Sweet Magnolias Cafe Wall
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Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop – Bartow Florida

Every once in a while, your travels take you to places you never knew existed. Often, this includes a variety of experiences, and food is one we all cherish. After my first visit to Bartow, the locals gave me several recommendations of things we should do on our next visit. Sweet Magnolias Cafe Bartow, Florida, was one of these suggestions, and we made it a point to eat lunch here to experience this local favorite.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Outside

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So, what makes Sweet Magnolia’s so special? There are several reasons, and it goes above and beyond the food. Let’s start with the bright décor that takes you back in time — a modern diner look coupled with an eclectic and mesmerizing collection of signage — the family story behind it.  Then, there is the food. And, true to all the recommendations, the food holds its own!

Having experienced Sweet Magnolias, I wanted to talk to Sandy Mendez’s owner to capture the story behind this delightful family business and share it with the world.

Amy, this one is for you and your childhood friend Sandy. You were spot on; Sandy has poured her heart and soul into this charming place.

About the Owner of Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop

Sandy Mendez is the brainchild behind Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop. Sandy, a native Floridian from Palm Beach County, started her career as a professional water skier. She traveled doing shows until she was 22. Then, she was accepted into the state police academy for Florida Marine Patrol, where she served law enforcement for 20 years. Besides her career, Sandy is a mom to four children. Two are grown up; two still live at home – Clay, 16, and Savannah, 11.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe

Years before creating Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop, Bartow, Sandy, and her mom owned a small gift shop. Their first gift shop ultimately became too much to manage once raising the kids became Sandy’s priority. Despite selling the gift shop, Sandy and her mom, Libby, eventually vowed to have another Sweet Magnolias.

Five years ago, Sandy’s father passed away. This left her and her mom looking for a new adventure. Both looked for a wholesome place for Clay and Savannah to grow up in, and Bartow fit the bill.

The Beginning of the Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop

Sandy and Libby took a massive leap of faith, bought the building in downtown Bartow, and moved upstairs. A few weeks later, Sweet Magnolias opened its doors!  Starting with 16 seats, and now between the patio, café, and sweet shop, they have over 65 seats.

Sandy’s lifelong dream is to own a bed and breakfast. And while Sweet Magnolias is not a B&B, it’s the first part of this family’s journey. Eventually, once the kids are in college, Sandy will look for options in the area that complement her existing business. Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop is the first step in this family’s pursuit of their dreams!

Having been to this adorable café, I must tell you that I can only imagine what Sandy will create for a guest house. I’ll be in line to stay, that’s for sure!

I asked Sandy how they picked the name. Sandy said:

“We kicked names around years ago, and we just love being from the south, and Sweet Magnolias just felt right.

Sweet Magnolias Bartow Florida

It’s very fitting; it makes sense once you’ve experienced it.

Bartow Community Involvement

Sandy wanted her business to be a beacon for those in need, and it has become precisely that.

Being able to open our doors and help others has allowed me to continue to serve others. More than just a good cup of soup. It’s not uncommon for families to pray at their tables and for people to gather in a prayer circle when the food arrives! “

She is passionate about her hometown and firmly believes you must be involved. Sandy now serves on various boards and is the George Harris Youth Shelter’s chair that houses local youths in need. She also serves on the local CRA board to continue revitalizing the downtown area. She has also served on the Main Street Bartow board for the past three years.

The Decorations of Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop

Impressive, the decoration is worthy of a chapter before we even get to the food! From the outside in, you are met with a rustic charm. An explosion of color followed by an overdose of happy signage that you will need time to take it all in.

Sandy wanted Sweet Magnolias to be her happy place after being in law enforcement for so long and seeing so much tragedy! Sandy enjoys being in an inspirational atmosphere. The signage has become a running joke. Sandy is famous for going clothes shopping and coming home with more signs.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Wall

In addition to the signs, there is a massive collection of tea party sets. When Sweet Magnolias hosted its first tea party, it only had five teapots. Sandy had to borrow one to have enough. This gave birth to the collection of dishes and teapots. This collection has now grown to over 70 teapots and 25 collections of different dish sets.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Food

The menu is very casual. I would describe it as a classic southern bakery-style café. However, don’t misinterpret this. The food is modern and creative while maintaining traditional roots. It’s also clean, fresh food. There is no stove or fryer, and everything is made to order.

