwhile, said herself and the city had "creative differences."

"We decided not to renew with her," Flyckt said. "It was not working for both of us."

Kennedy's agreement with Ritzville expired at the end of 2021.

The Odessa business location is at 13 West First Avenue downtown.

The "Caddy Shack" name draws inspiration from the movie of the same name.

"The 'Caddy Shack,' the movie, was so cute," Kennedy said. "We do Baby Ruth cupcakes and cakes because of the Baby Ruth they found in the pool."

Kennedy works annually with local Nate Lathrop on the "Lady's Who Rock" calendar and said he was interested in allowing her to use his space.

"I met Nate through working with him during benefits," Kennedy said. "We've worked on fundraisers, the calendar."

Lathrop offered the space to help bring life back to downtown Odessa.

"I am here because Nate wants to open up the main street," Kennedy said. "We don't want all these closed buildings."

Kennedy said she has seen people travel from Ritzville already to get some food.

"I had a couple here last Saturday," Kennedy said. "They said they haven't had food this good since I was in Ritzville."

Kennedy said she enjoys meeting all different kinds of people and that is why she likes the restaurant business.

"I have met so many different people through the years," Kennedy said. "Good conversations are priceless."

Kim Swanson will be the staff lead once her training is complete.

Kennedy said the restaurant offers to-go orders if people prefer to avoid coming in to sit down.

The Caddy Shack offers various dining options, including wraps, burgers, pizza, tacos and dinner entrees including fish and prime rib. Staff will be serving breakfast in the mornings for early risers.

Kennedy has the availability to cater banquets and other events and has options available for special requests.

The grand opening for The Caddy Shack will be at noon Friday, Jan. 13.

Editor Drew Lawson contributed to this report.