‘This is a safe space’: Local bakery and cafe creates safe haven for LGBTQ+ community year-round

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - June is Pride Month, and WTOC is taking take time to highlight the LGBTQ+ community here in the Coastal Empire.

On 34th and Habersham in the Hostess City, you’ll find Sweet Patricia’s. Once you walk inside, you’ll notice it isn’t just a bakery, but something much more meaningful.

“I kind of want anybody that walks in the door, whether you’re gay or you’re not gay to feel comfortable in this space,” explained co-owner Andria Canella.

Sweet Patricia’s isn’t just a place to grab coffee and a sweet treat—it’s a place where people can make new connections and be their genuine selves.

Canella and her wife opened the bakery and cafe a little over two years ago. She says while they don’t want to have kids of their own, they both have nurturing spirits. They make an effort to remember customers names, and be a space where people, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community can feel comfortable.

The name “Sweet Patricia’s” comes from Canella’s grandmother. Canella says the bakery aims to foster and showcase her grandmother’s caring spirit.

“What she would want is just kind of like an open-door policy. We try to do a lot of things to make the gay community safer, feel at home here.”

It’s something they accomplish year-round, not just during Pride Month. Sweet Patricia’s hosts events like queer speed dating and is hosting a Pride-themed Bingo on June 27th.

They also sell pride themed items year-round. Right now, you can find pride sugar cookie bars in their pastry display. Canella says having these items helps show the community that Sweet Patricia’s is a welcoming place for the queer community.

“They come in, they see something like that. And then they know this is a safe space to be.”

The staff at Sweet Patricia’s consists of all women, and most are in the LGBTQ+ community. Canella said, it just happened naturally.

Her hope for the bakery is for it to keep expanding and continue creating a space for the queer community to meet and feel safe.