Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries

Welcome to our Business Spotlight series, where we dive into the stories behind the vibrant businesses that make up the fabric of Prince George's County. Today, we shine a light on Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries, a beloved establishment that has been a cornerstone of the community for the past 27 years. Sweet Tooth has not only tantalized taste buds with its gourmet desserts and pastries, but has woven itself into the very essence of the neighborhood. Recently, we chatted with Chef Stephen Thomas, who opened up to share the journey of Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries, its impact on the community and the business’ aspirations amid the dynamic developments in the Blue Line Corridor. 

Q. Can you tell us a bit about the history of Sweet Tooth Cakes and Patries and how it became a staple in the community over the past 27 years? 

A. Sweet Tooth first opened in June 1996 in Capitol Heights, MD, right in Prince George’s County. Initially, our focus was on wholesale to hotel restaurants, and some of our early clients included The Vista, Hilton International, Washington Marriott, Hilton Embassy Row and Nordstrom Cafe & Espresso Bars. In time, we were able to consistently develop our retail clientele as we introduced the community to the concept of having upscale, gourmet desserts and pastries in their own vicinity. I believe that our creativity and consistency are what allow us to build and maintain our customer relationships, even today. It is incredible how many of our current customers were introduced to Sweet Tooth by their parents and grandparents. We are literally providing wedding cakes for people who we once made childhood birthday cakes for! 

Q. What inspired you to open your business in this neighborhood? How did you get your start? 

A. When I was employed as an assistant pastry chef at JW Marriott, I enrolled in a management ID program that they offered. I was able to apprentice under the Corporal Master Pastry Chef Rudi Weider. This start to my career opened new opportunities for me, leading to future positions as executive pastry chef for Hilton International in Washington, D.C., and executive pastry chef at Classic Catering in Baltimore, MD. When I decided to open Sweet Tooth, it was because I realized that there was a need for our products and service in Prince George’s County. I was fortunate to find our current location, which previously operated as a cafe, and once the kitchen was properly built out, Sweet Tooth was ready to launch.  

Q. For those who are new to the area, what are some of your must-try items? 

A. When you have a myriad of items on your menu, sometimes it’s hard to narrow it down. We offer a few signature items on both our savory menu and desserts. The Curry Chicken Salad is our go-to for a quick bite for many customers and for others looking for a fuller meal, the Chicken with an Attitude is always a hit. Once they’re done with their meal, classic signature desserts include our White Chocolate Mousse, Triple Chocolate Cake and Sour Cream Pound Cake. 

Q. How have you seen the community change over the years, and what role do you think Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries and other businesses like it have played in the community's fabric? 

A. We have been first-hand witnesses to this area's transformation from primarily an industrial area to a major thoroughfare. Imagine in 1996 there was no FedEx Field, Morgan Boulevard Station, Exit 13, or Exit 16! We appreciate that customers came to us as their primary destination even before the overwhelming development in the area. 

Q. What excites you about the Blue Line Corridor developments and how they will impact your business? Personally? 

A. When considering the Blue Line Corridor development, there’s a sense of excitement. New development continually brings new traffic to the area and allows us to introduce ourselves to a wider audience. We look forward to building relationships with these new offices, businesses and residents. Even now, we’ve begun to notice new customers looking for our premium products for their gatherings from the newly built UM Capital Region Medical Center and medical suites. 

Q. How do you think these developments will affect the community as a whole? 

A. There’s hope that the new developments will lead to increases in property values. It would help lower taxes when businesses take their share of the commercial taxes. These new developments mean job creation for county residents and increasing traffic for local businesses. 

Q. Are there any new opportunities or initiatives that you're excited to explore as a result of these developments? 

A. COVID ravaged the food industry specifically, leading to the loss of upwards of 30% of the top-tier skilled employees to career changes. For 12 years, I served as an adjunct professor in the Hospitality & Culinary Arts department at Prince George’s Community College. I would like to develop job-ready training programs to help the food and beverage industry with the employment dilemma we are currently experiencing. We have worked with the County Executive’s office providing Culinary Summer Camp programs for youth 12-15 years of age. Helping guide newcomers in this industry is a very exciting prospect. 

Q. What does this community mean to you not just as a business owner, but as a resident/community member? 

A. I have resided in Prince George’s County since 1993 and there has been an amazing transformation here over the last few decades. There are highly educated and engaged residents to be found everywhere and this demographic is demanding quality products and services. Many are even bringing these services as entrepreneurs themselves. 

Q. Can you share any memorable experiences or stories that reflect the deep connection between Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries and the community? 

A. During COVID, the mandate that came down to close restaurants from the Governor, led to us seeing just how loyal our customers are. They were deeply concerned about our survival and would stop by to make donations or buy small items just to leave generous tips. It was quite touching and just further encapsulated the symbiotic relationship with our community. 

Q. What message would you like to convey to the community regarding Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries’ future in light of the ongoing developments? 

A. In all honesty, Sweet Tooth would not be where we are without the community. Every year that we can stay open is out of our mutual dedication to each other. We are excited to witness the developments still to come and hopefully be part of the growth. Sweet Tooth recognizes the community’s commitment to us and we are just as committed to them.  

From humble beginnings to becoming a cherished local institution, Sweet Tooth Café and Cakes exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement. As the Blue Line Corridor continues to evolve and flourish, we look forward to witnessing Sweet Tooth’s continued success and the integral role it plays in shaping the vibrant tapestry of Prince George's County. So next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by Sweet Tooth Bakery and indulge in a taste of tradition, community and sweet delights. 

Stay tuned for more from our Business Spotlight series. If you have a suggestion for a business in the community we should talk with, let us know by sending an email to CEXcomms@co.pg.md.us