If you’re looking for more than just good food, check out Just a Dash, a small but mighty restaurant tucked away on SW First Street. It’s quickly becoming one of Beaverton’s best-kept secrets, offering delicious, locally inspired meals in a warm and welcoming space. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or planning a special event, Just a Dash is all about bringing people together through food.
The restaurant started as a passion project focused on wedding cakes and desserts, but it has grown into something much bigger. The owner first trained in New York, then worked in Portland before opening Just a Dash. “I’ve always loved cooking,” they shared. That love for food shines through in their menu, which features fresh, creative dishes made with high-quality ingredients. They serve sandwiches until 3:30 p.m. every day, with other menu items available until closing—6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 4:00 p.m. on weekends. But the food isn’t the only thing they offer. Their event space, Revel + Gather, located on SW Washington Ave., is a great spot for intimate celebrations.
For the team at Just a Dash, food isn’t just about eating—it’s about connecting. Their goal is to bring people together with fresh, homemade meal kits and small-event catering. Many customers become regulars, and over time, they get to know them, their families, and even their favorite dishes. “We love seeing familiar faces,” the owners said. “A lot of our customers come in so often that we start to remember their orders before they even have to say anything.”
Despite the strong relationships they’ve built with their customers, running a small eatery comes with challenges. While Just a Dash has developed a loyal following, the owners believe more people would love what Just a Dash has to offer if they only knew about it. That’s why they encourage customers to spread the word. “Tell your friends, bring a buddy, or tag us on social media—it makes a huge difference!”
One of the biggest struggles the owners face is the rising cost of ingredients. Food prices have gone up significantly, making it harder for small restaurants to stay affordable while maintaining quality. “The cost of goods has really been a big impact,” they explained. “We can’t do much about how things cost, but we’ve been taking less money for ourselves. Our end goal is to not raise prices and to keep all the food attainable.” They don’t want their customers to feel like eating out at Just a Dash is a luxury they can’t afford. “We’d rather take the hit ourselves than make people feel like they can’t enjoy a good meal.”
Even with the financial struggles, the owners remain passionate about what they do. Their menu changes frequently, which keeps things exciting but can also be a challenge. “It can definitely be hard to think of new things to make all the time,” they admitted. “But we get a lot of inspiration from our staff and our customers. People tell us what they’re craving, and we try to incorporate that into our menu.” This way, the food they serve isn’t just unique—it’s something the community truly wants.
The energy and creativity behind Just a Dash come from the owner’s deep love for cooking, but they also recognize that running a business takes more than just passion. The work is demanding, often requiring 60 to 70 hours a week in the kitchen, not including all the behind-the-scenes tasks like managing orders, marketing, and bookkeeping. “It’s definitely not easy,” they said. “But at the end of the day, the more heart you put in, the more people connect with you. Customers can tell when a business is built with passion, and that’s what keeps them coming back.”
The journey to building Just a Dash has been full of lessons. The owners have learned how to adapt, especially in tough times. “I started out doing wedding cakes, and now we’re running a full restaurant. times were changing fast with the pandemic so I pushed myself to lean deeper into my savory skills and be a part of people’s daily lives instead of just the special occasions.” They want other young entrepreneurs to know that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. “You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. The important thing is to stay open to opportunities and be willing to evolve.”
For high school students who might be thinking about running their own business one day, the owners have some advice: Follow your passion and don’t worry about what others think. They know from experience that there’s no one right way to build a career. “You don’t have to go straight to college if that’s not what feels right for you,” they said. “Follow what you want to do, and don’t let outside expectations hold you back.” Their message is simple: success isn’t about following a traditional path—it’s about putting your heart into something and making it work.
Looking ahead, the owners of Just a Dash have big plans. They hope to continue growing their presence in Beaverton by increasing foot traffic and reaching more people who appreciate good food made with care. One key focus is attracting more high school students after school with drinks and snacks, creating a welcoming space for them to gather. They’re also working on boosting sandwich sales and establishing Just a Dash as a go-to lunch spot for those who work nearby. “We want to keep things exciting for our customers,” they said. “We’re always thinking of ways to improve and make Just a Dash a staple in the community.”
One thing they’re especially excited about is growing their event space, Revel + Gather. Hosting intimate gatherings and special occasions has been a rewarding part of their business. “It’s amazing to see people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones in our space,” they shared. “We love being part of those moments.”
Despite the ups and downs, the owners wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Running Just a Dash has been a challenge, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. “At the end of the day, seeing people enjoy what we make is what keeps us going,” they said. “Food brings people together, and that’s what this place is all about.”
Next time you’re in Beaverton, stop by Just a Dash for a meal made with heart—or bring a friend and share in the experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal to take home, or a space to celebrate with loved ones, Just a Dash is a place where food and community come together. Check out their menu, catering options, and event space at justadashkitchen.com.