As most heartwarming stories go, I grew up in a large, close-knit family where all the gatherings and celebrations were held at my mother’s house. Her kitchen was the heart of our home, where she lovingly prepared all the delicious meals that brought us together. As a child, I would sit on a stool in that kitchen, mesmerized, watching her cook with such skill and passion. Those memories of family, laughter, and the comforting aromas of home-cooked food are cherished.

After my mother passed away, I took it upon myself to continue the tradition of hosting the family gatherings. However, as my nieces and nephews grew up and started their own families, they naturally began hosting their own events. I found myself missing the joy of cooking for and sharing meals with loved ones.

That’s when I decided to open my own café, SweetPeas 73, and share my cooking with a new community of people that I could call family. We were so fortunate to find the perfect location at The Market in Acworth, which allows us to engage with and get to know new customers on a personal level – something I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise.

Over time, we’ve developed a loyal following of customers who keep coming back for our signature dishes, like the special ranch chicken salad, the homemade pistachio poke cake, and the fan-favorite blackberry, jalapeño, and bacon grilled cheese. Seeing the excitement and genuine appreciation for my food has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s truly been a case of “love at first bite” for many of our patrons.

Running SweetPeas 73 Café has allowed me to continue the legacy of bringing people together through the power of home-cooked meals, just as my mother did. It’s a labor of love that has connected me with a new community and allowed me to share the recipes and traditions that have been passed down in my family for generations.