It seems every day there is a report of another credit card data breach in the news. It’s strange phenomenon that our society has become somewhat numb to the incessant announcements of compromised data at behemoths like Target, UPS, and TJ Maxx, yet so many small businesses think that they’re immune.

As you may have heard, OTTO learned the hard way that smaller businesses are just as much a target as anyone else. We were hacked, and as a result, the credit card numbers of approximately 900 customers at our two Portland locations were exposed to hackers between May 1 and August 13. Despite ensuring that each of our our systems met the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, we were hit. Despite monitoring software, virus scans, and an array of additional security steps at each location, the hackers still got through, undetected. (A report by Verizon found that 99% of breaches targeting POS systems are discovered by outside sources during the course of an investigation — and 85% of breaches take weeks to discover.)

We were crushed to learn that we had been the target of such an attack — one that may have potentially affected the very customers who have helped OTTO grow over the past 5 years. While the breach is much smaller than those suffered by other regional businesses (Hannafords, Shaw’s, etc.), it hits closer to home when it happens to smaller businesses founded, owned, and operated right in one’s own community. While the breach is believed to have affected only 3% of the credit cards used by dine-in and take-out customers (delivery customers were not affected) at our two Portland locations, it is a stark reminder that no target is too small for hackers.

We hope, by being open and transparent about our experience, that something positive will come from it. We know that we are stronger, more secure, and more vigilant as a result. We hope that other businesses in our communities will be as well.

As we have stated in our news release, and on leaflets available at our restaurants, we urge our guests to visit our website to learn more about what they can do to detect and prevent misuse of their payment cards, or call a special toll-free number we have set up (888-453-4022) to ask any additional questions they may have. We also urge other businesses to research ways in which they can increase security in their restaurants to avoid similar attacks. They are welcome to reach out to us as well. If our experience can help the businesses in our community avoid a similar attack, it’s better for all of us.

On behalf of all of us at OTTO, we apologize for any inconvenience incurred as a result of the attack, and greatly appreciate your continued support.

OTTO is proud to announce our newest location- 202 Merrimac St in NEWBURYPORT!

This time around, our owners Mike Keon and Anthony Allen have a whole new bag of tricks. OTTO is opening up inside a liquor store!

Just in time to catch some of the renowned Yankee Homecoming event, our beloved OTTO, and Leary’s Fine Wine & Spirits will open their doors for the first time, as a shared space.

Stay tuned for exact timing!  We’re OPEN! 978-225-6160

Two businesses. One roof. Pure magic.

Opening their doors originally in 1897, Leary’s is the Bay State’s oldest purveyor of Wine and Spirits, and a true institution in the greater Newburyport area. Just think of the endless pairing possibilities of your favorite wine or craft beer with an OTTO signature artisan pizza.

In a neighborhood with such a bustling local economy driven by the arts, music scene, and food-lovers, it’s safe to say the ‘mashed potato, bacon, scallion’ and the ‘cranberry, butternut squash, ricotta’ pizzas will have no trouble fitting in with the locals.

But wait, there’s more! Somewhere in the near future, the beauty of this partnership will really shine when you can have your preferred beer, wine, or spirits DELIVERED with your favorite OTTO pizza.

Life in Newburyport is about to get a whole lot sweeter.

LEARY’S & OTTO // 202 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950
OTTO : ottoportland.com : facebook.com/ottoportland :
(978) 225-6160
LEARY’S : learysfinewines.com : facebook.com/learysfinewines :
(978) 462-4451

To cap off our birthday month, an OTTO fave from Oregon, The Harmed Brothers will be doing a two-night residency at our 574 Congress Street dining room. This delightful mix of soulful harmonies and heart-string-plucking guitar & banjo, is not to be missed. They’ll be blasting upbeat “indie-grass” beats all night long. For the love of pizza, come out and celebrate!

Friday June 20 & Saturday June 21, 9:30PM. FREE!

Several great reasons to eat an entire pizza without feeling guilty.

OTTO is pleased to be hosting an ongoing series of fundraiser nights to benefit regional charities and community organizations. At each event, a portion of sales will be donated to the dedicated organization.

The series began in February of 2013, and runs in both Maine and Massachusetts. The Maine fundraisers take place at our 225 Congress Street location and our South Portland location, and the Massachusetts fundraisers take place at our BU location and our MarketStreet Lynnfield location. The events are from 5pm – 9pm unless otherwise noted.

In addition to raising funds, OTTO owners and staff hope the events will help raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and provide a venue for networking, brainstorming, and speaking with potential volunteers.

OTTO encourages charities, schools, and organizations to reach out to discuss opportunities. Those interested should send an email to contactus@ottoportland.com.

As of this writing the schedule is as follows (all dates are subject to change):

OTTO 225 Congress St. Portland (Munjoy Hill)
December 23 – USM’s International Relations Association
December 30 – Gorham High School Girl Up

OTTO 159 Cottage Rd. South Portland
December 9 – Cape Elizabeth Project Graduation
December 16 – South Portland Swim Boosters
December 23 – My Place Teen Center

OTTO 888 Comm Ave, Boston (across from BU)
December 8 – Boston College Relay For Life
December 15 – Coolidge Corner Community Chorus

OTTO 1210 Market Street, Lynnfield
December 8 – Gathering Change, Inc.
December 15 – Children’s Center for Communication/ Beverly School for the Deaf

Please consider supporting these organizations by stopping by OTTO during their events. A percentage of each purchase will go directly to the organization. It’s a great opportunity to eat an entire pizza without the guilt!