Orcas suffered a loss mid-2013 when the historic Strawberry Barreling Plant, popularly known as the Artworks Building, was severely damaged by a fire deemed to be at the hands of an arson. Owned by The Olga Strawberry Council, a nonprofit, the building housed the Artworks Co-operative, the Hardman Gallery and Cafe Olga.  Restoration began in December, and is due to be completed in January, 2015. Artworks and Hardman Gallery will be returning to the building. For more info, visit www.olgastrawberrycouncil.org.

The area of the building previously occupied by Cafe Olga is being restored specifically to house a small cafe, and The Olga Strawberry Council is seeking an entrepreneur to rent and run a cafe in the 832 square foot kitchen and dining room.  Ideally, the atmosphere of the cafe would be a warm and welcoming area compatible with the art and community situations the building offers.

It is the desire of OSC to have a café in operation at the time of its grand re-opening in January.  Interested parties should contact the president of OSC, Patsy Stephens, at 376-2599 for specs and additional information as soon as possible so design and equipment specifications may be accommodated during the building process.