Brian Dickey, owner of Gifted Hands Services, a local property maintenance company that has been in business for 15 years, is embarking on a new business, Sweet D’s Cuisine. Dickey described his vision for Sweet D’s as being a family-friendly place with a little something for everyone.
 
The Wilmington native, along with wife, Shante, and daughter, Nyla, will serve fresh, homemade baked goods such as fried croissants, doughnuts, pastries, cakes, pies and cupcakes.
 
They will also serve ice cream, mini-pies, shortcake and banana pudding cups and are currently working on incorporating some gluten-free items on to the menu.
 
Brian Dickey said his family is passionate about food, and while they are starting with a bakery, they may expand to a restaurant down the road, offering more savory creations.
 
Located at 2321 S. 17th St. in the space that formerly housed Priddyboy’s, Sweet D’s will offer seating for about 30 guests, limited to half capacity to start in the space under the current state guidelines for COVID-19.
 
The family chose the 17th Street location for its proximity to New Hanover Regional Medical Center as well as other medical offices. They hope to provide catering to medical facilities and offices and plan to offer discounts for essential workers and first responders.
 
Brian Dickey has plans to work with several area organizations to host or sponsor events and connect with the community.
 
Sweet D’s has partnered with Chuck’s Homemade Ice Cream of Southport, as well as Java Estate Roastery of Holly Ridge to provide its ice cream and coffee. They will serve milkshakes, smoothies and a full line of specialty coffees.
 
“Want to support other small, local businesses,” Brian Dicky said.
 
Sweet D’s will host a “soft” grand opening on Aug. 1 and plans to host a larger grand opening event as soon as it is safe to do so.
 
Sweet D’s will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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