Dershey's Cafe

08/15/2026

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Lansing State Journal ❤️

As we close the doors of Dershey’s Cafe after nearly 30 beautiful years, there are truly no words big enough to express the gratitude in our hearts.

We want to say a very special THANK YOU to the Lansing State Journal, and especially to Robert Killips. We feel incredibly blessed that God placed Robert in our lives at such an important and heartbreaking time.

When my dad, Roger Dershem, was nearing the end of his life, Robert was sent to Dershey’s Cafe by GOD to take pictures and tell my dad’s story. He captured moments that our family will treasure forever and helped share Roger’s story with our community after he passed away. ❤️

And now, as we close this chapter of our lives and Dershey’s Cafe after nearly 30 years, here Robert is again—helping tell our story and capture the final days of a place that meant so much to our family and so many others.

That means more to us than Robert will ever know.

We cannot thank Robert Killips and the Lansing State Journal enough for the love, compassion, and incredible coverage you have given our family—not only after we lost Roger, but now as we close the doors of Dershey’s.

It truly feels like God has brought everything full circle. ❤️

Dershey’s was never just a restaurant. It was family. It was friendships, laughter, tears, celebrations, hard days, good days, countless meals, countless prayers, a whole lot of Jesus’ handed out and memories made around tables that will stay in our hearts forever.

Although closing these doors is incredibly emotional, we are choosing to trust God and His plan. We may not understand what the next chapter looks like, but we know He does. We believe He has a new path and a new purpose in place for us, just as He always has.

God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it. We trust Him with what comes next. 🙏❤️

Thank you, Robert, for being there when we needed you most—and for being there again as we close this chapter.

And thank you, Lansing State Journal, for helping us preserve and share the story of Roger, Dershey’s Cafe, our family, and nearly 30 years of memories.

We are beyond blessed, grateful, and thankful.

This isn’t goodbye forever…

It’s simply SEE YOU LATER. ❤️

And Git-R-Done with 🙏🏻 FAITH 🙏🏻

With all our love and gratitude,
Dianne Smith & the Dershey’s Cafe Family 🙏❤️

Dershey's Cafe in St. Johns closed on Friday, Aug. 14 after 29 years, and the family that owned it called it "a difficult choice." See link below ⬇️

📸 Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2026/08/14/dersheys-cafe-in-st-johns-closes-after-29-years-of-serving-the-community/91311805007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

08/14/2026

❤️ DERSHEY’S CAFE ❤️

FINAL DAY — FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH

🍰 FREE CAKE & COOKIES 🍪

Come celebrate with us today!

After nearly 30 wonderful years, the time has come for us to say:

GOODBYE… OR MAYBE JUST SEE YOU LATER! ❤️

We want to invite you to stop in today, share a sweet treat, take one last picture, share a hug, and make one more memory with us at Dershey’s Cafe.

The memories made within these walls will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

For nearly three decades, you have supported us, encouraged us, prayed for us, laughed with us, cried with us, and allowed us to be a part of your lives.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.

As one chapter closes, we are trusting God as He begins to reveal the next chapter He has planned and placed before us.

We may be closing the doors of Dershey’s Cafe,
but we are not closing the door on what God has next.

We leave with grateful hearts, cherished memories, and faith for the future.

❤️ THANK YOU FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS OF LOVE & SUPPORT ❤️

Come see us one last time today!

GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH US YET.

SEE YOU LATER ❤️
Hugs 🤗 love ❤️ and Gods continued blessings being sent to all of you.

Dershey’s Cafe
Nearly 30 years of memories, friendships, food, laughter & love.

Still Serving…Still Praying…Still Trusting
❤️Git-R-Done with Faith ❤️

08/14/2026

Check it out the amazing story that took place at Dershey’s Cafe today.
https://www.wilx.com/2026/08/14/dersheys-cafe-closing-after-nearly-30-years-st-johns/

With Grateful Hearts ❤️

We are truly overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support our family and Dershey’s Cafe have received.

Having WILX come to the café to share our story means more to us than we can put into words. As we prepare to close the doors after nearly 30 incredible years, we are reminded once again that Dershey’s has never just been a restaurant—it has been a place where friendships were made, families gathered, stories were shared, and so many memories were created.

To everyone who has stopped in, called, messaged, shared a post, shed a tear with us, prayed for us, or simply said, “Thank you” — THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

These past few weeks have been emotional beyond words, but your kindness has reminded us just how many lives Dershey’s has touched. We are so incredibly blessed to have been a part of this community for almost 30 years.

And for me personally, I know my dad, Roger Dershem, would be so proud. His legacy, his love for people, and his famous “Git-R-Done” spirit will continue long after the doors of Dershey’s close. We will continue carrying that legacy forward through the Roger Dershem Git-R-Done Scholarship and by giving back to the kids in our community.

Thank you, WILX, @ Claire for taking the time to tell our story. And thank you to EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has been part of the Dershey’s family over almost 30 years.

