Good Times Never Tasted So Good! Steve Fiske
“I always liked to try to accomplish different things”, says Richard J. Cannici, the
owner operator of SWEET CAROLINE’S Bakery/Café, located at 3347 Tampa Rd.
Richard served as a Marine combat officer in IRAQ, where he was decorated for
his bravery and commitment to the welfare of his men. A 2002 Naval Academy graduate
with a BS degree in Economics he was commissioned and served on active duty
from 2002-2007. Following his release from active duty, he went to work as a sale
representative for a software company.
In 2009 he decided that it was time to follow one of his passions and opened,
Sweet Caroline’s, named after his wife. Richard had no formal training as a baker,
however armed with his passion to be successful at whatever he tackled and a sharp mind, he put together a
highly motivated professional team. Rich and his mother were often seen at the St.
Pete Saturday market and four other local markets, every week, where they quickly
became a hit with patrons who clamored for the delicious homemade bakery goods
that Sweet Caroline’s offered. Working for decades in food service and restaurants
in N.J. and Pennsylvania, Richard’s mother brought her valuable knowledge and
recipes to the team. “It feels good hearing the favorable comments from the public
about our products”, says Richard.
Many of the baked goods are from recipes of an earlier generation, before preservatives
were commonly used and they call for real butter, not shortening. One bite of
their cookies, scones, cakes, etc. will remind customers of how good fresh baked pastries used to taste a generation
or two earlier. One of the most popular Sweet Caroline’s baked goods is the German Strudel. Like everything
else in the bakery, they use real fruit and quality ingredients, nothing is canned. Just starting out with basic
items like cookies, scones, and Danish pastries, etc. Sweet Caroline’s has expanded in to a full and diverse line of
both bakery and café’ offerings.
Every day customer’s drop by Sweet Caroline’s to see and taste what’s new. A recent expansion allows customers
to relax on premise and enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee with a selection from a expanded menu. Don’t
miss their newest hit, pot pie turnovers, which are low in sodium and high in
flavor. There is always delicious homemade soup, bisque or chowder on sale as
well as croissant sandwiches, quiche, and even freshly made gazpacho.
During the holiday season they offer Stolen, pies, breads, Yule logs and
holiday cookie platters. They offer a wide array of gluten –free products as well
as other special diet meals and products, such as sugar-free and vegan. There is
even a Vegan baker on premise. Try the “Earth Bars’ for a sample of the great
taste and variety. This is the place for custom cakes. They have triple layers and
almost a dozen fillings from which to choose. Ask about their custom cakes
now, before the Holiday rush.
Sweet Caroline’s is open
Tuesday-Saturday 9:00A.M. to 6:00P.M. and
Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00P.M.
Phone: 727-781-1888
www.sweetcarolinesbakery.com
aste of
North Pinellas 12
/www.sweetcarolinesbakery.com
