“I’ve been drawn to Seward from the beginning because of the wonderful community and scenic beauty.”

– Lena Allred

April 3, 2025 – Seward Folly Staff

The cherished waterfront views and the beloved cake display at Zudy’s Café will continue to delight the local lunch crowd, as new owners Lena and Daniel Allred take the helm of this treasured local establishment. The couple, who took ownership last month, have promised to maintain the restaurant’s signature sandwiches and famous dessert selection that have made it a mainstay of our waterfront dining scene.

“We love Seward and we wanted to have our own restaurant. When the opportunity arose, we knew we had the right character for running Zudy’s. It felt right,” Daniel Allred shared, as his eyes brightened.

“I’ve been drawn to Seward from the beginning because of the wonderful community and scenic beauty. It reminds me of my small hometown in Bulgaria,” Lena added.

The Allreds bring 25 years of restaurant experience to Zudy’s, though they’re quick to emphasize that customers won’t see dramatic changes. Four of the restaurant’s seasonal employees will remain on staff. Past owner Judy Odhner will be helping out, ensuring that the glass display case continues to showcase the same stunning array of towering layer cakes and delicate cheesecakes that have become local legends.

Long-time patrons will be pleased to know that the cozy interior, with its large picture windows overlooking the bay, will remain unchanged.

“This building has been part of our community’s fabric for nearly a century,” past co-owner, Jan Odhner explained. “Converting it into a restaurant meant it would continue to be a gathering place for generations to come.”

Originally the building was the Alaska Railroad Terminal. After the 1964 earthquake, it became the Seward Alaska Ferry Terminal. The building went through several transformations, ranging from a teen center to an office complex and a heritage center.

In the mid-’90s, Jan Odhner was a member of the construction crew hired by Chugach Native Corporation to renovate the historic building. Meanwhile, Judy was running her cake baking business out of their Moose Pass home. They were able to lease the existing Zudy’s building. At that point the Primrose Provisions side was a dark theatre, Zudy’s kitchen was the electrical department office, and the heating system was inadequate. For the Odhner’s, this project is more than just another renovation. Zudy’s Cafe has truly been a business built from love.

Zudy’s Café will maintain its traditional hours, serving lunch Monday through Saturday. The new owners invite locals to stop by, enjoy their favorite dishes, and share their memories of the restaurant that has served our waterfront community for the past 12 years.

---