Nestled right in the heart of Centralia, The Bluebird Bistro, located at 106 W. Railroad Street Suite 103, has quickly become one of those special places where great food meets great community. Since opening its doors in July of 2022, the Bistro has been serving up gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, wraps, quesadillas, and desserts that keep people coming back for more. Their ever-changing monthly specials give customers something new to look forward to, often putting a creative twist on classic favorites.

The dream behind The Bluebird Bistro began long before the first sandwich was ever served. Owners Tanner and Mariah Myers Littrell wanted to create a restaurant that not only offered good food, but a welcoming space where people could connect, catch up, and relax — the kind of place where the community feels right at home.

For Tanner and Mariah, that dream carries deep meaning. Just four months after their wedding, Tanner was diagnosed with Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal cancer and spent each day fighting for his life. During that time, Mariah would talk to him for hours about the life they hoped to build together — about dreams for their future, for family, and for a little restaurant that would bring people together.

Six years and three children later, Tanner is cancer-free. The experience forever changed their outlook on life, and when the time came to put down roots, they knew Centralia was where they were meant to be. “Centralia welcomed us home with open arms,” Mariah says, “and we’ve felt that love every step of the way.”

That warmth is exactly what makes The Bluebird Bistro feel so special. Beyond the cozy atmosphere and delicious food, what really sets them apart is their dedication to freshness and community. Every meal is made to order, using quality ingredients, and their menu rotates monthly so there’s always something new to try. They also make it easy for busy customers to enjoy their food with online ordering through their website or app — a quick and convenient option for those on the go.

When asked what they love most about Centralia, Mariah doesn’t hesitate: “This is such a friendly, supportive community. People here take care of one another. We love hearing our customers share stories about their lives, how long they’ve lived here, and the memories they have of this incredible small town.”

Giving back is something the Littrells take to heart. The Bluebird Bistro frequently partners with the school district, PTOs, and local organizations to cater meals for teachers and students. “Teachers are so underappreciated,” says Mariah. “Whenever we have a chance to spoil them, we take it.”

Recently, The Bluebird introduced something new and cozy for the season — gourmet Spuds! Their first features, the BBQ Pork Spud and the Chicken Bacon Ranch Spud, have already been a hit. They’ve also brought back their highly requested Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda soup, a fan favorite perfect for the colder months.

The Bluebird Bistro joined the Centralia Chamber of Commerce to connect with other local businesses and help promote the wonderful things happening in town. Mariah shared her appreciation for the Chamber’s dedication: “We’re so grateful for the Board members, Ambassadors, and volunteers who work tirelessly to support small businesses like ours.”
Their journey, from life’s hardest moments to building a business filled with purpose and community spirit, is nothing short of inspiring. Tanner and Mariah have truly turned their dream into something beautiful — a reminder that resilience, love, and good food can bring people together in the best possible way.

Tanner and Mariah continue their support of our small town through the holidays by hosting a Giving Tree at the Bluebird Bistro. The tree will be on display from November 10th through December 9th, offering a wonderful way for the community to give back. Each ornament is color-coded by need—hygiene items, toys, and more—and all gifts are affordable, no technology items, so anyone can participate. Simply pick an ornament, purchase the item, and return it with the ornament to the Centralia Chamber of Commerce office, Tuesday–Thursday from 10 AM–1 PM, or call to make an appointment.

Small businesses like The Bluebird Bistro are the heart of our town, and we appreciate everything they do. As a valued Chamber member, we’re excited to see them continue to grow, thrive, and make a difference in our community!