09/02/2018
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With heavy hearts, we want to confirm that the rumors and Facebook posts are true: after 26 years serving the people of Jefferson County, brother and sister team Dan and Susie Shafer are officially closing the doors of their restaurant, Snug Harbor Cafe, the night of Monday September 3, Labor Day. Over the years, they have been supported in their business endeavors by Susie's daughters, Gretchen Berg and Becky Shipley, as well as long-time employees and friends Jered Marley, Vicki Lara, and Donita Sewell.
A little history before we go.
Susie moved to Port Hadlock in 1990 and set up her cake decorating station at the back of what was then known as Reed's SuperValu, now QFC. Before long, she took her talents across the street to Kivley Center and opened up Susie's Sweet Creations, also known as Susie's or The Pink Bakery. While there, she and her crew created amazing decorated cakes as well as fresh bread, huge cinnamon rolls, homemade soups, and a variety of sandwiches. During these years, she employed many of the young ones in our community, teaching them food service and retail skills.
Dan moved to Port Hadlock in 1995, continuing his long-time career in food service by working as a cook at the Bayview. In the fall of 1996, he opened Snug Harbor Cafe in Discovery Bay. He quickly became known for the fresh fish, steaks, fish and chips, giant cheeseburgers, and fresh-cut fries. Over time he opened a second short-lived location in Quilcene and eventually, in June of 2000, the location in Port Ludlow.
Susie and Dan first began practicing their cooking skills as young teenagers in Newport Beach, CA. Aside from a few gaps, they each have spent their entire lives in the food service realm. As anyone who has spent time in food service knows, it is not easy and it can wear a body out. As much as they have loved running their own businesses, they are ready to rest a little bit and move on to other adventures.
Dan will be doing some traveling while the rest of the crew will be staying local and continuing to serve their longtime customers. Susie will be going on to apply her skills at Farm's Reach Cafe. Jered can be found at the Valley Tavern, Vicki can be found at Peninsula Foods (Quilcene Store) and San Juan Taqueria, and Donita Sewell can be found at Metro Bagels and The Fountain at Don's Pharmacy.
Dan and Susie want to extend their gratitude first and foremost to the amazing customers who have supported their businesses over these many years. Next, they want to thank Bert Loomis who encouraged them to open the location in Port Ludlow and, although not being their landlord for the past 7 years, has continued to be one of their biggest supporters. Finally, they want to thank all those who have worked for and with them, whether for a short time or an extended time. Over 26 years, there have been too many to name here, but you know who you are! Running a successful business would have been utterly impossible without all of you!
Thank you for being a part of our lives.
