Dodici's Success
Thanks to the SBA, a family-owned Italian restaurant in Washington, IA has put this small mid-western town back on the map and encouraged other local businesses to open and flourish on the square. We were able to set an example for the city, leading to other renovations of the downtown, such as new sidewalks, signage, and a free public library. SBA made our dream come true!
22 comments
Michelle Peiffer • about 14 years ago
I am so proud to see the success of our hard working entrepreneurs. The community of Washington is very fortunate to have many innovative business developers who seamlessly blend the traditional aspects of our town with the vibrancy of modern expectations. The renovated historic buildings instill pride in our downtown and the services that are offered keep our community thriving.
These two ladies - Lorraine and Tsalika - are great assets to our community. On top of running successful businesses, they are involved and committed to the success of our downtown. As the new Washington Chamber Director, they have personally given their free time to volunteer and assist in Chamber committees and have been a blessing in my transition. Congratulations you two - it's well deserved and I wish you all the best!
elizabeth taddiken • about 14 years ago
What a wonderful story of building community and restoring history. Lorraine and Tsalika are two highly thoughtful and vibrant women, and the story of Dodici's Success relates this and the wonderful work they're committed to in such an eloquent way. Best wishes to you both and your continued success!
Sara Williams • about 14 years ago
I consider my family to be the most important thing to me. It is a pleasure to watch the women who have had such an influence in my life bring purpose back to a wonderful small town! I am happy to be a part of this.
Mike Slagel • about 14 years ago
What an amazing restaurant!!! So proud of you two wonderful ladies and wish you both the best.
Isabella Santoro • about 14 years ago
Washington would just not be the same without "le donne di Dodici" and all the time, money, and creative energy they have invested in this town. They have given young people a fun city to plant their roots in, a cool place for retirees to live out their golden years, and an aesthetically-pleasing destination place for out of towners to visit. A fine-dining establishment and an eclectic coffee shop are exactly what this town needed. Mille grazie, donne di Dodici!!
Alena Neygebauer • about 14 years ago
I came to Washington, Iowa from big city in the east cost of Russia. On of the things I love the most about this town is cafe dodici. Really nice place with friendly personnel, great food and warm atmospher. Nice place to eat with family, have a date, hangout with friends, and just be around! Come there once, and you will be in absolute love with this place forever!
Heather Smith Fedler • about 14 years ago
My husband and I go to Dodici's for fun or when we need to discuss decisions we make on our own small business in Washington. The ambiance is unmatched even when compared to large city amenities. We have started to bring our two sons to Dodici's so they can have a fine dining experience. We recommend the restaurant to anyone we know that asks us about where we live. I can feel the heart and true dedication of Lorraine and Tsalika as well as the rest of her family when visiting Dodici's!
Lynda Bordwell • about 14 years ago
Congratulations Lorraine and Tsalika! You have created a wonderful gathering place for friends and family, serving wonderful food! Your hard work and perseverance have helped breathe new life in to the Washington Iowa community! Thank you!
Tim Howard • about 14 years ago
I have worked for Dodici for the last seven years and can not even begin to explain how special it has been to be a part of this. This restaurant was the catalyst in reviving main street in Washington.
Stacy Nielsem • about 14 years ago
When I moved back to Washington in 2000 my heart was broken at the state of our downtown. Then several years later I met Lorraine, Tsalika and their family. Heard their vision for their historic downtown building. All of their hardwork and dedicatiom to both this project and our community has been amazing! Our downtown Central Park is really the heart of Washington, Iowa. New street signage, lampposts, sidewalks, other renovated historic buildings have all been due to the work of these two women and their family. I am so very proud to have the opportunity, not only to know them, but also to work for them at Dodicis Shop. And wish them and our community continued success!
Susan See • about 14 years ago
The elegance of this family owned restaurant is matched only by the delicious food and friendliness of the owners and staff. This is not a cookie cutter eating establishment. You have to see for yourself what words and pictures cannot describe.
In an age where processed fast food is affecting our health, our weight and the very way we view life, cafe dodici reminds us how important it is to take the time to savor a home cooked meal over conversation. It is good medicine for the body, mind, and soul.