God has placed so many amazing people in our lives, and we truly believe He has a plan for every season. We may be closing one chapter, but we trust Him completely with whatever He has planned for the next one. 🙏❤️

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

Forever grateful. Forever blessed. Forever Dershey’s. ❤️

GIT-R-DONE, Dad and thanks again for all the hearts that you put in my path especially today. ❤️❤️❤️Love and miss you but I know that you and God will be with me in the next chapter of my life. Whatever door God opens for me.

Dershey’s Cafe served some of its final meals Thursday, with regulars stopping in to say goodbye before the restaurant closes Friday after nearly 30 years in business.

08/13/2026

Another customer that we have touched over the years. Little miss Mila has been coming to Dershey’s Cafe since she was a baby. Love watching her grow up over the last nine years and one of her favorites was Chicken noodle soup. It’s the little things like this is what we are gonna miss. We have been truly blessed with so many amazing people who have become like family.

This is what her mother had posted The ladies of Dershey's Cafe have been a major part of Mila’s life all growing up. We are so sad to see you guys go! Thanks for all of the love and memories. GIT-R-DONE.Micaela Aiyana Vega

08/09/2026

What a touching story from Malinda Lott Huffman
It’s stories like these that I will greatly miss and all the people that God has put into our path. We are so thankful greatful and blessed for all the memories that we have been able to share this past week and half. Please keep sharing and posting stories of your Dersheys moments.

When my parents were still with us, I would pick them up most Fridays and go to lunch at Dershey's Cafe. They loved the delicious home-cooked food, and Dianne and Candy  were so kind and loving to them! We always felt welcome and went away with full bellies! Today Jake and I went to lunch there as they are closing their doors for good next Friday the 14th. Things were just as they have been all these years, and I ordered food that mom and dad loved, and that I still love!! Dianne even burned toast as dad would order burnt rye toast, and she always accommodated him! Although we are sorry to see Dershey’s go, we will never forget the kind and loving people who took care of us, and their faith is witness to what God is calling all of us for! 

08/09/2026

There are truly no words to express the overwhelming love and support we have received over the past week and half.

Seeing our story shared by WITL 100.7 and the Lansing State Journal, reading your heartfelt comments, hearing your stories, receiving your prayers, and seeing so many of you walk through our doors has brought both tears and smiles. We are overwhelmed in the best way possible on all the lives that we have touched along the way.

For 29 years, Dershey’s Cafe has been so much more than a restaurant. It has been a place where strangers became family, friendships were formed, prayers were lifted, burdens were shared, and countless memories were made.

As my dad, Roger, always believed, people mattered most. He never met a stranger, and he lived a life of serving others. Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to bring people together. Watching this outpouring of love has reminded us that when you pour God’s love into others, it continues to grow long after you’re gone.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

This past week and half, we have seen that harvest with the overwhelming support from all of you that came thru the doors. Every hug, every prayer, every encouraging word, every shared memory, and every act of kindness has been a reminder that God is faithful. Through every challenge, every uncertainty, and every tear, my faith has never wavered because God has never left my side. He has carried me through every step of this journey, and I trust Him completely with whatever comes next.

I personally want everyone to know something from my heart…❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Just because Dershey’s Cafe is closing on Friday August 14th doesn’t mean I’m gonna leaving state.

While the doors of the café may close, my heart for serving others never will. If you need someone to pray with you, pray for you, encourage you, or simply listen, I am still here. God has called me to love people, and that calling doesn’t end because a business closes.

So please know you can always reach out to me—I am here for all of you. No matter where life takes me, Jesus Christ goes with me, and I will continue to share His love and minister to everyone I meet. My heart’s desire is that we all come to know Him, because in the end we are promised eternity with Him, and I want each and every one of you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and walk with me into that promise.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

Thank you for standing beside our family, for loving us, praying for us, and reminding us that the impact of Dershey’s Cafe—and Roger’s life—will continue long after these doors close.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

May God richly bless each of you for the kindness you’ve shown our family. Roger always said, “Git-R-Done.” His work here may be finished, but his legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and serving others lives on.

And so will mine.

With all my love and gratitude,

Dianne Smith ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️

“I will still be here to pray with you, pray for you, and walk beside you—because that’s what God has called me to do.”

Also PLEASE also remember in this final week before we CLOSE on
FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2026 supplies will be getting low and will not be able to serve everything on the menu. So bare with us as we take it day by day. Hope you all have a very blessed Sunday and Hope to see more of your lovely faces this week.

08/06/2026

💙The Legacy Continues.Git-R-Done! 💙

We just wanted to let everyone know that we still have Roger Dershem “Git-R-Done” hats available for purchase at Dersheys Cafe!

Every hat sold helps support the Roger Dershem Git-R-Done Scholarship, with 100% of the proceeds going toward investing in young people who are following in Roger’s footsteps through hard work, kindness, service, and giving back to their community. We were able to give away (2) $500.00 scholarships this year to 2 St John’s Seniors.

