Deford Country Grocery, a little store in a tiny town, was in the process of expanding after it was passed down a generation to Ryan Abasso, who purchased the store from his parents after they retired. At the time, Deford Grocery offered a small variety of groceries, beer, wine, liquor, and a single pump for gasoline. Ryan wanted to offer more to the community with take-out style food and additional fuel options.

Dawn moved to Michigan from South Carolina to settle her parent’s estate. She had been waitressing 32 years at Duke’s Barbeque – earning $14/hr., but cooking had always been her real interest.

It took over a year for Ryan’s plan to come together, but in March 2022, with Dawn at the grill and several new employees, a wide variety of foods were made available along with several new gas pumps bring diesel and recreational fuel to the area!

Ryan has had an overwhelming response from the community, always receiving shout outs through social media about how great the food is! He also states that Dawn is an amazing employee, and you can tell she loves her job just by her performance. He is so happy he gave her the opportunity to try out her cooking skills!

Obtaining new employment was Dawn’s top priority after her move and who would have thought that the opportunity would be right down the road from her new residence. She is now living out her passion daily while earning a paycheck!