Centralia, Washington, February 23, 2024:
Dawn Merchant, owner of Dawn’s Delectables Dessert & Sandwich Shoppe, has announced a bittersweet time of transition to a new chapter in her life that includes passing the baton to another young and ambitious business owner excited to realize her dreams just like Dawn has. With the ending of one chapter comes the beginning of a new one.
Dawn opened the doors of Dawn’s Delectables Dessert & Sandwich Shoppe in the heart of historic downtown Centralia nearly 11 years ago in April 2013 after relocating back to Washington State from the east coast where she launched Dawn’s Delectables in its humble beginnings. With immense support from her family, Dawn was able to start her own business completely from scratch and realize her dream of being a successful business owner of a thriving restaurant in a small, but growing community.
Her downtown storefront, affectionately referred to as the “Shoppe” by Dawn and her family, quickly became a thriving business and a family affair as Dawn’s Mom Carla Hollinger, two adult children Jamar and Cameron Lawson, sister Mardona Custer and brother-in-law JimBob Custer, and niece Imari Custer all joined in supporting and working for the family business in one way or another.
As word spread and customers continued to rave about the signature sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and desserts, Dawn expanded her physical footprint in downtown Centralia even further, opening up the adjoining “Coffee Corner” with walk-up window facing Pine Street in May of 2019 and expanding hours to continue to provide exceptional food items to her clientele.
Dawn and Dawn’s Delectables has survived a lot in the past 11 years with numerous challenges, including inflation, a pandemic, staffing shortages, personal health issues, rising payroll costs, and the loss of an integral part of the business…the passing of her Mom Carla. Despite all that, Dawn scarcely missed a beat…keeping her doors open through it all as business continued to grow. She has employed nearly 100 staff members through the years with many being long-time employees, and for some, their first job and place of employment.
“I am so proud and grateful to have been on this journey and to have gained the respect of the community and the many people who have supported me over the years”, says Dawn. The Shoppe has been known for its quality food, exceptional customer service, clean and inviting atmosphere, and a strong supporter of the community. Dawn’s Delectables has been awarded “Best of Lewis County” and a “Listeners’ Choice” gold medalist in numerous categories many times over, including best lunch, best dessert, and more.
Dawn said, “It was after celebrating the Shoppe’s 10th Anniversary last year that I began to seriously contemplate what would be next for me … continuing to grow the business more with the many ideas I still have in my pocket, or to take a much-needed break and travel after a successful and fun, but demanding ten plus years.” That answer came just after the new year when an opportunity presented itself that Dawn believes was a “GOD connection and a blessing for all parties involved”…the right time to take a much-needed break and transition to new things and new adventures.
Dawn is excited to introduce Jessica Britton of JJ’s ToGo, currently a mobile food provider out of Chehalis (just like Dawn was all those years ago), as the new tenant who has successfully completed negotiations to take over the Dawn’s Delectables storefront under a new name starting April 1st. Jessica, like Dawn, will be joined by her sister-in-law Devin Britton and other family members in this new and exciting venture as well. Jessica also hopes to employ and retain some of Dawn’s staff who are up for a new challenge, so you may continue to see some familiar faces among the new. “In meeting with and talking to Jessica and her team over the past few months, we are confident that JJ’s To Go will continue to provide wonderful lunch options for our downtown customers and community”, stated Dawn.
Although the decision was difficult for Dawn in that she didn’t want to let the community or her large customer support base down by closing her doors, she knew it was the right decision for her, and having someone she felt was the right fit to pass the baton to helped greatly. Dawn wants her customers to know that this is not a “sad” ending, but a joyous time that will allow her to gracefully transition to a new chapter while also supporting another woman-owned and family-operated business. Dawn’s Delectables has been blessed to be a cornerstone in the community for the last 11 years, and Dawn is excited to see another woman in business thrive and achieve her dreams in the same storefront space she did.
Dawn will retain the Dawn’s Delectables name and all proprietary products and information, as well as continue to maintain her business license for casual baking and other things. So, watch for Dawn’s Delectables in the future — possibly even at a farmer’s market near you!
Dawn’s Delectables will officially close its doors on March 30th, and Jessica Britton and the JJ’s To Go team will occupy the space starting April 1st with the first week being devoted to moving in and putting their personal touches on the space, making it their own, before officially opening their doors.
*All Dawn’s Delectables gift cards will be honored through March 30, 2024.* Gift cards are not redeemable for cash, but are good for food and merchandise only. So, hurry in to use up your gift cards while there is still time!
If you get a chance, please take a moment to “like” and “follow” the JJ’s To Go page on Facebook and Instagram. We think you’ll be very excited to see some of the new offerings that may be available right here in downtown Centralia very soon.
In closing, “It is with a full and grateful heart that I would like to thank GOD and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, all of my family, incredible customers (in-person and via takeout), and amazing staff who have supported me through the years with their encouragement, patronage, repeat business, orders, time, and loyalty. Without them, Dawn’s Delectables would not have been the resounding success and downtown staple that it ultimately became. I have been extremely blessed and will treasure the many wonderful memories and the friends I have made along the way”, says owner Dawn Merchant.
Please don’t see this as an ending as much as it is the beginning of something new for both Dawn’s Delectables and JJ’s To Go, as well as downtown Centralia and the greater community. Thank you!