Dean Jewelers plans expansion into Charles City food options

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

A wedding ring may be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, but lunchtime happens every day.

Looking to bring something new to downtown Charles City, Dean Jewelers owner David Davidson is preparing to expand his business into the food market, offering up a new option for fast meals and cold treats.

Having extra space in the rear portion of his jewelry store, Davidson was initially focused on converting that portion of his building into an ice cream shop, “Dean Treats,” which would offer ice cream, shakes, fudge, cookies, and other sweet items.

As plans for “Dean Treats” progressed, Davidson decided to take things a step further, purchasing a food truck and equipment for “Dean Eats,” to serve up a selection of sandwiches, pasta dishes, and pizza slices for the lunchtime crowd.

“It has to be quick and it has to be hot,” said Davidson.

Tying together the “eats” and “treats,” Davidson wants to have a parklet constructed for people to sit down outside and enjoy their meals. Parklets are temporary structures, generally taken down for the winter months, that extend out from the sidewalk into the street to create seating for downtown restaurants and cafes.

With no neighboring businesses, ample space, and light traffic along the Kelly Street side of his building, Davidson believes that the extra seating of a parklet would benefit both his own business venture along with the surrounding downtown area.

“The parklet thing really brings people downtown to see other businesses,” said Davidson.

A small, outdoor food venue may be an unusual fit for a jewelry store owner, but Davidson says he wants to create some excitement downtown by offering a place for people to relax and enjoy the nice weather during the limited time that Iowa has it.

“I want entertainment. I want somewhere to sit with music,” said Davidson. “I want talking.”

Davidson also wants to use the shop as an opportunity to support community organizations, dedicating any tips collected to a local charity or volunteer group.

“If somebody wants to give a tip they can,” said Davidson. “But it’s really a donation.”

While “Dean Treats” will move forward regardless, he said, “Dean Eats” may depend on whether or not Davidson can get approval from the Charles City Council to move forward with his plans for a parklet.

While council members have stated that they would need more feedback from downtown business owners before making any commitments to crafting a comprehensive parklet policy, Davidson is hopeful that he can get the city to approve a temporary lease agreement for the parking spaces that would allow him to get started by the 4th of July and serve as a trial run for the concept.

“We’ve first got to see if it will work,” said Davidson.