March 2019
Beloved local restaurant Sun Dawg Café was recently awarded $4,250 from the City of Greensburg, making it the first recipient of the Business Soft Cost Grant Program. Implemented in November 2018, this program, aimed at strengthening city businesses, supplies grant funds that reimburse all or part of the soft costs associated with opening or expanding a business in the City of Greensburg. Kelsye Milliron, City Administrator, said that Sun Dawg’s “approval is contingent upon obtaining an Occupancy Permit at their expanded location and proof of payment of the fees.” With this money, co-owners Rachel and Ray Flowers plan to expand the business into the adjacent building, the former home of Trice Optical Professional Services. They hope to have 35 to 40 seats in this new space, which almost doubles the restaurant’s current capacity.
Sun Dawg opened in 2012, and the Flowers are thankful for the loyal customers and the business they have received. Co-owner Rachel Flowers said that owning a restaurant in downtown Greensburg allows for “more of an opportunity to be unique and think outside of the box.” The Flowers are also working on acquiring a liquor license, as well as increasing days on which they serve dinner. Currently, Sun Dawg only serves dinner on Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 pm; otherwise, the restaurant is open until 4:00 pm Mondays through Wednesdays, 2:00 pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. They also hope that the expansion will support their growing catering business.
City Councilman Gregory Mertz said, “Sun Dawg really wowed us with their vision to expand their Downtown Greensburg business into the neighboring property. Their proposal was designed to fit what we intended the grant to be used for – finding permanent homes for vacant storefront properties in Downtown Greensburg. I can’t wait to see the new Sun Dawg when it’s finished.” The Flowers hope that renovations will be finished by summer 2019.
Ali Gipson 