NEWS / FEATURES

The 4.1.1.

Rick Drakeley. Photo by Ossie Bladine

Fred and Marilyn Turner, who opened Olive You on Third Street in McMinnville in 2008, have sold the restaurant to Rick Drakeley and Maria Sachs.

The Turners, professional chefs from Southern California, were looking for a place where they could retire. Their top priority was a locale with a strong sense of community, and discovered McMinnville during a visit with a chef friend in Newberg.

Fred said he’s 63 and has been having some health issues. So now he’s truly ready to retire, not just plan for it.

New owners Drakeley and Sachs are from Southeast Salem, which lies within easy reach. They have already begun renovating the interior, with an eye to opening for business July 25.

They are planning to call it The 4.1.1. Eatery & Lounge, playing dually off the 411 N.E. Third St. address and the number to call for directory assistance. The focus, he added, will be on Pacific Northwest seafood, with tuna, scallops and a variety of salmon specials.

“We’ll keep stuff fairly simple, but fresh, and with a little contemporary flair,” he said. Drakeley anticipates dinners running $14 to $30 and lunches, $6 to $14.

The restaurant seats 45. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Drakeley has been cooking for 25 years, the last decade in Minnesota. Previously, he managed restaurants in Salem. Sachs has spent 20 years in the service industry, picking up experience waiting tables and bartending along the way.

After leaving Minnesota and moving back, Drakeley said he “fell in love with McMinnville all over again.” He felt Olive You was the perfect place for him to launch a new venture.

A lounge is being added as part of the renovation. The new owners plan to include a good selection of local wines and craft beers in their beverage menu.

“We want to emphasize making our guests feel at home,” Drakeley said, but that doesn’t extend to installing any television sets. “Electronics have taken away from the evening out,” he said. “We’re trying to bring back that feeling.” 

 

 

Web Design and Web Development by Buildable