The Sweetest Creations

As you drive south on Highway 76 out of Somerville, take a left on La Grange Rd. Follow the road as it twists and turns through the countryside. Just when you think you have completely left civilization the narrow road pops up into what appears to be Mayberry. The town of La Grange sits quaintly between Moscow and Grand Junction, just miles north of the Mississippi state line. Huge magnolia trees flank the town square, lending their sweet fragrance and incomparable beauty to an idyllic scene. Here, amidst the simplicity, sits the former Cogbill Mercantile store now filled with scents and flavors of Sweet Creations and Our Daily Bread café & catering.

For Tim & Cyndi Oliver, life has not always been the sweetest. Job loss, two rounds of cancer, childhood abuse and poor life choices have made for many bumpy years. But through all of that, God has woven a thread of redemption into their story, and they are determined to pass that blessing along. In 2007 after Cyndi had survived her second round and type of cancer, she was free falling, looking for a purpose. She and Tim have always loved entertaining. They hosted all types of showers: baby, wedding, graduation, etc. Their food was well known among their friends and family. That year Cyndi made a birthday cake for a little boy’s birthday. She said, “I had no idea what I was doing decorating it!” But the cake was a success, so she did what so many of us do: she shared it on Facebook. The cake making was the kindling to a bigger flame. Tim soon joined Cyndi and they began catering. It was simple food, but good food. Spaghetti with all the fixings was a popular catering choice. They often catered for weddings after they were chosen to make the cake. They are still making cakes and catering today. Cyndi says the most important part of their job is listening to what the customer wants. It’s their special day, be it wedding, anniversary or birthday, so it needs to be what they want. She and Tim are quick to stress the importance of a budget. “Give us your budget first and we can give you the most bang for your buck.”

For 16 years cakes and catering were their main focus. Tim worked at Pinecrest using his talents in the kitchen. He joined Cyndi as they baked cakes, cookies, desserts and catered. Early last year Cyndi felt God nudge her to use Cogbill’s store for His purposes. She mentioned it to Tim but was prepared for a solid “No.” To her surprise he said, “Let’s go look at it.” So, they did. Cyndi could see the potential and knew this was where they needed to be. Lucy Cogbill, who owned the building, was all too happy to set the Olivers up. She knew the little town needed something to draw people to it and this was ideal. Tim and Cyndi quickly organized a pop up to gauge interest and it was apparent that wasn’t going to be an issue. People wanted good food. They wanted a welcoming atmosphere. And they wanted to slow down. Our Daily Bread had all that to offer and more.

Today when you visit the café, you won’t even make it through the front door before you’re caught in awe. The building looks like something straight out of a history book. It makes the heart pause in delightful memories of simpler times gone by. In November of 1900 the building was destroyed by a tornado and then rebuilt. It was a General Store at that time. Many years later, in the 1980s, a fire nearly destroyed the store. Lucy reclaimed all that she could and rebuilt the store. Beams and wood from the original store were used in the reconstruction. Inside the store, you’ll find a lighted cabinet from Two Sister’s Notions in Somerville, original wood from the original store used to create the wall behind the counters, a portion of the countertops and the beams down the middle of the store and add to that; the scent of something delicious on the air. Once you order from their extensive menu, take a moment to peruse the vendor offerings within the store. Many items are made locally, and Cyndi is broadening the gift choices in the near future. Take your seat at a table that feels like home. You’re in for a treat. For breakfast you’ll find Southern staples such as Biscuits and Gravy or Grits with Gouda and Bacon in addition to breakfast sandwiches and scramblers. If lunch is on your menu for the day, get the daily hot plate, a Reuben Sandwich, a Meatloaf Sandwich or some smoky BBQ from Loven Fresh. In the mood for something lighter? They have salads including Parmesan Chicken, Buford’s Pulled Pork and Cranberry Pecan available. Recently they introduced Naan Pizzas. You can get pepperoni, chicken and bacon, grilled veggie or BBQ pork or chicken on a light and fluffy Naan crust. Tim and Cyndi are also testing the waters on dinner offerings on Friday nights and hope to have live events in the future.  

I asked Tim and Cyndi what their favorite part of owning the restaurant is. Without skipping a beat, the answer was “serving the people and not just with food”. Cyndi excitedly said, “This is just a happy place! We want guests to come here to just breathe, to slow down.” Tim, who is quiet and soft spoke, nodded in agreement. This is his passion, too. Both love visiting with patrons from far and wide. They’ve had guests from England, Australia, Austria and Germany to name a few. Tourists know how to find the gems. Cyndi also has a tree up year-round in the restaurant that helps raise money for different organizations. This month they’re raising money for Carl Perkins here in Fayette County. Carl Perkins has a special spot in Cyndi’s heart. A heart that’s made of gold, I might add.

If you’re looking for a place to slow down and eat a good bite, come on by Sweet Creations and Our Daily bread Wednesday through Friday from 7am – 3pm and Saturday from 7am to 4pm. They are open for breakfast and lunch, to stay or to go. Tim and Cyndi are glad to serve you home cooked food just like grandma made it in their restaurant or cater it to you at your event. You can find them on Facebook at Sweet Creations & Our Daily Bread or call them at 901-232-5806. Remember to shop local and shop Fayette first!

~Written By Karri Buck~