Growing up in the small town of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, southern cooking was a way of life for the two girls. Their mother Tomma, a caterer herself, shared the joy of cooking with her daughters at a very early age. Using the lessons they learned in the kitchen from her, the two sisters have turned their dream into what is today, Sweetwater Cuisine.

Established in July 2004, the name Sweetwater Cuisine originated from an old school located in the community where the girls were raised. Their great-great-great-great grandfather donated the land for the original Sweetwater School which was built in the late 1800s. The school was called Sweetwater because it was located near a creek that was fed by many natural springs that made the water sweet. Sweetwater School quickly became the gathering place of the community. Socials and meetings were held there which, of course, meant great food!

Jodi and Kelly incorporated this great love of food into Sweetwater’s various menus which include many family recipes that have been passed down for generations—such as their homemade rolls, coconut cake, and gumbo. Today, not only can you enjoy the tastes of Sweetwater at your catered events, but you can enjoy Sweetwater favorites at Sunday Brunch after church. Sunday Brunches are offered on select Sundays at Sweetwater, which is nestled in the Wayside Village Shoppes in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Sweetwater menu is graced by the southern charm of where the girls call home and includes southern comfort foods such as Grit Girl Heirloom Stoneground Grits with Cheese, Shrimp and Grits, Honey Pecan Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Aunt Jeanne’s Pound Cake, Bread Pudding, seasonal garden vegetables and so much more.  It’s like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon. Come visit us!   You can prop up your feet, enjoy a glass of southern sweet tea and experience the epitome of southern hospitality in the heart of Virginia Beach.

Since Kelly couldn’t break those strong Mississippi ties, she now resides with her growing family in Hattiesburg, MS. However, as with most close-knit families, she is always here in spirit and in moments of chaos, she flies in to save the day. She is still involved in Sweetwater’s menu development but is often executing events of her own. When duty calls, Jodi assists with Kelly’s events, as well. Just ask her about her battle scars!

Our Sweetwater Family continues to change and grow. Chef AJ Hyman leads the kitchen team, while Kayla Craddolph leads the sales and production team. You can still find Jodi in the kitchen making biscuits and baking sometimes, meeting with a client in the dining room, or she may be in Mississippi making cookies or cakes with her two granddaughters, Addisyn (5), and Linley (2). Kendall Fossen is Sales Support; Shalom Holzberger is Sweetwater’s Receptionist and serves as an event captain; Katarina Zaklan and Calvin Ricks serve as captains and are production staff; and Rachel Stanley (Jodi’s Boss) serves as operations manager. Hollee Borynack is brunch manager and assistant to Jodi.

We are proud to say that we have reached the amazing milestone of 20 years in business. Like we have always said, there is no standing still for Sweetwater. We are constantly evolving and growing, and you never know what will happen next! #MadeWithGrit