One of the latest foodie trends has come to the suburbs. Spoony Sweets, which opened April 13, 2019, is a cereal cafe in Hamilton. Yes, cereal.
When one first enters the “restaurant,” a clean and modern store located near Halo Pub off of Rt 33, you’re hit with the sweet smell of sugary cereal. There’s a makeshift living room in the corner, with couches and a TV playing Saturday morning cartoons evoking that nostalgic breakfast feeling. You’re greeted by the smiling faces of the owners, Ryane Knipe and Medina Cekic, who are eager to welcome you and offer suggestions.
Though it may seem like there’s only so many cereal options, the Spoony Sweets menu boasts over 40,000 cereal combinations; 31 cereals, 18 toppings, 4 drizzles and 5 milks are available to the customer to combine in their own creation. A regular bowl sells for $5.49 while a large is $6.99.
However, if you’re overwhelmed or want a combination from the cereal experts, there’s signature combinations created by Knipe and Cekic themselves. For example, the Snickerdoodle (Cookie Crisp ®, Rice Krispies Treats ®, Brown sugar, Caramel Drizzle) and the Better than Fruitcake (Honey Bunches of Oats ®, Cheerios ®, Almonds, Raspberry Drizzle).
I ordered the Campfire (French Toast Crunch ®, Oreo O’s ®, Marshmallows, Vanilla Drizzle) with 2% milk. Personally, it was a little too sweet for me, but with their extensive options, I’m positive there are 100s of combinations that I would enjoy more.
Alongside the cereals, the menu also includes the Spoony Banana “Sushi” Roll – bananas and various toppings wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. The Sweets Roll, for example, includes banana, Nutella, cinnamon frosted flakes, and raspberry drizzle. Additionally, there are various “cereal milks” available as beverages.
“It started 14 years ago,” says Knipe, as he explains how Spoony Sweets came to be. Though the timing and finances were wrong, about a year ago the couple finally decided to finally start the business. “We’re kind of done working for other people. Let’s go build a dream. And a year later here we are.”
Knipe, who lives in Cumberland County, and Cekic, who lives in Brooklyn, are “basically, but not officially” married. The two decided to start their business directly in the middle of their two homes, in Hamilton.
Customer service is one of the most important things to the owners. “We want to change the way people see restaurants,” said Knipe. “It’s laid back. You want to watch something on TV? I got you. If you want to hear different music I got you. It’s all good.” Cekic chimes saying “[this] is our island. And we want everyone to come visit our island and enjoy themselves while they’re here, honestly.”
It’s worth it.
