Smiley Face Cafe Brings Family-Friendly Dining to Palmetto

PALMETTO, FL – Smiley Face Cafe, located at 923 10th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221, is a new family-run business that combines high-quality ingredients with a welcoming atmosphere. Owner Megan Harkinson told Business Debut that they are currently in a soft opening status, serving breakfast and light lunches in a bright and welcoming space.

The cafe offers approximately 30 seats and a small area for kids, making it the perfect setup for families and individuals seeking healthy food options on a feel-good basis. The brand prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, everything from the farmers' market to local roasters, making each food worth the distinction of quality.

Spanning roughly 1,000 square feet, the cafe's functional and well-equipped kitchen is set, featuring a flat top, oven, and steam table, with a focus on breakfast and lunch production. It also features a small area up front, designated for pickup when customers order online through their website. The shop will be operating six days a week from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, with projected extension of hours in the near future.

Menu Highlights and Healthy Options

Smiley Face Cafe offers a curated menu of breakfast and lunch favorites. Specialties of the house include a ham and cheese croissant sandwich, bacon, egg, and cheese on Martin's roll, and those New York-style bagels, with the crowd-pleasing bagel and lox. In the grab-and-go fridge, you'll find chicken salad, quinoa bowls, turkey wraps, and many more options for easy and healthy meals on the go.

They also plan to expand the smoothie menu. “Smoothies are also great here, made from superfoods and high-quality ingredients,” Harkinson shared.

Matcha teas and lattes, along with Japanese sodas and protein boxes, add unique touches to the menu, but are not sourced locally.

A Family-Owned Café with a Community Focus

Smiley Face Cafe is a family-owned business run by Harkinson and her partner, Nicholas. Harkinson has over 15 years of experience in food-related work, acquired in Austin, Texas. She was in various kitchens, from catering management to training officers at East Side King, a highly respected Austin establishment.

Harkinson gained new skills and confidence by working with renowned chefs to open her café. Her focus lies on using fresh and local produce that is considered good for health, while menu options are prepared at her will. Harkinson's husband also oversees the day-to-day operations, which include organizing activities that involve the local community.

Smiley Face Cafe is more than just a place to eat. It is also a cultural center that supports local sports teams, hosts special events, and lends a hand during emergencies, such as hurricanes. Harkinson said, "We want to be able to help feed people or give people ice in those kinds of situations."

Connect with Smiley Face Cafe

For updates, menu changes, and community events, follow Smiley Face Cafe on Instagram or visit their website to place online orders for pickup.