South Siders looking for a sweet treat won’t have to wait much longer. J’s Sweet Treats and Wedding Cakes plans to make its debut later this month.
Founder Juana Williams is aiming for a February 28 soft opening, a grand opening celebration the following weekend, and a block-party style affair once the weather turns warm.
The bakery is flanked by two other local businesses, 5th Element Tattoo Gallery on one side and The Pit BBQ Grille’s recently-opened second location on the other.
Williams is excited to be a part of the revitalization happening on the South Side. It was her husband’s influence that drew her to the neighborhood. He grew up in the area, and his parents still live nearby. Through work, he also had his ear to the ground about the development of the area.
The exposed brick and not-just-another-box look of the interior made Williams fall in love with the space. The bakery is only about 950 square feet, but houses a kitchen and a seating area that will accommodate around 15 sweets seekers.
J’s Sweet Treats will be a full-service bakery, offering grab-and-go sweets and fulfilling the custom orders and wedding cakes that make up a large part of its business. Visitors can expect a lineup of cupcakes, cakes, scones, cinnamon rolls and more in the display case on a daily basis.
Williams says going from a home-baking operation to a dedicated bakery will allow J’s Sweet Treats to take more orders and spend more one-on-one time with brides and folks placing custom orders. They’ll also ramp up their catering options. Currently on the sweet side, Williams says they’ll foray into the savory with a team that can whip up whatever a customer wants, from soul food to Italian.
The bakery will also play hosts to events like tea parties or book signings.
“We’re hoping to make it a place where people want to come,” Williams says.
Neighbors seem ready. Williams says she’s had lots of people reach out inquiring when she would open – and even over heard diners talking about the bakery next door at The Pit.
To start, J’s Sweet Treats will be open from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, with hours expanding over time.
For more information, visit jssweettreats.net.
