Sweet Tea And Cornbread: Tonya Council Carries On Her Grandmother’s Legacy
RALEIGH, NC – Sweet Tea and Cornbread Grill and Eatery is a traditional southern cafe located in the NC Museum of History in Raleigh. It’s nestled on the ground floor of the museum and faces the legislative building. The founder and owner Tonya Council proclaims “it’s the hidden gems that we should be searching for in life.” The cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Museum members get a 10% discount on all items.
Chapel Hill native Tonya Council is considered a pioneer in business ownership as a Black woman. She is most well known for her heritage and pecan crisp cookies. Her life story is heavily influenced by her grandmother, Mildred Council. Tonya was cooking with her grandmother, as usual, when she stumbled across the recipe for her delicious pecan crisp cookies. The entrepreneur was bored one day when she tried to recreate her favorite dish, her grandmother’s pecan pie, in cookie form. When her grandmother first taste-tested the cookies she told Tonya, “You might have something here.”
Origin Story
Tonya started her business with the intent to sell her cookies and partner with other local small businesses. Her shop in Crabtree Valley Mall does just that. She expanded by adding a cafe during Black History Month while visiting the museum. She found the current location for her traditional southern cafe after it had been empty for three years. When she reached out to the museum officials to inquire about the space’s availability, they replied almost immediately and the cafe was hers.
Mama Dip
Tonya Council’s grandmother, who was nicknamed “Mama Dip”, is renowned for her southern cooking at her restaurant in Chapel Hill and has received accolades from presidents and other celebrities. Mildred first received the nickname “Dip” while growing up. In her youth, she was the only one of her brothers and sisters tall enough to reach the water at the bottom of the rain barrel when it was low. As time progressed, faithful customers and loved ones affectionately labeled her “Mama.” Soon the two words melded together to form “Mama Dip,” a phrase that brings warmth into the hearts of all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
When asked about her grandmother, Tonya lovingly retells the lessons she taught her. “My grandmother taught me how to treat others. She has a very big heart for people.”
Classic Southern Staples
Sweet Tea and Cornbread is a selection of North Carolina’s finest small businesses, flavors, and tastes, curated by Council. The restaurant offers classic southern staples with daily specials. Menu items include sandwiches, soups and salads with a side of cornbread, burgers, and hot dogs. Located in the family-friendly setting of the Museum, Sweet Tea and Cornbread has an extensive kid’s menu. Catering is also available and includes Tonya Council’s famous baked goods.
For more information, visit www.sweetteaandcornbreadnc.com/.
Sweet Tea and Cornbread Grill and Eatery (Photos: Chantille Williams):
