Photography by Bill Whaley
Opened in August 2019, Dessert First celebrates life’s simple pleasures. Conveniently located next to Harris Crab House, the dockside coffee and dessert bar offers a wide selection of delicious coffees and an ever-changing array of cakes, pastries, and ice cream treats—all in a peaceful waterfront setting. Owned by Bill and Sherrie Oertel, this cozy gem provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
Photography by Bill Whaley
“We believe Dessert First is a special place,” Sherrie says. “Guests can enjoy coffee and dessert while catching up with a friend or grab a muffin and coffee on their way to work. They can even watch the watermen bring in their crabs and oysters—keeping the history of Kent Narrows alive. We hope people realize that where we live is a treasure.”
To learn more, we recently talked to Sherrie.
What inspired you to open Dessert First? Bill and I wanted to bring something different to the area. About 20 years ago, we visited a dessert café in Charleston, South Carolina, and after every trip we’d say, “We need one of these at home.” We’re passionate about good coffee and dessert. Bill’s grandfather, William H. Harris, who founded W.H. Harris Seafood in 1947, used to say, “Have dessert first.” Even now, when Bill and I dine out, we decide on dessert before the meal!
Tell us about your background in the restaurant industry. Bill and I have spent roughly 40 years in the restaurant world, working every job imaginable—starting as bussers and growing from there. In fact, we met at the restaurant and just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We’re part of the Harris Crab House family, which has been in the restaurant business for more than 75 years.
Photography by Bill Whaley
Describe your menu options. Our menu changes regularly with new desserts, pastries, and ice cream flavors. Guests can find fresh-picked berry tarts, cookies, homemade croissants, and cakes made with care.
We also serve a full coffee shop lineup—from classic drip coffee to lattes, cappuccinos, and cold brew—along with a seasonal specials board. Our talented barista, Megan Sparhawk, hand paints a beautiful chalkboard each season, featuring creative drinks dreamed up by our staff. Where else can you try a “Smith Island Cake Latte”?
In addition to sweets, we serve breakfast daily, including sandwiches and frittatas.
Photography by Bill Whaley
Photography by Bill Whaley
What are some of your top-selling items? Our Chocolate Sin is a fan favorite. It’s a fresh-baked brownie nestled in a sugar cookie crust, layered with chocolate mousse and chocolate shavings and topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry. Another bestseller is our Peanut Butter Mousse Babycake. It disappears faster than you can imagine!
Tell us about your local vendor partnerships. From the beginning, we’ve proudly partnered with Rise Up Coffee Roasters, a Maryland staple and award-winning company in Easton, for our coffee. Their high standards mirror our own, and we are so grateful to represent the best!
Our other big partner is Peace of Cake in Stevensville whose handmade desserts and pastries fill our cases each week.
Several bakers use the Harris Crab House kitchen in the evenings and early mornings to expand our offerings, and our chef there creates additional desserts for us. Harris Crab House also prepares our breakfast sandwiches, quiche, croissants, and scones in-house. Our dairy products, fresh fruit, and even our coffee cups are from local Maryland businesses!
Why is it important to partner with local vendors? As a small local business ourselves, we know how challenging it can be to stay afloat. Supporting other local businesses keeps our community strong. We like to think of Dessert First as a one-stop-shop where customers can support several hometown favorites at once.
Photography by Bill Whaley
Describe the guest experience at Dessert First. The first thing guests notice is our glass garage doors, which roll up to create an open-air café. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, the glass windows keep the waterfront view front and center—right in the path of the watermen delivering their catch. It’s easy to become immersed in their world while you sip your coffee.
We strive to make everyone feel at home—whether you’re a coffee bar regular or someone who just wants a simple cup. Our manager, Nina Radziewicz, and many of our baristas have been with us since day one, helping us create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dessert First is a special gathering place for anyone living on, working on, or traveling through the Shore.
Dessert First Dockside Coffee & Dessert Bar | 433 Kent Narrows Way N., Grasonville • 410-725-5767 • dessertfirsthch.com
