Sweet Eleanor’s owner Scott Mitchell behind the counter of downtown Macon’s beloved cafe. Photo provided by Scott Mitchell.
There’s something magical about the smell of blended sugar and coffee in the air. It’s like a hug in aroma form. And when you walk into Sweet Eleanor’s Dessert Shop, that’s exactly what you get — a warm, comforting hug that happens to come with frosting.
Sweet Eleanor’s opened its doors on Nov. 1, 2023, right in the heart of downtown Macon. It’s named after owner Scott’s grandmother, Eleanor, who passed away just one day after the shop opened.
Scott tells me with a proud, emotional smile, “I got to tell her I opened the shop before she passed. She left with that memory — happy and proud.” That moment, as bittersweet as one of his espresso brownies, became the heartbeat of this place. Every cup of coffee, cookie, and slice of cake is made with that memory in mind.
Scott designed the shop to look and feel like what he calls “the forbidden room” that every Gen-Xer remembers from their childhood — you know, that living room at Grandma’s house where no one was allowed to sit. The one with the plastic on the couch, the fancy carpet, the cabinet full of crystal, and a faint whiff of lemon Pledge that could knock you out cold.
“It’s that room you only went into when Grandma wasn’t looking,” Scott said, laughing. “I wanted Eleanor’s to have that same feeling — like you’re breaking a rule just by sitting here and enjoying something too beautiful to eat.”
The result is stunning. The furniture looks vintage but cozy, the art has meaning and the atmosphere feels like an invitation to stay a while — maybe longer than you planned.
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t a bakery. Sure, they bake things. But Sweet Eleanor’s Dessert Shop is meant to be a destination — a dessert retreat for people who want to slow down, sip some coffee and savor something special.
Their coffee comes from PERC Coffee in Savannah, a roaster known for its small-batch beans, bright flavors and joyful personality.
PERC’s slogan is “We roast coffee for people who love life,” and that energy fits Sweet Eleanor’s like a glove.
Their chocolates are sourced from Atlanta, and the menu changes seasonally. Right now, Scott’s personal favorite is the Citrus Olive Oil Cake, which sounds fancy until you take a bite and realize it’s just plain good. Moist, slightly tart, a little sweet and a whole lot of comfort.
Customers, though, have their own favorites — the coffee and cookies are the top sellers.
Scott said he’s not surprised, “It’s that downtown Macon vibe — people love something they can hold while they stroll.”
And he’s right. Macon is a walkable city, and Sweet Eleanor’s fits right in, giving everyone that perfect “sweet treat and caffeine boost” combo to go.
One of the most stunning features inside Sweet Eleanor’s is the mural that stretches across the right wall. It’s a spray-painted portrait of Scott’s grandmother — done by local Macon artist Kevin “Scene” Lewis, who’s known for turning blank walls into soulful storytelling pieces all over town. Kevin’s work is bold, heartfelt and full of personality — much like the woman who inspired it.
Scott Mitchell commissioned local artist Kevin “Scene” Lewis to create a mural of Mitchell’s late grandmother, Eleanor on the wall of his local cafe, named in her honor. Photo provided by Scott Mitchell
The mural isn’t just decoration. It’s a reminder that this shop isn’t about transactions — it’s about connection.
Scott said it best: “She’s watching over me. I like to think she sees every smile that walks through that door.”
Scott is as Macon as they come. Born in Barnesville, he started his career working at McDonald’s, where he spent seven years climbing from crew to area manager.
“McDonald’s taught me leadership, consistency, and the importance of treating people right,” he said. “Everything I learned there, I use here.”
And boy, does it show. During the government lockdown, when SNAP benefits were paused and military families in Warner Robins weren’t getting paid, Scott quietly started giving out free sausage biscuits to anyone who needed them. No fanfare. Just kindness, straight up.
When I asked him why, he said, “Maconites — first, second and always.” That hit me right in the heart.
He’s also deeply involved in community organizations like Macon Pride, The Mentors Project, Macon Street Board, Macon Film Festival and countless others. Scott’s not just feeding people — he’s building something bigger. A city that supports, uplifts and celebrates one another.
Here’s an exclusive scoop: Sweet Eleanor’s will soon be expanding its menu to include soups and sandwiches! That’s right — soon you’ll be able to grab a lunch that’s every bit as satisfying as their desserts.
And if that’s not enough to make you fall in love, Scott also owns The Bohemian Den, a colorful downtown retail shop filled with unique gifts, local art and good vibes. It’s basically Eleanor’s cool younger sibling — a little eccentric, a lot of fun and full of heart.
When I walked out of Sweet Eleanor’s Dessert Shop, I didn’t just leave with a sugar rush — I left with a full heart. Scott took his grandmother’s legacy and turned it into something Macon can be proud of.
So, next time you’re strolling downtown and need a break from the world, stop in. Order the Citrus Olive Oil Cake, sip on a PERC latte, take in that mural and remember that behind every bite is a story — one that started with love, loss and a promise to make people smile. Because at Eleanor’s, dessert isn’t just dessert. It’s joy, baked daily.
Until next time fellow Maconites, Let’s Eat!
