Sweet Luncheonette

Episode 79 Summary – Get ’N Your Business Podcast
Guest: Stephanie Chain, Sweet Luncheonette

In this episode, host Alison Shores sits down with pastry artist and small business owner Stephanie Chain of Sweet Luncheonette in downtown St. Marys. Stephanie shares how a simple farmers market tent, a name chosen with help from special needs moms, and a love for beautiful desserts turned into a destination bakery known for its custom wedding cakes and handmade sugar flowers.

They dive into how Sweet Luncheonette has grown into a warm, intimate “fun house” space offering wine tastings, cookie decorating classes, and Pan-to-Glass cooking demos, all designed to help people connect, learn, and feel at home. Stephanie also talks about the impact of Alive After 5, serving charcuterie and her famous deviled eggs, and how the event showed her what’s possible when they’re open more consistently on weekends. She opens up about the realities of small business ownership, the support of her husband Willie, daughter Serenity, and friends like Sally, and her journey into the world of wine as she pursues her sommelier certification.

Listeners will walk away inspired by Stephanie’s creativity, resilience, and genuine heart for building community—one cake, cookie, and glass of wine at a time.

Episode Highlights

• The Story Behind the Name “Sweet Luncheonette”
  How Stephanie and her husband brainstormed business names, surveyed 100 people (with big input from special needs moms), and knew in her gut that “Sweet Luncheonette” was the one.

• From Tent to Destination Bakery
  Starting under a farmers market tent, learning that baked goods were the lane, and growing into a charming brick-and-mortar spot that feels like an intimate, cozy home.

• Showstopping Wedding Cakes & Sugar Flowers
  Why custom wedding cakes are their “first love,” how Stephanie handcrafts sugar flowers petal by petal, and how many clients save them as keepsakes that last for years.

• Drawing Clients from Across the Country
  Serving destination brides from California, Ohio, New York, Florida, and beyond, with detailed, high-touch tastings and consultations that make the wedding cake feel truly special.

• Alive After 5 & First Friday Magic
  How Alive After 5 has been a blessing, giving a glimpse of what extended weekend hours could look like—complete with table service, wine by the glass or bottle, charcuterie, and the legendary deviled eggs that almost always sell out.

• Wine Tastings with a “Fun House” Feel
  Monthly themed wine tastings led by wine expert Sally (and sometimes Stephanie), where guests learn what they like (and don’t like), pair wines with food, and build friendships in a relaxed, homey setting.

• Inclusive, Welcoming Environment
  Why people feel at ease at Sweet Luncheonette compared to some more formal tasting rooms, and how they accommodate dietary needs and offer non-alcoholic options so everyone can participate.

• Cookie Decorating & Pan-to-Glass Classes
  Intimate classes where guests learn decorating techniques, enjoy a glass of wine, and proudly box up their creations—plus live cooking demo-style “Pan to Glass” classes with recipes, notes, and brunch-style experiences.

• Market Days, Cookie Sales & Holiday Treats
  Special December market days with cookie pre-sales, retail shelves stocked with treats, and wine or wine baskets ready for gifting.

• A Growing Wine Journey
  Stephanie shares how she passed her introductory sommelier certification and is now studying toward the next level, deepening her knowledge to better serve her guests.

• The Realities of Small Business Life
  Honest talk about the challenges, roadblocks, and growth that come with owning a small business—and Alison’s heartfelt affirmation of Stephanie’s talent, resilience, and commitment to the community.

• What’s Next: Wine Club & Cake Club Tease
  A sneak peek at potential wine club or cake club offerings and an invite to join the email list via the Sweet Luncheonette website to stay in the loop on upcoming events and experiences.

If you’re in or near St. Marys, this episode will definitely make you want to stop by Sweet Luncheonette on Weed Street, grab a treat, and maybe book your spot at the next tasting or class.