Exploring Life & Business with Dina Velocci of 876 Restaurant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Velocci. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Paul Santoro and Dina Velocci represent the heart and soul of Baldwin, Michigan, a place often forgotten in the storied recollections of the Michigan lumber industry. Sit with the couple for merely five minutes, and you’ll hear their palpable passion for place that makes them the perfect entrepreneurs to effect change in this small village — and who are putting in the work to make it happen. Whether celebrating the world-renowned fly fishing along the Pere Marquette — bringing together guides over great whiskey to debrief about their pursuits on the river — or welcoming local historians, politicians, church leaders, entertainers, artists, and more within their four walls, their restaurant, 876, breathes life into Baldwin as a way to gather, organize and bask in the simple delights of life in the wooded havens of Michigan’s up north. 

Their story is one not of business reinvention alone but of something bigger: reinvention of the village for a business to call home. 

Dina and Paul knew from the beginning Baldwin had that special something that wasn’t being tapped. There was so much traffic coming through the town, but nobody was stopping. They wanted to add something to Michigan Ave that would make it a destination in and of itself: the dream of a bold, new dining experience that was artfully crafted yet casual and approachable — something not available for many miles — was born. 

Opening a restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart, nor is it without financial risk; Paul and Dina knew this and took the leap regardless. With Dina’s family owning and operating an award-winning deli in NYC since she was a child, the draw toward the restaurant business was natural and with the knowledge of what it takes to make it in this industry. Sharing an Italian-American heritage and love of food and wine with her husband and co-owner, Paul, the decision to open 876 together was significant — and deeply considered. 

The restaurant wasn’t the only investment they envisioned: They saw the big-picture opportunity to coordinate renovation efforts for much-needed new housing options within the village, ensuring their restaurant team and others employed there would be able to feel at home and build a life right on the main stretch. 

Seeing an unmet need, Dina and Paul embarked on a three-year process in 2019 to envision, redevelop, and build one of West Michigan’s best dining establishments. With their existing entrepreneurship experience and a deep commitment to economic development, they sought to purchase the historic Masonic Temple in the center of town: two stories of unused commercial space to convert into a restaurant on the main level and rental properties above available for housing. Receiving the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act Grant from MEDC in 2021, their vision was finally coming to life. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Construction began in 2020, throwing a major curveball in their plans. It was a difficult time for everyone, personally and professionally — and this was no exception. But it’s true what they say: it takes a village (to realize the potential for a village like Baldwin, too). While the pandemic made it hard to coordinate activities between state and local agencies, vendors, and contractors, they persevered. 

Opening their doors in October 2021, the new restaurant was greeted with enthusiasm — but they still had a lot to overcome. Covid face mask mandates and the emergency order had just been lifted in the state, and the Delta strain was in full force — to be followed closely by the Omicron variety just months after opening. In addition to staff and customer volatility from the pandemic, they were challenged by recruiting staff to uphold the standards of service they set, as well as training line cooks to ensure the food quality is unparalleled and uncompromised — a difficult task for even the most reputed restaurants in large cities where talent is in ample supply. 

Throughout their time in business, Paul and Dina have bucked the trend of employee churn in the restaurant industry by maintaining a consistent staff. Knowing the success of a business relies on its people, Paul and Dina have taken great care to support those who are helping build this dream alongside them: hosting holiday dinners for employees, stepping in to babysit when childcare was unavailable, inviting employees into stay in their home for transitional periods until more permanent housing could be found. This stems from their passion for not only each worker on a personal level but also the mission to bring non-seasonal jobs to Baldwin, which can be hard to come by in a place that has a 6.7% unemployment rate (nearly double the state average). 

Inflation and the rising cost of food — as well as supply chain shortages brought on by Covid and remaining to this day — present yet another challenge that the team has had to rise above in order to stay in business. They have worked diligently to communicate any pricing changes to their engaged community online and in person and have made menu changes without compromising food innovation or quality so that people can still enjoy the experience with budget in mind. From BBQ Wednesdays to seasonal menu changes, there’s creativity in constraints that they welcome as part of being adaptive to the pressures of food costs today. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 876 Restaurant?
876 is a bold new dining experience in a casual yet elegant atmosphere, with Midwestern fare influenced by the tastes of Europe — and the Italian heritage of its co-owners, in particular. It prides itself on from-scratch menu offerings, craft cocktails, an extensive, award-winning wine list, and Michigan-made craft beer on tap. A hidden gem off of 131 in the heart of downtown Baldwin between Reed City and Ludington, this restaurant has made a name for itself: in its commitment to community as much as its commitment to fresh food, intentionally selected. 

Dina is most proud of the way the restaurant supports the community it belongs to, whether hosting local events, sponsoring fundraisers, or creating a hub for gathering all kinds of passionate people: from fishermen coming off the river to local craft organizations and artists. They do their part to celebrate and elevate the success of other businesses in the area however they can. It truly takes a village to restore and uplift the beauty of Baldwin. Another point of pride has been working with the state to increase visibility of the efforts and value of Baldwin to bring grants and other important revitalization efforts to the village. 

What makes you happy?
Making people happy makes me happy! There’s nothing more rewarding as a restaurant owner than helping people connect with each other, creating an atmosphere where people can tune in to one another and temporarily disconnect from technology. When I look around and see people enjoying each others’ company without looking down at their phones, I know we’re doing something worthwhile. 

The community in Baldwin is so deserving of spaces like these. When people ask us, “Why Baldwin?” we always say, “Why not Baldwin?” The people are so good; they really show up. And we do the same for them. That brings me great joy. 

Pricing:

• Meatballs Italiano – $14
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – $19
• Chicken Cacciatore – $29
• Half Duck – $46
• New York Strip – $48

Contact Info:

• Website: www.876baldwin.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/876baldwin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/876Baldwin/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/876-baldwin-baldwin
• Other: bit.ly/876reso

Image Credits
Shaylin Tess Photography