The first new tenant for the Bonnie Kate Theatre is already on the docket.
Sugar Love Bakery & Cafe is transitioning to their new location, where a fully operational bakery and cafe will be available to the public as work continues on the facility.
“The construction is underway,” said Shonna Peters, owner of Sugar Love. “We’re expecting to be opened by September 1.”
Peters stays busy with catering multiple events. As a native to the area and familiar with the significance of the Bonnie Kate, the stars were able to align just right, she said.
“This is a dream come true,” Peters said with a smile. “I was born and raised in Elizabethton and looked at the location. I’m a faith-based person. I pray on everything that I do so I prayed on finding a way to be part of the downtown revitalization.”
It was a chance encounter with John Huber, who spearheaded the effort to save the Bonnie Kate, that made Peters’ dream become a reality.
“I got into contact with John, and everything just fell into place,” she said. “You have no idea how excited I am to have this opportunity.”
While still catering and serving food from their current location, the wheels are in motion on construction.
“The left side of the building will feature a fully-functional bakery,” Peters said. “We’re going to have cakes, french macaroons and other items available. We plan on having French music playing, a couch near the window, WiFi … just a place where people can enjoy themselves.”
The right side of the facility will house the cafe, a southern-style fusion with different type of food items for the public.
“We’re going to be open for lunch and dinner,” she added.
Sugar Love Bakery & Cafe is currently being structured after Laduree, a well-renown French cafe in Paris, Peters added.
And the story of the inception of Sugar Love always brings a smile to the face of the owner.
“While I was in school, I was supplementing my income by baking cakes,” she said.
It was the support by her brother, Jamie, that continued the love.
“My brother passed away six years ago,” she said. “He would always call me up when I would deliver cakes and say ‘there you are, spreading that sugar love’ … that’s where the name came from. I know this is my calling and I started the Sugar Love in honor of Jamie.”
Sugar Love Bakery & Cafe will be the first of what is expected to be a handful of items that will be offered at the Bonnie Kate Theatre.
Being on the forefront of change in downtown, Peters said she is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
“I always enjoy being with our customers,” she added. “That time you spend together with people, hearing their stories – this is more than just a business for me. I’m excited what the future has to offer.”
Shonna added that the business is currently looking for bakers and other employees to work at Sugar Love for the projected opening date.
For more information on Sugar Love Bakery and Cafe, contact Peters at 423-328-4000 or 423-617-1058 or visit the business’ Facebook page online.