In our busy lives, places such as Sweet Simone’s can be our saving grace when holidays arrive and the to do list grows. This charming bakery located on Bridge Street in Richmond offers a wide array of freshly baked items such as homemade Parker House rolls, pies, and more on their holiday menus. On a daily basis they offer scones, croissants, cupcakes, cookies, and coffee cakes. Best known for their cakes (“If you can dream it, they will make it”), Sweet Simone’s website displays a vast selection of creative decadent cakes, elegant and whimsical—all works of art and delicious.
Sweet Simone’s Bakery opened its doors in January 2015, bringing scrumptious baked goods, savory sandwiches, and a range of beverage selections including the signature London Fog, Earl Grey tea with vanilla syrup and steamed milk.
When owner Lisa Curtis started this business, her two girls were toddlers. She wanted them to grow up in an environment that fostered good communication skills and modeled hard work. Now teenagers, the girls are part of her talented 20-person team who keep a steady flow of customers coming in the door.
After almost a decade, this well-oiled machine left Lisa wondering, What do I do now? In October 2024, she renovated the space next door to create what she calls the savory side of the business, Fine Food Provisions. With a heavy influence on Italian, as well as Asian, here you can design your own poke bowls or sink your teeth into Roman-style pizza. Mouthwatering sandwich selections include the Prosciutto (fresh mozzarella, arugula, aioli, and Saba), an eggplant cutlet sandwich with pickled eggplant, arugula, red onion, and aioli, or a more traditional meatball sub. There’s something for every palate. A selection of Jasper Hill cheeses graces the large glass case, and a large shelf offers assorted well-curated provisions to help create your own meal at home. Their catering business continues to thrive as well.
In October 2024, Lisa renovated the space next door to create what she calls the savory side of the business, Fine Food Provisions. With a heavy influence on Italian, as well as Asian, here you can design your own poke bowls or sink your teeth into Roman-style pizza.
Lisa cares deeply about her community. She shares, “I am committed to supporting small businesses that are sticking around and working hard and we really care about the product we’re producing.” With her boundless energy, creativity, and community spirit—and inspired by a family trip to Italy—Lisa launched Aperitivo Night on Friday evenings, offering folks an opportunity to gather over snacks and cocktails from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Folks can mingle over charcuterie boards, marinated lupini beans, and other scrumptious finger foods.
On weekend mornings, you are likely to find a line forming outside with folks eagerly awaiting as they peer in the window at a glass cabinet filled with pastries, cookies, and pre-made breakfast sandwiches. What will it be? Kouign-amann, blueberry crumb cake, maple oat scones, or one of the gluten-free options such as banana buckwheat cake, energy balls, and brownies. Homemade Oreo cookies and granola bars are a favorite.
Staff greet you with a smile in spiffy black t-shirts with a simple heart logo and on the back, TASTE the Passion. There is clearly an abundance of passion here poured into creating and serving sweet and savory luscious fare. A community of loyal patrons and visitors alike remain grateful for this special culinary gem located in the heart of Richmond.
There is clearly an abundance of passion here poured into creating and serving sweet and savory luscious fare.
