Lunchtime at the Carrollwood Café and Deli is filled with lots of fresh aromas, such as baked bread and cookies.
While the café has been in the area for years, for new owners Webster and Stephena Pierce, this dream come true is a short 90 days old.
The parents of two school-age boys, both had busy and successful careers when they decided to take on this new adventure.
Friends and family members were amazed.
“They were like what? Are you kidding me? You’re gonna do what?” Stephena said.
But they took the plunge, and while the business was still in its infancy, they decided to share some of what they had.
“We have personal friends that were struck with cancer and, thank God, they survived, Webster said. "We felt this was a way (to help). I mean, it’s not big, but it’s a small way that we could give back to the community."
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Pierces gave a portion of the money made on the sale of cupcakes and cookies, as well as all cash donated, to the Moffitt Cancer Center.
The response was great.
“Since we started this little drive, we’re just amazed how many customers came in and shared their personal stories with us of how their family was stricken,” Stephana said.
High school sweethearts who have been married for 15 years, Webster and Stephena agree that this will be just the start of many ways they plan to give back to the community.