Historic Norman Restaurant Closes Its Doors

Gan Matthews, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A longtime Campus Corner icon in Norman has closed its doors.

Othello's Restaurant put up a "closed" sign in its window on Tuesday. It has been an institution since 1973 and the owners say deciding to close was not an easy decision.

In an email, owner Jennifer Morgan says a lawsuit over an unpaid lien has resulted in "significant legal fees" that made the closing necessary.

That's a big disappointment to Othello's customer Lynann Sterk. "I think it's tragic," Sterk said. "Othello's has been a long-term landmark in Norman, one of our favorite bars."

Other customers praised the Italian food and unique atmosphere at the restaurant. One Norman couple remembers having their first date there--almost three decades ago.

For years Othello's was noted for being the favorite Norman restaurant of former OU football coach Barry Switzer. But Switzer tells News 9 he hasn't been to the restaurant in ten years.

Read the owners entire online letter to the public.