Small Town Big Flavor, Cindy's Sweets & Eats

Admin
May 13, 2017
6 min read

Come in, relax your muscles, let all your worries flood away as you sit on a big comfy couch. Meander through the crafting booths, eyes darting from treasure to secret treasure, all while searching for something for a special someone. Sit down, watch your children play, enjoy a lunch special, and chat about the simple things in life.

All can be done at a new, yet very special place in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

This place is known as Cindy’s Sweets & Eats.

I remember the first time I ordered from Cindy’s Sweets & Eats. It was cupcakes. (GASP! Why would a dietitian order cupcakes! HA!) I needed cupcakes for a church event and heard folks rant and rave about the talent of Ms. Cindy. I had yet to try them for myself, and the gossip was too loud to ignore. So, I called her. At that time, little did I know her restaurant plan was a whisper in her heart, growing louder with every passing day. So today, we not only have a passionate baker, but we have a welcomed addition to the Heber Springs cuisine choices.

Yet again, another owner was gracious enough to sit down and chat a while about their local business. The conversation was not only intriguing, but very heartfelt and joyful. The love poured into this bakery and restaurant was very apparent as we touched on various aspects of my interview outline. I always go in with certain questions in my mind and scratched on a tiny notepad, only to find there is so much more behind every one of these Small Town Big Flavor spots.

So welcome to the story behind Cindy’s Sweets & Eats.

Why Heber Springs?

The owner, Ms. Cindy Moffitt grew up in Heber Springs but found herself far away from her “cute little town nestled in the mountains”. Fortunately, about 12 years ago, the Moffitt’s brought themselves back to Heber Springs to raise their children.

When speaking with Cindy, I noticed the use of the word love to describe her connection to the area. Often, people can make statements of love, yet their actions reflect differently. This is not the case with the Moffitt family. The family’s involvement in the Heber Springs community demonstrate more than just a “love” for this small town. Their actions are ones of passion, dedication, and belief in the families of the area. After speaking with the owner, I have come to the conclusion, the Moffitt heart is fueled by two passions. The desire to provide wonderfully crafted meals and treats the whole family can enjoy, and the dedication to serve the community of Heber Springs through the Celebrate Recovery ministry at their local church, New Life Church.

Why a bakery & restaurant?

From a very young age, Ms. Moffitt discovered the joy she found in creating baked goods and meals. As a kid, her mother always baked special cakes for their family and watching her mother, sparked a desire for her to get into the kitchen for herself. She found her niche, what she now refers to as her “happy place”. Baking, cooking, mixing, creating, experimenting. You name it, she adores it. Being a mom of boys, she also understood how difficult it can be for a family to eat out and keep the children at bay!! So, there it began. Her passion for cooking and desire to create a family friendly restaurant, molded itself into a vision, a goal, a dream. And approximately one year ago, the dream became reality. The prayers, the hopes, and the planning planted itself in the ideal location, Main Street Heber Springs.

So, it began, this wonderful space, more than enough room for her bakery and restaurant, and plus some! She took it a step further, and created what she likes to refer to as “her own little Cracker Barrel”. One side restaurant and bakery, one side unique booths full of merchandise from local artists, crafters, and much more!

And let me tell you, what an experience. While we waited for our food, we were not expected to sit quietly and twiddle our fingers. Or in my case, entertain my child so he will not be climbing under other tables to pick crumbs off the floor... Rather I found myself excited to browse the uniquely and locally crafted items, while my rambunctious rascal and husband made their way over to the “Kid’s Corner”. The entire family found themselves engulfed in options available to us.

Oh, the dreaded food wait, you know the time between finally making your selection and then time slowing down to a snail’s pace as you discover you have made it beyond hungry to what I like to call “hangry”. When even the sugar packets at the table are beginning to look appetizing and your toddler is about to pitch a fit waiting on his snacks…. Well, the dreaded food wait was not so dreaded. Instead, it was a fun experience for the entire family, even the tiniest member. Once we devoured our food, we found ourselves lollygagging around the store to finish what we started. It was very pleasant for this family, which I now know is the driving force behind the design.

Now if your children have passed the age of temper tantrums and sip cups, that’s cool too. Do not fret, there is something fun for your family to do as well. But it starts outside of the building, and they call it “Rock Rewards”.

Hidden in other locations on Main Street are tiny painted rocks. Lady bugs and ninja turtles to be precise, which will guide you back to Cindy’s Sweets & Eats for your FREE treat. One to be shared and enjoyed with any age kiddo. For you are never too old for treasure hunts! The benefit of the rocks is not just for Cindy's.

Rock Rewards share the fun with other local shops.

All down main street, you can find her bugs and ninjas, waiting to be discovered.

So yet again, a fantastic atmosphere and wonderful experience, but what about the food?

Wow... As a dietitian, I am proud of Cindy. She has created a menu, deep-fat fryer free.

IN THE SOUTH people. This is difficult to do. You know why? The south claims to be built on sweet tea and deep fried fill-in-the-blank. It is true. Whether I like it or not, greasy burgers and fries are readily available at every corner. BUT NOT HERE. Baked not fried. Homemade not packaged.

Welcome to Cindy’s where the lunch menu consists of delightful soups, salads, sandwiches, and handpicked entrees. Classic, and unique. Simple, and crafted to please.

If salads are your groove, do not worry about additives in the dressing, they are homemade.

If burgers are your thing, no worries, turkey meat available on a wheat bun.

If you are bored with water but prefer to stay away from sugary drinks or artificially sweetened beverages, the fruit infused waters are readily available throughout the summer months!

I am happy to announce there are plenty of options to mix and match and stay on the lighter side while dining.

“Sartain Selects” for Cindy’s Sweets & Eats

Lunch Menu

Grilled Chicken Salad or Wrap

Grilled chicken with greens & tomatoes

Side item if desired with the wrap, side salad

Whether it be a salad or a wrap,

always ask for the dressing on the side to control portion!

The Kickin’ Chicken Salad

Grilled & seasoned chicken, black beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo with the homemade avocado lime dressing, on the side of course

The Gobbler Salad or Wrap

Turkey, mandarin oranges, cranberries, greens & almonds

Whether it be a salad or a wrap, sage vinaigrette dressing, on the side of course

Dinner Entrees

Blackened Tilapia

Blackened & topped with a mango salsa, which comes with a bed of rice

Side items to couple with would be side salad and steamed veggies

ask for the rice in a to-go box or share the portion with a friend

Extras

Dressings

The Sage Vinaigrette

olive oil, sage, spices

Beverages

Fruit infused water, unsweetened tea

Desserts

Coffee

The local Rozark Roasterrie’s Caramel Nut Shortbread blend, decaf or regular

Ummmmm, what about the tasty treats & sweets????

YOU wish! Beautiful & tasty.

Save your reward for this one!

While I was strolling through the merchandise, I found the atmosphere full of joy and peace. My ears were delighted with the soft music in the background and my heart felt lifted. An experience, if in a hurry, can easily be missed. The walls tell a story full of joy, love, peace, and kindness, as if they were covered with more than just primer and paint.