Karen Patton, the chef and owner of Sweet Potato Café in Stone Mountain, Georgia, has something to celebrate. Her café recently won a $50,000 grant through the American Express and National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” program.
Patton plans to use the funds for significant upgrades. The grant will cover new, better-insulated windows, painting, expanding the outdoor patio, enhancing the garden, and more. The news came out at the end of July, marking a big milestone for Patton.
“The announcement itself made me feel like I had really accomplished something,” Patton told Decaturish.
Patton first learned about the grant last year and decided to apply earlier this year. The process was long, involving detailed questions about potential renovations and cost estimates. Now, she’s excited to see her plans come to life.
Patton’s love for cooking started with big Sunday dinners with her family. Although she had a successful 30-year career as a legal secretary, she began catering on the side. When her law firm faced layoffs during the 2009 recession, Patton decided to pivot her career and focus on catering full-time.
Patton retired, went to culinary school, and decided to open a restaurant featuring fresh, local cuisine. After a tiring catering event, she and her husband, Darrell, realized they wanted a space where customers could come to them. They chose a cozy building in Stone Mountain, perfect for Sweet Potato Café, which features both indoor and outdoor seating and a garden where Patton harvests fresh ingredients daily.
Sweet Potato Café has been a local favorite for 12 years, offering dishes like loaded sweet potatoes, fried green tomatoes, homemade chicken pot pie, and grilled salmon. The café also serves breakfast and brunch on weekends.
The café gained additional fame when it was featured on the Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible. Despite the cold weather and quick turnaround, Patton was thrilled with the experience.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patton is grateful for her loyal, diverse customers who helped the café persevere. She values her connection to the Stone Mountain community and remains committed to supporting local businesses.
“I love the area we’re in,” Patton said. “We got involved with the city, and we try to lend a hand and to be as supportive as we can. We’re a family here.”
Learn more about the business via its official website at TheSweetPotatoCafe.net
Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram @SweetPotatoCafe
Support the business by visiting its location at 5377 Manor Dr, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083