dawn of a new day, a downtown coffeehouse, is closing at an undetermined date, according to an announcement on their Facebook page late on the afternoon of Feb. 16.
Dawn Goodrow chose not to capitalize the name, similar to poets and a few celebrities, in a show of modesty. She opened in the Bearinger Building near the Civic Center and now gradually will close the doors at 210 South Washington.
She is known for her civic involvement as well as for her enterprise, which she launched not in pursuit of a bunch of money, but to make her own statement against endless urban flight and blight. She once ran for City Council, and she also played an interim role as director of the East Side Soup Kitchen.
Here is the text of the announcement:
“There is a season for everything.
“18 years ago, Dawn dreamed a dream of a new day, for spring to come after a long winter for downtown Saginaw. A walkable city that she knew as a child, would one day be again for myself and for future generations. At a time when oil tore the world apart, coffee would be sure to bring us together. A place for those who needed a warm environment, kind smiles, and positivity for our city.
“Throughout those years, there has been seasons of spring: hope, new opportunities, new implementations;
signs of summer: growth and abundance;
seasons of fall: success and achievements;
and of course seasons of winter: stress, heartbreak, and exhaustion.”
The note continues, “On the eve of our 18th circle around the sun, we are back to the season of winter: heartbreak and rest. It is time for a new day for Dawn, Linsey (daughter), and DOAND (company name). We are in the slow process of saying goodbye to DOAND.
“We have tried hard to be advocates for downtown, for those who need a voice, and for those who need hope. We have fought, planned, problem-solved, and now it’s time to rest. We don’t know what the future holds for us. What we do know is, we appreciate all those who have supported us over the years. For what this coffeehouse and our customers have fed our souls. For the laughs, the successes, the connections. Saying good-bye to our customers will certainly be difficult. Our only hope is that DOAND has given some of you a little bit of what it’s given us.
“We are excited for our future and look forward to endless possibilities.
“Coffee service and a limited food menu will remain for the next couple months as we move product and say goodbye. We are still available for caterings for as long as we are open!”
