At The Coffee Bar at Charley & CO. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, you'll find Dorothy Wiedeman, a beloved fixture there long before current co-owners Lisa Shelley and Tammy Kidwell took over in early 2023. Dorothy's presence is a cherished connection to the shop's past and enduring charm.
While the coffee remains a staple, Charley & CO. continues to expand its baked goods, which include warm cinnamon rolls made from a special dough recipe gifted by Dorothy. This treasured family secret has quickly become a customer favorite, drawing in a loyal clientele who appreciate the cafe’s tasty blend of tradition and innovation.
"I told a previous owner that she might want to start serving some baked goods," Dorothy recalls with a wry smile. "I suggested a dough recipe from my mother she might want to try, and that's where it all started!"
Her simple suggestion led to a delightful evolution of the coffee shop, integrating her family's culinary legacy into its daily operations and enriching the community experience for all.
At 95, Dorothy values the strong community connection at Charley & CO., where she has made lifelong friends. The camaraderie and warmth are as integral to the shop's identity as its libations and pastries. Dorothy's presence continues to endear both staff and patrons, making every visit a blend of nostalgia and new experiences.
"At first, Dorothy and a few of her fellow regulars weren't so sure about the 'new spin' I was putting on the coffee shop when Tammy and I first took over,” Lisa laughs. "But soon she and they grew to love it!"
Lisa is committed to preserving the store's community spirit while honoring Dorothy's family recipe. "We are dedicated to keeping that community aspect going strong," Lisa says, "even as we continue to grow and evolve."
"I told a previous owner that she might want to start serving some baked goods," Dorothy recalls. "I suggested a dough recipe from my mother she might want to try, and that's where it all started!"