Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Celina residents Kim and Cleve Wickliffe are the personification of this oft-quoted saying. Persevering through health struggles, career changes, and all obstacles one could possibly throw at a burgeoning business, the couple has never waivered from their passion for life and, as our luck would have it, food!
Coming this Fall, not only do we have cooler weather and football to look forward to, the Wickliffes will be transforming their life’s journey into a one of a kind destination right in the heart of downtown Celina – The Wick. Offering fresh, upscale breakfast and lunch menus, happy hour cocktails, a coffee and espresso bar, and of course, all the incredible goodies we’ve come to love from Swirls Bakery, The Wick will have something for everyone.
During the week, The Wick will be your one-stop kick start for a great day providing a blend of traditional and inspired breakfast offerings accompanied by some of our favorite local coffee, courtesy of Celina Coffee Roasters. Don’t worry, if you are a late riser, The Wick has got you covered with fresh, novel lunch items that are as impressive in flavor as they are in presentation. All the food items are made from locally sourced vendors and even herbs and vegetables are grown in their on-premise gardens! A special brunch menu is offered on weekends and we can always get our favorite Swirls baked goods fresh from the bakery counter!
Rounding out each day, plan on joining friends and family for happy hour, complete with cocktails and small bites in a stylish, comfortable atmosphere. Whether you prefer the plush banquettes inside, the eclectic feel of their multiple outdoor decks, or the backyard comfort of one of their several fire pit seating areas, the charming, unpretentious, vibe is sure to satisfy.
The only thing more unique than The Wick is the story of Kim and Cleve and how they came to bless our fair town. Their journey began dating in High School, but as is so common in their story, circumstances conspired against them, and they parted ways. Decades later in 2015, as if destined to be together, their paths crossed and despite fate’s continued efforts to challenge them, they married in 2020. While enjoying family, successful corporate careers, and every other accouterment of the American Dream, a deeper calling had so far gone unanswered.
All throughout Cleve’s life, food and family had played a central role. Growing up inspired by a love affair with the cuisine and culture of Louisiana, Cleve continuously developed skills in the kitchen, cooking and baking for friends, and just the sheer pleasure of the craft. Kim, while talented in the kitchen herself, has always had a passion for entertaining. All throughout her youth and professional career, regardless of circumstances, Kim’s superpower has always been making people feel welcome and comfortable. It seemed almost inevitable they would wind up in the service industry.
Fortunately for Celina, passing through the airport the couple stopped for a cinnamon roll and had a bad experience. Once home, Kim mentioned her disappointment and Cleve offered to make her one. “Have you ever made a cinnamon roll?” she asked. “Not yet,” he responded and a short while later, the first Swirl was born! In no time, they were in full production baking dozens of orders for friends and neighbors. After a visit to the Celina EDC to discuss business possibilities and lunch at our very own Toasted Walnut, the couple was so taken with Celina that they immediately sold their house and moved to town!
With fresh designs on opening a bakery on Walnut Street downtown, Kim and Cleve continued to grow their business through word of mouth advertising and persistent volunteerism, donating both time and deliciousness to so many events on the square. Yet, as they diversified their business offering with other baked goods, catering, and coffee, so too seemed the problems getting the bakery off paper and into reality. With a “go big or go home” attitude, rather than succumbing to the weight of the challenge, the Wickliffes upped the ante and The Wick with a new location at 107 S Colorado St just off the Square is now coming to life!
Like Emerson’s quote suggests, the origins of The Wick are the realization of Kim and Cleve’s journey to Celina. We cannot wait to make it a regular destination for breakfast, lunch, and happy hour!
The Wick 107 S Colorado St, Downtown Celina
