Sweet Café is closing
The Sweet Cafe in the Norris town center complex will be closing as of Saturday, April 16, its owners have announced. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
In business for about the past five years, the Sweet Café operates in the Norris town center complex that also houses Archer’s Food Center, and is next door to the Norris Post Office.
“We are very saddened to make the announcement that we will be closing our store this Saturday,” Kennedy posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page Tuesday morning. “We have loved being a big part of the Norris Community. But after the passing of my Dad, my mom (Dee) and I need some rest and a little break.”
Her father, Michael Wayne Simonds, died in March, and a celebration of life service was held in his honor on March 20 at the Sweet Café. His wife, who also works in the café, is Darlene E. “Dee” Simonds.
According to the Facebook page, the bu
siness, “located in quaint Downtown Norris, is “open Tuesday thru Saturday with a morning drive thru, local roasted coffees, lunch table service with menu items including Amazing Gourmet Burgers and Hand Cut Fries, Chicken Salad, Flavored Teas, Homemade Soups and Fresh Salads, a full array of desserts, milkshakes and handmade waffle cones and ice cream.”
Pizza and fresh-made rolls, pastries and other baken goods are also among its specialties.
Just a block away from Norris Middle School, the café has been a favorite after-school hangout for the students.
Kennedy said in her post that the family might eventually return to the restaurant business, but she did not say where.
“I promise we are not gone forever,” Kennedy wrote. “We have been in the Norris/Clinton area for 13 years and will definitely open again after we have a few months break.
“Our TVA store in Knoxville will remain open, and we can do catering, party trays, and cakes from that store and meet you in Norris or deliver.
“We would like to take some time to explore what we want our next location to look like, and have time to create some new and exciting menu items and pastries,” she said.
She also said, “We will still be around, maybe sell some slices at the farmers’ market ... we will be leaving our social media pages open so you can still contact us about catering and custom orders.”
The family previously operated a restaurant on Market Street in downtown Clinton.
Still open across the street from the Sweet Café on East Norris Road, next to the fire station, is Vega Café & Smokehaus, which has different owners.