In the heart of west Ames, a new vintage-themed café called The Dot has opened its doors, offering a delightful blend of comfort food and modern flair. Nestled in the former Daytime Diner building, this charming establishment promises to transport visitors to a bygone era while tantalizing their taste buds with a menu that celebrates local partnerships and diverse dietary needs.

Crafting a Cozy Oasis of Acceptance and Culinary Bliss

A Passion for Hospitality and a Lifelong Dream Realized

Dawn Budd, the owner of The Dot, has been nurturing the dream of opening a cozy café for nearly a decade. With a background as a graphic designer and extensive experience as a barista and server in local coffee shops and restaurants, Budd has honed her skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for the art of hospitality. Her vision for The Dot was to create a welcoming space where patrons could feel "comfy and accepted" while indulging in delicious, homemade fare.

Aligning Visions and Seizing Opportunities

Budd's dream found its perfect partner in Molly Kardelis, The Dot's head chef. The two discovered their shared goals and similar concepts for a restaurant, and they began working behind the scenes for over a year, initially eyeing a downtown location. When the opportunity arose with the closure of Daytime Diner, Budd and Kardelis quickly seized the chance and transformed the space near the west Hy-Vee into their own culinary haven. Within just six weeks, The Dot opened its doors, a testament to their meticulous planning and unwavering determination.

Embracing Vintage Charm and Nostalgic Inspiration

The Dot's eclectic décor, with a dash of vintage flair, sets the stage for a truly immersive experience. Budd and Kardelis have curated a collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers, some of which adorn the restaurant's tables, adding to the cozy ambiance. The name "The Dot" itself incorporates a graphic element of circles, playing on the restaurant's location on "Dotson Drive." The name also holds a personal connection, as it was inspired by one of Budd's grandmother's nicknames, Dorothy, or "Dot" for short.

Fostering Local Partnerships and Inclusive Dining

The Dot's menu is a testament to the power of local partnerships. Budd and Kardelis have forged relationships with small businesses in the area, sourcing produce from Lee's Greens and Root to Rise, espresso from Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, teas from Little Woods, and syrups from Ren's in Nevada. These locally sourced ingredients are woven throughout the breakfast, lunch, and beverage menus, as well as the daily-baked treats.Recognizing the diverse dietary needs of their patrons, The Dot has crafted an inclusive menu that caters to a variety of preferences. From gluten-free and dairy-free options to vegan and vegetarian choices, the café ensures that everyone can indulge in their culinary creations with ease and comfort.

A Nostalgic Menu with a Modern Twist

The Dot's menu is a delightful blend of nostalgic comfort food and contemporary flair. Budd describes it as "things you think of eating at your grandma's house, like oatmeal and toast, but then take them up a notch." The menu features a variety of oatmeal dishes, both sweet and savory, as well as a selection of "fancy toast" that go beyond the classic avocado toast.On weekends, The Dot offers a brunch special that pays homage to old-timey dishes. A recent special, the Toad in a Hole, featured a brioche toast topped with an egg fried in a hole, chimichurri sauce, and roasted tomatoes – a delightful twist on a classic.

Delectable Delights and Decadent Desserts

The Dot's head chef, Molly Kardelis, is also the owner of Glazey Bones, a local donut shop. Her expertise in baking shines through in the café's daily-made treats, including the customer-favorite Earl Grey and Orange French Toast. Kardelis infuses the custard with tea-steeped cream and adds a touch of orange zest to the maple syrup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly complements the bergamot notes of the Earl Grey tea.

Embracing Multifaceted Roles for Success

Budd and Kardelis have embraced a multifaceted approach to ensure the success of The Dot. While Budd continues her career as a graphic designer, Kardelis will maintain her donut distribution business. This strategic balance allows them to leverage their respective strengths and passions, ensuring that The Dot thrives while they pursue their other professional endeavors.As The Dot continues to captivate the hearts and taste buds of the Ames community, the owners are also working to obtain a liquor license, which will enable them to offer brunch concoctions like mimosas and Bloody Marys, further enhancing the dining experience.