An one-on-one interview with co-owner Jackie Dowd.
Lauren Prouty (L.P.): What inspired you to pursue this dream?
Jackie Dowd (J.D.): Oh boy, this is a lifelong dream. Ever since each child was born, and I would hold them as babies, they knew. We’re gonna have a cafe! And then when Brian won the trophy last year, I was like oh my goodness, it’s time, right? I said, Brian, it’s time. I found this space, actually, and went and looked at a bunch in the city, and immediately I walked in here, and it felt beautiful to me. I walked over here [the counter] and pretended to make an espresso. Then, I was like, hold on a second. I used to work in here when I was like, 16, 17. It was the Chinese restaurant that I honestly forgot all about. It was cool that young me was in here.
L.P.: How has it been since you opened the cafe, and have you faced any challenges?
J.D.: Running out of items, and like it’s really just me and Brian and our family, which is great, and how we designed it. But it’s a lot to keep track of. The time is the challenge, because it turns out I also need to sleep, and I do that during the day. So my challenge is that, but I may have fixed my problem with my opening at 3:33 (p.m.). Otherwise, it was really just word of mouth, and we have had steady business every single day. It just feels natural and right, and the community is so excited, and everybody’s coming in.
L.P.: What made you decide on the hours for the business?
A couple of reasons. Number one, I just function great in the evening. And number two, there is an absolute need for a place in this area, with those times without alcohol. There’s an actual need in our town for this. So, I said, well, it’s all pointing towards yes.
J.D.: What does a typical day look like for you?
Waking up, scrambling to get here to figure out what needs to be done. Except, last night, actually two nights in a row, I’ve been here, starting my batching at night. I do half of it, and then I made a list, which I’ve knocked out pretty well already today. So I just gotta get everything fresh and ready, and then open the doors, and then it’s entering the zone, which is my life’s work and passion. And it feels so good.
L.P.: Is there anything else you would like to share about Sippindippity?
J.D.: I wanna share all of it. I just want to share a Sippindippity! It’s so important that this is with and for my family. That really seems to be right now, the biggest thing my heart is pumping out. I’m getting a little choked up.
Sippindippity is open from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. every day of the week! With outdoor and indoor seating, it is located across the street from Breadworks, at 9 East Walnut Street.
