By Staff
PROUD OWNERS C.J. Beal, left, and Rick Beal are the owners of Lagniappe Bakery &Coffee Shoppe. The Acme Plaza shop offers a wide selection of homemade baked goods, as well as a new lunch menu featuring sandwiches on freshly baked breads. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
May 29, 2002
If you're not craving something sweet when you walk through the door of Lagniappe Bakery &Coffee Shoppe, then the aroma of a freshly baked carrot cake will surely make your taste buds start jumping.
Rick and C.J. Beal purchased the former Cakes Etc. in October 2001. They recently renamed the shop Lagniappe a French word meaning "something extra."
Sullivan is also the former owner of Cakes Etc.
A new start
The couple moved to Meridian from Peoria, Ill., in September 1999.
Both Rick and C.J. are graduates of Meridian Community College's Hotel and Restaurant Management program.
Coffee bar is open
You're going to need something to dunk that fresh baked muffin in, and a cup of freshly brewed coffee will hit the spot.
While you're at it, go ahead and join the "Coffee Buzz Club." The shop has partnered with local radio station B-93 "The Buzz" in starting a coffee club.
An initial fee of $9.35 buys your cup and the first month of coffee, and then a monthly fee follows. Flavored coffees and teas, cappuccino and espresso are also offered.
The couple takes special requests.
Lunch is served
In addition to homemade baked goods, the shop now offers lunch specials.
Diners can choose from sun-dried tomato and herb boul bread, San Francisco sourdough, French bread, Focaccia, Asiago cheese bread, black olive bread and, of course, bagels.
The breads are piled high with smoked turkey, roast beef, ham, smoked bisque and selection of cheese. Sandwiches come with chips and a drink for around $5.
A look to the future
Beal said his ultimate goal is to outgrow the shop's current location. Both he and his wife believe their business will succeed because the food is fresh.
The question everyone asks How do you stay thin when you work in a bakery? Both Rick and C.J. say they've gained 20 pounds.