After nearly 30 years as Oakley's Main Street eatery mainstay, the Buzz Inn is up for sale. Serious health issues have forced owners Linda and Buzz Wadsworth to put the longtime institution on the back burner as they focus on Linda's illness.

"We're sad to see it go. This business has been very good to us," said Linda. "But I need to get out from under as quick as I can. We've had a long talk with the employees and a good cry. … It is what it is."

The Wadsworths opened their family-style diner in l980 at Big Break Marina, and moved a few years later to their location on Main Street. Just about everyone in Oakley has eaten there, many of them regulars.

"I'm very, very sad. They have been here forever," said Mercrey LaFayette, Oakley Chamber of Commerce president and a longtime customer. "I'm just shocked. Oakley will miss them. Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Regular Don Bergenholtz has been coming to the Buzz Inn a few times a week for 20 years. Where he will go now, he said, he has no idea.

Photos by Ruth Roberts

Like many, waitress Sandy Cowling was saddened that the Buzz Inn has been put up for sale due to the illness of one of the owners.

"I'm devastated. I wish you hadn't told me that," said Bergenholtz, an Oakley resident. "It's like family here. One of the waitresses here watched my kids grow up. I guess I could go to the Bridgehead Cafe, but that's not my first choice. It's very sad."

A teary-eyed Diana Gibson, who has worked for the Wadsworths for nearly three years, said she is still recovering from the shock.

Co-worker Sandy Cowling agreed. "It sucks," said Cowling. "I think that says it all. There are lots of regulars that come here; it's going to be hard to lose them."

Dottie and Ray Moura come to the Buzz Inn for the linguisa and friendship. Describing it as an old-fashioned country restaurant, Dottie said she and Ray come every week; they even bring their grandchildren. Losing the Buzz Inn, she said, is a real heartbreaker.

"There is no place like this place," said Dottie. "It's friendly and homey and the food is great. I hope someone will buy it and continue on, but it won't be the same."

Oakley City Manager Bryan Montgomery was among the many who were surprised to hear the news. Like almost everyone else in Oakley, Montgomery has enjoyed the food and camaraderie of the Buzz Inn. He expressed regret at its impending sale.

"The Buzz Inn is an icon," said Montgomery. "I'm sorry to hear about it (the sale). The city would like to thank them for their long years of service and contributions to the city. We're sorry to see them go."