Sandy likes to try new things; she gets bored quickly, so the menu evolves along with the décor. The chicken salad croissant is famous in Bartow, and the ultimate grilled cheese is on its way to fame. Some customers come in 4 to 5 times a week, so Sweet Magnolias always has new items to try. All are designed to be fresh and healthy. For further ideas, Sandy will ask customers what they would like to see and then try it.

Sweet Magnolias serves the best iced tea I have ever tasted. I had the raspberry tea, and it was to die for. Fresh tea is made every morning, and the flavors vary; they even have peach tea!

All meals are served with a tiny cupcake. I asked Sandy what the significance is:

“I want people to leave here with a smile and that little golden nugget as we call it makes so many people happy! It’s just the right amount of sweetness to finish your meal.”

My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. I went for the gyro wrap, and it was delicious! The little golden nugget was indeed sweet.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Food

Events at Sweet Magnolias Cafe

Perhaps as famous as the chicken salad croissant, Sweet Magnolias is well known for events. They do everything from baby showers and birthday parties to weddings and reunions. Hosting an event will be unique; the sole goal is to make your event memorable. Sweet Magnolias has catered for as few as six people and up to 300 people.

Can you imagine having a bridal shower tea party? What woman would not appreciate this?

Be sure to check out their events here: Sweet Magnolia Events.

Where To Stay In Bartow Florida

 

Sweet Magnolias Gift Shop

In addition to the café, there’s a thriving gift shop. The gift shop sells a lot of gourmet chocolate and fudge. Hand-sewn pillows by Sandy’s mom, Libby, are also available. And they make and sell a lot of gift baskets. Stop in and treat yourself or your loved ones to something special.

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Sweet Shop

What You Need to Know About Sweet Magnolias Cafe 

  • Address: Main Street Bartow, 180 S Central Ave
  • All meals are moderately priced and under $10
  • Everything is 100% fresh and made to order
  • There are plenty of baked goods on sale, including cupcakes
  • You can dine or take your food to go.
  • You can call in orders to pick up.
  • There is seating available inside and out.
  • Credit cards are accepted.

Opening Hours Of Sweet Magnolias Cafe Bartow Florida

  • Café – 10:00 am -3:00 pm
  • Candy and ice cream shop – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm.

FYI: Sweet Magnolias hosts lots of private parties in the café. If you plan to visit on a Saturday, call ahead for times.

FAQs

What days are Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop open?

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Outside

Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Does Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop have outdoor seating?

Sweet Magnolias Cafe Outside

Yes, they have outdoor seating!

Closing Thoughts

I said it before, and I’ll repeat it. Bartow should be on anyone’s list of places to visit. I’ve come to appreciate Bartow and the people that live there. It’s a small town that embodies everything you imagine about a picturesque little town in Florida.

We have met people and heard their stories both times we have visited. Some readers may stick their noses in the air – it’s a small town. But guess what? These small towns are the backbone of our country. Many are attracting people back to a slower pace of life that’s family-oriented.

Bartow’s people have a strong sense of community, family values, and tradition. Talk to locals here, and you’ll hear wonderfully history-rich stories about generations past and present. Sandy and her family are just one example but a special one. Owning the café for them is like having friends over every day. What they have created is not just a café or gift shop; it’s a labor of love, a passion, a dream, and a staple part of Bartow.

Lastly, Sandy, like many locals, loves Bartow and the people. When I asked her what she loved the most about Bartow, she said:

“The people, hands down.”

I respect and appreciate this; you will feel it for yourself if you venture into Bartow. You’ll taste it firsthand if you eat at Sweet Magnolia’s Café because every meal is made with love.

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