An expanded storefront is a cause for celebration and a source of new possibilities for one Washington business. In the 20 months since Carryout by Chrislyn opened its doors at 128 East Second Street, the business has experienced meteoric success.

Developing a reputation as a friendly place to procure freshly-made meals, sandwiches, desserts and catering, the restaurant has recently expanded operations to utilize the entire bottom floor of the circa-1890 historic home that houses the business.

“This is a dream that she’s always had,” restaurant employee Dana Lawson said. “Her father was a chef so cooking and restaurants are kind of in the family.”

A welcoming reception area now greets guests to the store. Refrigeration units in the room hold drinks, desserts and frozen dishes made by hand in the kitchen. At the back of the room, a new deli case speaks to the restaurant’s next endeavor; freshly-sliced meats, cooked and sliced on site, preservative free.

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the expansion is that it was accomplished without incurring a penny of debt. The business generated since the store’s opening in 2016 paid for the new space.

“It’s debt free,” Business owner Chrislyn Wedderian said. “We did all of this with cash. There are no bills and everything is paid for, which is huge. The little shop paid for the expansion.”

In terms of the restaurant’s business, three items make up the lion’s share of its offerings — fresh meals, sandwiches and catering. What sets it apart from others is the commitment to fresh ingredients and the relationships the employees build with their customers.

“Its so important that we’re whole food based,” Wedderian said. “We use raw foods. We don’t use processed ingredients. It’s real fresh ingredients. It’s homemade food.”

It is clear from their work that the staff at Carryout by Chrislyn cares about the people around them. From preparing meals for the sick to making special dishes for those who have lost a loved one, the staff is even able to prepare personalized meals for the elderly.

“Food is love,” Wedderian said. “That’s why we’re so passionate about it.”

Another point of pride for the employees at Carryout by Chrislyn is the flexibility the restaurant has when it comes to serving any need that walks through the door. From food allergies, gluten-free diets and health concerns to vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian diets, the restaurant is able to accommodate every dietary need, and with an ever changing menu, customers can expect to try a variety of dishes during the course of a month.

When the business opened in 2016, it started with three employees. Today, Carryout by Chrislyn employs 15 people. The business has also tripled its retail space and sales have increased 60 percent above last year. At noon on August 23, the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting for the expanded business. The public is welcome to attend.