Even after Dershey’s Cafe closes, we are committed to carrying on Roger’s legacy for years to come. His impact reached far beyond the walls of our little cafe, and through this scholarship, we pray that legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

We are beyond thankful, grateful, and truly blessed by every single person who has purchased a hat or bought a shirt or shared our story, prayed for our family, or contributed to this incredible cause. Your love and support mean more than words can express.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

From the bottom of our hearts… thank you for helping us keep Roger’s legacy alive.

❤️ Git-R-Done! ❤️

08/04/2026

📸 One Last Picture with Roger 📸

Before Dershey’s Cafe closes its doors, we have one special request…

If Roger touched your life in any way, we’d love for you to take one last photo with Roger’s picture here at the cafe.

Then, share it on our page along with a favorite memory, story, or a few kind words about what Roger or Dershey’s Cafe meant to you.

Your memories will become a treasured reminder of the friendships, laughter, and love that filled these walls for the past 29 years.

Whether you knew Roger for years or only met him once, he had a way of making everyone feel like family. We’d be honored to celebrate his legacy through your stories and smiles.

📷 Snap a photo.
💙 Share your memory.
🙏 Help us preserve Roger’s legacy for generations to come.

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.”
— Proverbs 10:7

Thank you for helping us celebrate a life and a place that meant so much to so many.

Big to Thank you Rory Sosebee for this amazing idea to do this. Love ❤️ya buddy.

07/29/2026

With Grateful Hearts…
After 29 Wonderful Years, It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Dershey’s Cafe will be closing the doors one final time on Friday, August 14, 2026.

To our dear customers, family, and friends,

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share this announcement.

After 29 unforgettable years of serving this amazing community, Dershey’s Cafe will permanently close. Our final day of business will be Friday, August 14, 2026.

Even as we write these words, it hardly feels real.

Since opening our doors in 1997, it has been our absolute honor and privilege to serve this community. Your patronage, loyalty, kindness, and unwavering support over the decades have meant more to us than words could ever express. You didn’t just support a small business—you helped build a legacy, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Dershey’s Cafe has always been so much more than a place to eat. It has been a home away from home… a gathering place where strangers became friends, friends became family, and everyone was welcomed with open arms. Within these walls, we shared laughter and tears, celebrations and hardships, countless cups of coffee, card playing, heartfelt conversations, hugs, prayers, Jesus and memories that will forever remain in our hearts.

For nearly three decades, we have watched generations grow up before our eyes. Children who once came in holding their parents’ hands now bring in children of their own. We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, first dates, retirements, and so many of life’s milestones together. We’ve also been blessed to see people gather around our tables to worship, pray, encourage one another, and witness God’s love at work through this incredible community.

One of the greatest examples of that love came after Roger passed away in May of 2022. During one of the hardest seasons of our lives, you surrounded our family with compassion, prayers, generosity, and unwavering support. You carried us when we didn’t know how we would keep going. Your kindness will never be forgotten, and we truly could not have asked for a more faithful, loving, and loyal community.

As heartbreaking as it is to say goodbye, our hearts are also overflowing with gratitude. While we may not understand why this chapter is ending, we know that God is already writing the next one. We trust His perfect plan, knowing He is faithful in every season and that He never leaves us to walk alone.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8

And we continue to hold tightly to His promise:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

We are incredibly thankful that God brought each of you into our lives. You have made these past 29 years meaningful beyond anything we could have imagined. Thank you for your smiles, your hugs, your prayers, your encouragement, your patience, your kindness, and your friendship. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your family traditions.

Dad, we hope we’ve made you proud.

Everything you poured into this little café—your hard work, your kindness, your servant’s heart, and your love for people—became the foundation of what Dershey’s Cafe has been for the past 29 years. Your legacy will continue to live on in every life you touched, every friendship that was formed within these walls, every prayer that was lifted around these tables, and in the countless memories created here. Though these doors may close, the impact you made never will.

As we close this chapter, we take comfort in knowing that God has gone before us, just as He has promised, and that He will continue to guide every step ahead.

As Dad always said…

“Git-R-Done.”

Until we meet again.

We leave with hearts full of gratitude, memories we’ll cherish forever, and faith that God’s plans are greater than our own.

May God continue to watch over you and your families, bless you abundantly, and fill your lives with His peace, love, and hope.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and for making Dershey’s Cafe what it has been for nearly three decades. The memories made here will remain with us forever, and each one of you holds a special place in our hearts.

As we prepare to close this chapter, we hope you’ll stop in before our final day so we can thank you in person one last time. We would also love to celebrate these memories with you. Please share your favorite stories, photos, or moments from your time at Dershey’s Cafe in the comments below. Your memories are part of our story, and we would be honored to remember them together.

With all our love, heartfelt gratitude, and many tears,

The Dershey’s Cafe Family