Miche Santoro • about 14 years ago
Hurray for Dodici! Beyond perhaps being slightly bias on the subject, I must say that Dodici has definitely improved Washington in many ways, and brought people from all over to enjoy our little town. Keep up the good work, the food, service, availability and obviously the elegance and quality of the atmosphere is a sight to see. If you are near and have never been, you must check it out!
Jann Manning • about 14 years ago
I am VERY proud to say that I have worked for Cafe Dodici for 8 years. Thanks to 2 of the most important ladies in Washington, I have become a better women myself. They have really showed everyone in a small community what it takes to open your own businesses and to become a better person. I could not ask for anyone better to work for. We all come together when it is needed. These women have came together as a true family and with all of their hardwork and dedication has made Washington a much better town! It is such an honor to work for Lorraine and Tsalika and the rest of the" Dodici family".
Steven Winn • about 14 years ago
This is just the best restaurant in SE Iowa - actually our favorite in the whole state. In addition to truly delicious uniquely prepared food, the owners and staff make us feel like family whenever we come. We live 40 minutes away and are just magnetized here at least once a week. And the decor is as stunning as the food is.
Alessandro Scipioni • about 14 years ago
I followed my wife to America from Pesaro Italy, she has a vision and I am by her side. We changed the face of the town after opening our restaurant, thanks to the SBA for this opportunity! Long life to good projects and those that support them! Sincerely, Alessandro
Zack Loula • about 14 years ago
We were at the opening on NYE 2004 and have celebrated every New Year since, as well as birthdays, anniversaries and many other special occasions. Even better, we don't need a special occasion because Dodici is right here in our home town and it's the best restaurant in the state. We love it! Lorraine and her family have created an ambiance in Washington that most people have to travel to a big city to find. It's wonderful.
Bill Carter • about 14 years ago
My wife, Julia and I love to dine at Dodici and have enjoyed the food, wine, and particularly the wonderful staff there. Although we live in South Carolina, we plan to visit Washingtin again in July. We will certainly dine at Dodici while we are there.
Ed Raber • about 14 years ago
Dodici's opening was a watershed event in Washington and Washington County. A family business that started with a vision of new possibilities for food and the atmosphere that we eat it in. The success that Lorrain and Tsalika have earned has really been an inspiration to many other small businesses to reach higher and to create. When I came to Washington as the economic development director in 1996, public sentiment was that downtown, the symbol of the community's identity, was dying. Sad stories about how great it used to be and how it had declined. The positive community transformation since Dodici's opened, both in the physical landscape of our downtown and in our minds, has been profound. Higher expectations and looking to the future, not hearkening to a distant retail golden age, is what defines Washington now.
Millie Youngquist • about 14 years ago
Thanks Lorraine and Tsalika for having the courage to dream dreams and work hard to make them become a reality! We are all benefactors of your efforts! Cafe Dodici is a wonderful combination of a beautiful facility, a delicious and creative menu and a warm and hospitable spirit! Viva Cafe Dodici!
BILL REHA • about 14 years ago
It's a privilege to have such a wonderful eating establishment in this small rural town. The owners and staff are wonderful and the food is excellent. Your business brings in many people from out of town which in turn assists other local establishments.
Thanks much to Tsalika, Lorraine, Alessandro and staff for the really cool video. (Also, kudos to our friend Craig for producing it.)
Rock On!
Bill and Gloria Reha
Bill Reha
Russ Williams • about 14 years ago
Congratulations Cafe Dodici
I have so enjoyed the past years while working at the Cafe. It has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with a family that I have always enjoyed being around. The restaurant gives a flair and experience that few communities of this size can enjoy. Lorraine and Tsalika, you have done such a wonderful job of showing so many young people that mediocrity is unacceptable and that excellence is the new norm. You have been the catalyst for allowing many people to experience "spreading the wealth" the old-fashioned way; by earning it. Cudos
R Williams
Renato Mazzonetto • almost 14 years ago
Carissime Lorraine and Tsalica, Hi!
Ho visto il video, avete fatto un lavoro veramente straordinario,
Complimenti e Congratulazioni Vivissime,
Un Abbraccione Fortissimo
and a lot of love,
Renato Mazzonetto