Popular Dessert Bar, (swah-rey), Opening 2nd Location
/Artist rendition of the new storefront located on the 600 block of Central Ave in Downtown St. Pete
Downtown St. Pete is about to get a little bit sweeter. On Saturday, the owners of the beloved (swah-rey) dessert bar signed a lease for a second location on the 600 block of Central Avenue.
Gregg and Leslie-Ann Ciccone opened the original (swah-rey) in October 2015 at 2105 Central Ave in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. At the time, it was St. Pete’s only dedicated dessert bar. Offering delectable desserts such as cakes, pies, and créme brûlées as well as beverages such as beer, wine and Kahwa coffee, (swah-rey) quickly became the talk of the town.
While all of the desserts are fantastic, the star of the show has always been the Minis, the most delicious bite-sized cupcakes you’ll ever sink your teeth into. They are baked fresh daily in about 13 different flavors, such as Chocolate Salted Caramel, Funfetti, and Strawberry Lemonade. And if you’re feeling thirsty, upgrade to a “Mini Hook-up”, which pairs a Mini with a “shot” of beer, wine, milk, coffee, or another beverage.
“Mini Hook-up”, a Mini cupcake paired with a “shot” of beer, wine, milk, coffee, or another beverage.
The new sweet shop will be located at 625 Central Avenue, formerly home to Stash: A Place for Yarn who have relocated to 2820 1st Ave N. The 600 block location will be smaller than the first, with 5 bar seats inside and 12-16 outdoor seats. Consequently, all baking will be done at the Grand Central District location and delivered to the 600 block each morning. As they’ve done from the beginning, the Ciccone’s will continue to give back to the community by donating a portion of their sales to Southeastern Guide Dogs.
The new location will cater to people on the go, offering all flavors of the Minis, in addition to scratch-made breakfast items such as mini muffins, mini scones, mini coffee cake, etc. Beer, wine, coffee, tea and even frose (frozen Rosé) will also be available.
Owners of (swah-rey), Gregg and Leslie-Ann Ciccone
The only items that won’t be making the move to the 2nd store will be the cake slices, except if on Saturday night they don't sell out, then the slices will move down to the 600 block for a discounted cost to be sold on Sunday.
In order to raise money and generate excitement for the new digs, there will be a Kickstarter campaign launching in late August or September with fun gifts for those who donate, including a (swah-rey) Yeti with a daily drink for a year, cakes and mini decorating parties at the main store, and much more.
The new (swah-rey) is expected to open this coming October, which coincides with the main location’s two year anniversary. And you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth 7 days a week beginning at 9 am.
Be sure to follow (swah-rey) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on official Grand Opening details.
