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Sweet Dawn Café ~ 110 Clinton Square
Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 585.546.2530 ~ Fax: 585.546.5989

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-3pm

"Bread (Pandesal)"
by photographer Michael Lorenzo
Background "Textures" by Rachael Towne

Simple Website Design by Tracy Brown

We have the best staff!

Sweet Dawn Café is staffed by the friendliest and most efficient team we could hope for! We know you love 'em too! Learn a little bit more about...

Lisa Pelino, Sweet Dawn's Owner
"Boss Lady"

Lisa purchased Sweet Dawn in April 2006. Prior to that she earned an MS in Community Counseling and was a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Play Therapy.

The cafe had been in the Pelino family for over 30 years when Lisa's mother-in-law, Linda, retired and Lisa switched careers to continue the family business. She's still a pretty good listener, though, so feel free to stop down if you need someone to lend an ear!

Lisa is fairly nearsighted, but rarely wears her glasses/contacts. If she doesn't greet you right away, don't take it personally - it's likely that she doesn't know you are there or who you are.

Lisa lives in Fairport with her family: Her husband, Steve, sons Cody (18) and Thomas (10), daughter Kaitlyn (16), and her two labs, Maddy and Reagan.

Little known fact about Lisa: She always has a song playing in her head. If you are ever curious, ask what song is playing on her "jukebox," especially if you like 80's metal.

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Patty Cooper, Manager
"Princess Patty"

Patty is a Sweet Dawn veteran, having worked for the Cafe for over ten years! During that time, Patty has never missed an scheduled day of work and has mastered every aspect of running the cafe.

Most people know Patty for her obsession with Dave Matthews. At the moment, Patty has four Dave Matthews Band tattoos (that we know of), with plans for more. Make sure to share your favorite DMB song with Patty when you stop in! Others know Patty for her wit and sarcasm, with many regular customers coming in for their daily dose of banter and abuse. Ironically, almost all leave with a smile!

Little know fact about Patty: She is a Henry VIII historian and has a yet unfulfilled dream to travel to England and visit the Tower of London.

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Jen Wypich
"Little One"

Jen may be little, but she has a big personality! Jen is always willing to take on extra hours at the cafe, even while working a second job as well!

Jen recently graduated from the School of the Arts and is an incredible illustrator. Her last name, Wypich, means "Domino Effect" in Polish.

Jen lives in a 6th floor loft in a historic building in downtown Rochester with her boyfriend and two pet rabbits.

Little known fact about Jen: She was a competitive figure skater from 3-14 years of age. And yes, she CAN land a triple axle.

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Denise Tortorice
"Torte-O-Rice"

Denise joined the Sweet Dawn team this fall after moving back to Rochester from San Antonio, TX.

The customers love her easy going personality and friendly demeanor. Denise loves to travel, and has visited 14 different countries...her favorite places so far are Paris and Amsterdam.

Denise is perpetually tan and can often be found with an energy drink in hand (although we're trying to wean her). The drinks give her the needed boost for cheerleading and gymnastics, which she's done for 16 years.

Little known fact about Denise: She is obsessed with cars and is currently saving for a BWM M3 (or Lamborghini).

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Liz Zucco
"Ridic"

Liz is the newest addition to the Sweet Dawn team. She was born in Chicago, IL but moved to Orlando, FL when she was 5. Liz just moved to Rochester this year and we hope she stays!

Liz loves to play soccer and is an awesome cook. Now that she's settled in at Sweet Dawn, we plan to put that to the test, so make sure to stop down for her famous soup or lasagna!

You'll always find Liz smiling, and more than anything else, she likes to make others laugh (although most of the time its at their expense). Don't be surprised if you sense some sarcasm from Liz, she's just kidding...usually.

Little known fact about Liz: She has an Italian Pug named "Vinny."

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Kaitlyn Pelino
"Grace"

Kaitlyn has been a summer fixture at Sweet Dawn for the last three years. She is currently a junior at Fairport High School and takes Cosmetology classes part-time.

In her spare time, Kaitlyn loves to read and send text messages!

Little known fact about Kaitlyn: She was born 3 months prematurely and weighed 2 lbs at birth. She wore doll clothes home from the hospital.

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Michelle Parsons
"The Diva"

Looks can be very deceiving with Michelle. She may appear quiet and angelic, but don't believe the facade! Michelle is actually a little spitfire and is revered for her witty remarks and blunt honesty! She's physically tough too... just challenge her to a push up contest and see for yourself!

Prior to working at Sweet Dawn, Michelle was a vegetarian, but our delicious food has influenced her to expand her tastes. In her free time Michelle likes to laugh, paint, and snowboard. She also spends time at home with her Chihuahua "Neva" and even helped Neva create her own Facebook profile!

Little known fact about Michelle: She aspires to work with animals and is considering a full time career as a dog groomer so she can make dogs look "fabulous"!

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