What began as just a coffee shop with a handful of breakfast items in Olympia five years ago has become so successful the owners have opened a second location in Centralia.
Hash: Centralia is the second Hash location opened by restaurateurs Dean and Lisa Damitio. The Damitios said the success of their first location led to a search for a second.
“We put a little breakfast program together thinking it would just be the neighborhood spot to come and have coffee and eat breakfast. We didn’t expect to do any volume at all. It went crazy and got really busy, really fast,” Dean Damitio said.
The couple began looking for a new, larger space and found one in Centralia back in February 2021 to begin renovating.
“We came in here right when COVID hit, so that shut us down. Then the second round hit and that shut us down again. So it’s just been a long, arduous process of getting this place ready since it needed a lot of work,” Dean Damitio said.
Following two long years of work getting the building ready, Hash: Centralia officially opened its doors to the public Tuesday morning.
“We did our friends and family opening on Saturday and that went really well, but this is our first official day of business,” Lisa Damitio said.
Located on Alder Street next to the Peppermill Inn, the building has been the past location of PJ’s Pizza, Legends Sports Bar & Grill and, most recently, the Coconuts Island Grill.
While lunch items such as burgers and other sandwiches are available, the majority of Hash’s menu is focused on breakfast items, mostly made in-house, including five varieties of hollandaise, such as basil pesto, beer cheese and jalapeño, for the eggs benedict portion of the menu.
Hash: Centralia offers four varieties of hash brown dishes for customers to enjoy, including classic corned beef hash, smoked salmon and basil hash, southwest tofu hash and cheese curd and brisket hash.
Other breakfast staples, including omelets, French toast and biscuits and gravy, are also available.
“We source as much local stuff as we can, too,” Dean Damitio added.
The Damitios aren’t alone in this venture as they have partners in their friends Mario and Kristy Madden. Dean Damitio said he has been friends with Mario Madden since high school.
“They’re silent partners in all of our places with us, so I want to make sure I mention them this time,” Dean Damitio joked.
Dean Damitio has been involved in opening and managing 14 restaurants throughout the last 30 years. Aside from the Hash locations in Olympia and Centralia, he also manages The Westside Tavern in Olympia.
To view Hash: Centralia’s full menu, visit https://www.centraliahash.com/menus.
Hash: Centralia is located at 1232 Alder St. in Centralia and is currently open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Damitios stated they plan to extend hours and be open on Mondays as well but need to hire and train more staff before doing so. Once fully staffed, Hash will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. according to Dean Damitio.
All positions are needed and interested applicants can fill out and turn in applications at the restaurant or apply online at https://www.centraliahash.com/join-the-crew.