By Nancy Jennings
Bill Hauth has accumulated many miles in his choice of careers. As a volunteer Mount Angel Fire Captain for 15 years, and driving for Darigold and Republic Services for 30 years combined – he was ready “to get off the road.”
Retiring wasn’t on his radar quite yet – but it was for Leona’s Bakery & Café owner Twyla Blatchford, who decided to close shop in early April. Hauth’s wife, Tami, 56, had heard Leona’s was closing. She immediately shared the news with Bill, and they jumped at the opportunity to plan and create their own diner-style restaurant.
“By April 10, we made a deal with a handshake,” Tami said. “Everything has been fast and furious.”
Officially opened in late May, Angels Grill offers hearty meals – including breakfast – seven days a week.
“This is six blocks from home and it all just fell into place,” Bill said. “We’ve been looking for a place like this for 30 years, so this is like the culmination of a dream. We think we have a niche here. We’re going to do something different.”
The Mount Angel couple, who have been married for 34 years, have two sons and three grandchildren (with another due in July). Their community roots run deep – they live in Bill’s childhood home.
Experience in the restaurant industry also can be traced back 30 years, as the original owners of Burger Time. Now, Tami works full-time at Kraemer’s Nursery in sales, HR and accounting – and will join the crew at the restaurant in the evenings and on weekends.
Before the Angels Grill building housed Leona’s it was home to Angels Table, another local favorite. The vintage barstools and booth seats used at Angels Table are now part of Angels Grill. Décor is black, white and red. Larger tables are in the back room, where framed photos display Bill’s firefighting days.
“Duane Huber, a Mount Angel native and local chef, has joined our staff and is whipping up tasty recipes. We needed good food, good portions and good service – at a good price. It’s all about coming in as customers and leaving as friends,” Tami said, adding the family will benefit as well. “We wanted a place for our grandkids to work to earn college money.”
Beer and wine will be available soon.
Angels Grill 415 S. Main St., Mount Angel Open daily 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Fresh baked goods daily.
