Over the years, she said, she has worked in restaurants as a server and bartender, so when an opportunity arose to open her own restaurant, she took a leap of faith.

On Wednesday, she and her family celebrated the grand opening of her new Italian restaurant, Encore, located at 114 E. Third St. It occupies the space where the former Forte restaurant was located.

Her inspiration came from cooking in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother. Using her grandmother’s recipe, Dawson said her mother actually makes the sauce for the restaurant.

“She comes in and she makes the sauce – an authentic Sicilian sweeter sauce,” Dawson said.

From left, City Councilman Bill Reynolds, Missy Paterniti, representing New York State Assemblyman Andrew Molitar, Scarlet Dawson, Derek Dawson, Dash Dawson, Mallary Dawson, Sydney Dawson, retiring city code enforcement officer Larry Scalise, Mayor Kim Ecklund,Christine Rinaldi, representing Congressman Nick Langworthy, James Feldman, representing County Executive PJ Wendel, and Crystal Surdyk, city development director, celebrate the grand opening of Encore Restaurant, 114 E. Third St. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Another inspiration for Dawson came from visiting Italy where she fell in love with Chicken Milanese.

“When I was making the menu, I was like, that’s the first that’s going on that menu is a Chicken Milanese,” Dawson said.

Looking at Encore’s menu, the Chicken Milanese is a crisp chicken cutlet served alongside a light, refreshing salad of seasonal greens, dressed with a delicate vinaigrette (dressing).

“At Encore Jamestown, we’re redefining dining in Jamestown, NY by blending family tradition with bold, unforgettable flavors,” according to the restaurant’s website, encorejamestown.com, “At Encore, we invite you to experience the rich, soulful flavors of Italy–reimagined. Our dinner menu blends timeless Italian traditions with inventive techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying appetizers with friends or indulging in a full Italian meal, Encore has something for everyone.”

Area officials also celebrated Encore’s grand opening including City Councilman Bill Reynolds R-Ward 5; Mayor Kim Ecklund; Crystal Surdyk, city development director; Missy Paterniti, representing New York State Assemblyman Andrew Molitar, R-Westfield; Christine Rinaldi, representing Congressman Nick Langworthy; and James Feldman representing County Executive PJ Wendel.

“It’s not a huge space, but a great space, a dynamic space. To anyone who comes in, it looks amazing,” Ecklund said.

Paterniti thanked Dawson for her commitment to helping make downtown Jamestown vibrant again.

Dawson said Encore is open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information visit encorejamestown.com or call 716-338-0190. Dawson added that reservations are strongly suggested.