A familiar café space in Somerdale is getting a fresh chapter as a local family turns a longtime dream into reality.
Heather Terry of Oaklyn is preparing to open her neighborhood café in the former Ellie’s Café location, bringing new energy to the beloved spot while preserving many of the things the community came to love about its predecessor.
For Heather, the venture represents a major career change. After previously operating a cleaning business and spending more than a decade training dogs at a local kennel, she decided it was time for something new—something she could build alongside her family.
“This has always been a dream of mine,” Heather said. “As I got older, I wanted to create a business that my family could be part of.”
That family involvement is already at the heart of Linny Lou’s Café. Her two youngest daughters, along with one of her daughters’ boyfriends, have been heavily involved in preparing the business for opening and plan to work there once the doors open.
Her 20-year-old daughter, Cerenity, brings cooking experience and will help in the kitchen while also putting her artistic talents to work designing menu boards and decorating the café. Seventeen-year-old Gabby will greet customers at the front counter and is adding her own touch by incorporating living plants throughout the space.
There is also another connection to family for the café. The inspiration for the name comes from Heather’s mom, Linda, and grandmother, Louise.
“No one called her that as an adult, but my grandfather named a boat the Linny Lou in the ’70s,” Heather explained. “It was for my mother, Linda, and my grandmother Louise.”
Andy, the former owner of Ellie’s, named his café after his mother. Heather decided to follow suit.
The family has been hard at work transforming the interior, restoring the original wood counter, installing new flooring, and adding colorful furniture to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
While customers can expect a refreshed look, much of what made Ellie’s Café popular will remain. Heather plans to continue using many of the same recipes and vendors while giving the menu a creative refresh. Ellie’s signature sandwiches will receive new names, and several original menu favorites will return, alongside new offerings still being developed.
Coffee lovers can also look forward to locally roasted beans from Barrington-based Black Lotus Coffee, emphasizing the café’s commitment to supporting nearby businesses.
One familiar face will also remain behind the counter. Stephanie, who worked at Ellie’s Café throughout its years in business, has joined the new team. Heather said keeping her on staff was an easy decision.
“The community loves her,” Heather said. “She’s been a tremendous asset in helping us understand what worked well for Ellie’s and where we can continue to improve.”
Upon our recent visit, Stephanie was painting the walls and expressed excitement for being a part of this new café and welcoming regular customers again.
Heather’s approach for the café is simple: honoring the legacy of a neighborhood favorite while introducing a fresh personality and creating a space where customers feel at home, where guests can gather for breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
An opening date has not yet been announced, but work continues inside. As soon as we have an update, we’ll be sure to share that with you!
In the meantime, follow Linny Lou’s on Instagram.
BONUS: Here is a “working menu” for breakfast. Subject to change when they open!
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.