New location leads to new menu offerings for Dream Catch
ST. MARYS - A new, larger location has brought the ability for expanded offerings at Dream Catch in St. Marys.
The business is now situated in the former Edgewood building at 717 S. St. Marys Street, directly behind the Subway restaurant along the highway, a location that owners Zak and Janice Breniman have been interested in for some time.
The new Dream Catch eatery features a market setup with a deli and sub shop, juice bar, grab-and-go cooler, seafood display, freezer meals, baked goods and fresh pastry offerings and more.
In the new sub shop only the best quality meats are offered from several brands which are gluten free with no fillers, dyes, antibiotics, artificial flavors, or any added MSGs (Monosodium glutamate). Zak has taken pride in his homemade pastrami, often featured on reuben sandwiches, as well as his brisket which is brined for eight days then smoked 12 hours. Janice’s meatball subs include homemade meatballs using a combination of hamburger, veal and pork which she said makes it a healthier meatball. On a full size sub there is one pound of meatballs.
“When you get it, it comes out of the oven all melty and cheesy. It’s something to see and when you take it to the table. People’s eyes get as big as the meatballs,” Zac said.
Janice added, “Everything we do here, we try to make as much homemade items as possible.”
Sushi was a popular favorite in their former location, however it was previously only offered once a week on Tuesdays. Now they offer a full sushi menu daily. Janice explained all sushi items are made with cooked products, however they do offer raw ingredients for those who specially request it. They also make their own wasabi and eel sauces.
The juice bar features fresh-squeezed juices made daily, which are good for three days and they do not contain any artificial ingredients. Boba teas along with an array of smoothies created with fresh produce are also available. Some customers opt to bring in their own protein powder which can be mixed into drinks upon request.
The Brenimans stress the health benefits of their smoothies and juices noting the importance of knowing what products are in the foods you consume.
The eatery has also teamed up with PIT (Physical Industry Training), a local fitness facility in St. Marys, by offering steam bags and other nutritious meal options suggested by Coach Nick Lavella of PIT and dubbed “Coach Nick” approved. The steam bags typically contain veggies and fresh seafood, which can be easily cooked providing a quick healthy meal alternative. Janice said the steam bags and pre-made meals are popular with those looking to provide a meal to their elderly relative while knowing exactly what they are getting as opposed to store bought frozen meals.
Among their top sellers since opening the business has been their lobster macaroni and cheese. Crab cakes have also proven popular over the years.
Their expansive seafood selection ranges from lobster tails, crab legs and even frog legs as well as a variety of fish, shrimp, scallops and more.
Freshly made pastries have also been added to list of new items available. These selections range from apple turnovers, cherry strudels, cookies, brownies, banana and blueberry breads and gourmet donuts. Since opening the new location, Dream Catch has partnered with Crazy Fox Confections of St. Marys who sells an array of baked goods at the shop, stocking the supply twice a week.
Additional offerings range from fish fries, Italian and seafood meal combinations and party platters.
The Brenimans are hoping to promote fellow small, local businesses by inviting them to setup shop in the store on Saturdays from 10 a.m.2 p.m. Space will be free of charge and limited to two businesses at a time and can include crafters and other vendors.
Those interested should contact the store.
“We have the space and would like other people in town to be able to use it as well,” Janice said.
Zak noted the new eatery is a counter service restaurant where customers place their orders at the counter and seat themselves. Customers are also welcome to bring in their own alcoholic beverage(s). Staff are required to card the table to ensure whoever is drinking is legal to do so.
The new seating area was frequently requested by customers at their former location. Now the large dine-in area features a kids corner with its own table and toys to entertain children along with plenty of space for them to play while their parents are dining. Janice said they are hoping more families will stop by and introduce their children to healthier food options such as seafood and fish in place of fast food items.
‘Getting kids to try seafood at a young age and getting it on their palettes is a great first step,” Janice said.
Dream Catch opened their doors in August 2018 just up the road from their new location. At the time they featured fresh seafood catches and eventually began offering make and take meals.
The Brenimans have had their eye on their new location for awhile, often driving by and wondering what will become of the building. They credit the late David Larkin, a local real estate agent, for the assistance and encouragement to expand their business. They said Larkin was always on the lookout for a new and larger space for the business as he knew they hoped to eventually expand. Janice explained shortly after Larkin’s passing they received a phone call from the Edgewood’s property owners about selling the building.
“Part of me, with this place, will always remember David as having something to do with this. I will always be thankful for him because without him this would have never happened,” Janice said.
Their current store hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m, closed on Sunday and Monday. They are hoping to expand those hours in the future.