Meet Dina Velocci | Restaurant Owner & Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Velocci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
It all comes down to passion: what do you desire most? If you can answer that question, determination kicks in and won’t let you go. From there, you get to decide that you’re going to keep going because you want it badly enough. You’ll find a way by making your own way, and eventually you’ll get where you want to go. Things get revealed in the process that can open up an entirely new path or direction that looks different than originally anticipated, but you’ll have learned something and can be proud of your resilience and commitment.

It’s all about having the right mindset that will help you pivot and see challenges as opportunities, while avoiding the negative self-talk that prevents most of us from pursuing our dreams in the first place. Anything new has risk and fear associated with it: if you can accept that, then you’ll have more clarity to see what’s working and what’s not. But when your desire outweighs your fear, it’s never ‘giving up’ because you didn’t doubt yourself…and you just went for it. That is motivating and will continue to illuminate the way, even as it inevitably shifts over time and with new information.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
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.

There were many challenges for Dina and co-owner Paul Santoro, especially beginning plans for construction in 2020. Whether training new staff or communicating to new patrons, however, the duo has been relentlessly committed to seeing this vision come to life. 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.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Baldwin has so much to offer! Of course, start and end your travels with a homemade meal and craft cocktail or glass of wine at 876: it sets the tone of the trip in a comforting and inviting atmosphere. You can plan the details before you get to the dessert course, or grab some Jones ice cream next door afterward (a Baldwin staple).

The best parts of Baldwin are in nature: head down the Pere Marquette River for some kayaking or fly fishing. Visit the Legends Wildlife Center to learn more about local conservation efforts. Hit the walking trails for a leisurely stroll. Take in some history at the Lake County Historical Museum, Shrine of the Pines, and Idlewild. Whatever you do, soak in the rustic beauty around you…Baldwin helps residents and visitors alike stop and smell the roses, and that’s pretty special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The grit that is embodied by the village of Baldwin is often overlooked and underestimated – rarely celebrated. Every business owner I meet here is doing everything they can to keep going, making this place what it is. That kind of grit is hard to come by, and it’s everywhere you look in Baldwin. I want to thank them for being right next door for the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Any successes our business has achieved is a shared win with everyone who shows up for one another in this tightly-woven ecosystem.

Website: https://www.876baldwin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/876baldwin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-velocci-224ab4b4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/876Baldwin

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/876-baldwin-baldwin

Other: https://www.opentable.com/r/876-baldwin