Dawson's Bar & Grill, 105 N. First St., was named 2025 Business of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon 2026 event, recognizing the downtown establishment’s longstanding role in the community and continued local involvement. The award was accepted by owners Greg (left) and Jill (right) Orr. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Dawson’s Bar & Grill, 105 N. First St., was named 2025 Business of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon 2026 event, recognizing the downtown establishment’s longstanding role in the community and continued local involvement.

Owners Jill and Greg Orr accepted the honor, describing the recognition as a significant milestone for both the business and its connection to Dixon residents.

“It was overwhelming. I have never been happier because to me, everything we do is based on how we feel about the community,” said Jill Orr. “Probably the most honored I’ve ever been getting an award.”

She added that the recognition also reflects broader changes in the city’s downtown area.

“I just have to say I’m proud of our downtown, the way it’s evolved, the way it looks,” she said. “We made it a place that people want to come.”

Greg Orr said the award represents years of work and support from customers.

“Dawson’s represents Jill and me and all the time we’ve put into it,” he said. “We just appreciate anyone who has taken our patronage.”

The business, which traces its origins back to 1908, has long been a fixture in Dixon. According to Jill Orr, it began as a cigar store that later became a gathering place for local residents.

“It was a lot of farmers and the men around town,” she said. “They would play pinochle and they would bet crops, livestock.”

Artifacts from that era, including the original table and chairs used for the games, remain preserved and are currently stored at the Dixon Historical Society Museum.

Over time, the establishment evolved into a bar and grill while maintaining its historical identity. Jill Orr said that legacy contributes to its distinctiveness.

“To me, it’s iconic, it’s historic, and when you go by it, you like looking at it and going to it,” she said. “It makes me feel so proud.”

The Orrs said they faced multiple challenges after purchasing the business, including reopening a property that had been closed for a year.

“We had to clean it from top to bottom,” said Jill Orr. “We pressure-washed it for two days.”

The couple also worked under a three-week timeline to meet licensing requirements before opening. Additional challenges included operating during the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating ongoing economic conditions.

Community involvement has remained a central focus for the business. Jill Orr said the restaurant supports local organizations and events through donations and sponsorships.

“If anyone has an event, we’ll put posters up inside,” she said. “If it’s a nonprofit benefitting the kids, or scholarships, we donate as much as we can.”

Alongside Dawson’s, Jill Orr is also the President of the Downtown Dixon Business Association, responsible for events such as The Art and Wine Stroll, Brewski Fest and the Annual Tree lighting Festival. Photo by Nicolas Brown

She added that the business has contributed to youth sports teams and local events, including a $10,000 donation to the Dixon May Fair.

Both owners emphasized customer service as a key factor in maintaining consistency and quality.

“Our team is amazing,” said Jill Orr. “They work really hard and strive really hard to offer the best service.”

Greg Orr said attentiveness to both staff and customer feedback is essential.

“We are very vigilant about our staff and kitchen,” he said. “We watch what’s going on and we listen to our customers.”

The Orrs said their approach has evolved over the past decade as they continue to refine operations and support their employees.

“You want to make sure the customers appreciate and enjoy us, and it comes down to employees,” said Greg Orr.

Jill Orr said the Business of the Year recognition could strengthen the restaurant’s reputation moving forward.

“When people see that, they know you’re doing things right,” she said.

Greg Orr noted that other businesses in Dixon also contribute significantly to the community.

“There was a lot of other great businesses that could have won,” he said.

Looking ahead, Jill Orr said the focus will remain on continued improvement and engagement with the community.

“All I know is we’re going to continue doing what we’re doing,” she said. “People’s points of view open you up to things you didn’t see before. I’m always trying to educate myself.”

For more information, visit dixondawsons.com or call 707-678-2067.