EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – A downtown eatery will be able to expand its operations after its owner was granted a small business loan Wednesday by the city’s Community Improvement Corporation.
Dawnitta Wright, owner of D’s Crafts and Cravings LLC, 426 Market Street, was granted a $6,000 loan after the CIC’s finance committee met Wednesday evening and recommended approval to the full board, which met immediately after, also unanimously approving the loan request.
CIC President Patrick Scafide said he had eaten at the restaurant recently and noticed it had a considerable amount of Door Dash business.
“I hear a lot of people talking about it. It’s a great business,” Mayor Bobby Smith, also a CIC member, told the committee.
“On Monday, it’s the place to go for the chicken. You won’t get a better meal for $10,” said Councilman Tom Beagle, also a CIC member.
Wright told the committee she planned to use the loan to purchase a commercial freezer and better-quality tables and chairs and to upgrade appliances.
“This is why we’re here, to help people with small businesses,” CIC member Dan Dietz said.
Executive Director Bill Cowan said the CIC is currently capable of providing the loan, and the committee recommended it for a 24-month period at 4 percent interest, which the full board approved.
The new equipment purchased by Wright will serve as collateral for the loan.
“Things like this make me glad to be the mayor,” Smith said after the loan request was approved.
Wright said after the meeting she has owned the business, located at the corner of Fifth and Market streets, for a little over a year.
Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, D’s Crafts and Cravings offers daily lunch specials and custom-made cakes. It also caters for small events and offers free meals on holidays.
“We had a great turnout for Thanksgiving,” Wright said.
The loan from the CIC will allow her to extend business hours into the evening to offer dinner as well as breakfast and lunch, Wright said.