Seminole’s got so many Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and 7-Elevens, that you’d think it was an airport in Dallas. Luckily for the 33777, though, a new coffee shop, Sugar Baby, has joined the local caffeine scene.

So, next time you’re in need of a morning buzz west of Kenneth City, you can have one that’s been hand-crafted in a mom-and-pop shop.

Breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast — of course — included.

Bringing great coffee and scratch-made food to Seminole

Sugar Baby officially opened on Park Boulevard in Seminole two weeks ago. Owned and operated by husband and wife duo Victoria Shivick and Eugene Yurhelevich, the relaxed, beach-themed shop is committed not just to serving excellent coffee, but also to offering delicious food.

“Other coffee shops might have amazing coffee, but they’re definitely missing good breakfast and lunch options,” Shivick said. “We have really, really great food at Sugar Baby.”

The kitchen component of the “coffee and more” eatery is run by Yurhelevich, a former fine dining chef with experience working in restaurants from New Orleans (Sofia) to Delaware. Under his watch, Shivick explained, “99% of the ingredients are made in-house.”

The other 1%? Imported sourdough bread from The Crumb Factory.

“My husband and I are immigrants,” Shivick said, “And since we’ve been in America, we’ve been in the restaurant industry. I work front of the house, but he’s always been in the kitchen — so he really knows how to cook well.”

Considering their combined experience in hospitality and cooking, then, the couple knew they could launch a place of their own. After workshopping some recipes, buying beachy decor and deciding on Seminole, therefore, Sugar Baby was born.

Visiting Pinellas County’s newest eatery

Now, before I continue, some background info: I am a downtown, Beach Drive resident. Seminole is a good 25 minutes from me, at least.

I am also, however, a ravenous eater who will drive for food. Enticed by an Instagram post of the team’s Maple Berry “Fluffy” Pancakes, then, I decided to check the new spot out.

In every dish I was served, the couple’s “food as good as our drinks” efforts were apparent. The breakfast sandwiches had interesting sauces (think house-made lemon aioli), and the toasts had unique flavor pairings (picture smoked fish with pickled veggies).

For a coffee shop in a strip mall? I thought the team did a great job.

So, if you’re ready to ditch Dunkin’s floppy Wake-Up Wraps and Starbuck’s soggy Egg Bites, read on.

Here are some things I tried that you might prefer.

‘Berries and Maple’ Fluffy Pancakes

Soufflé pancakes — or “fluffy” pancakes — are a Japanese variety of pancakes that are lighter, taller, and springier than their American (or European) counterparts. Made from whipped egg whites prepared in a meringue technique, the cakes are like little, subtly sweet sponges that absorb any bit of syrup or fruit juices around them.

I’ve had this East Asian breakfast staple many times before, and always enjoy it. The cakes are not heavy or indulgent at all, and the neutral flavor of their egg white composition makes them the perfect vessel for carrying the taste of their accouterments. At Sugar Baby, those included fresh fruit and real maple syrup, the latter of which soaked perfectly into each bite.

Breakfast Sandwich

Topped with baked eggs, arugula, cheddar, and more; this is not your average bacon, egg, and cheese. The brioche that it’s served on is soft, grilled, and smeared (on both sides) with delicious lemon aioli, and a generous portion of avocado is included.

So, you could get a McGriddle (and pretend that weird eggs work on pancakes) — or you could have this instead.

Sugar Baby Toast

When Chef Yurhelevich created this toast, he loved it so much that he made it the shop’s namesake dish. And when customers tried it? They loved it equally. According to Shivick, it’s currently Sugar Baby’s best-selling food item.

Featuring a large slice of sourdough bread topped with creamy salmon spread, avocado, pickled onions, and a soft-boiled egg, the meal has a rich profile of flavors. The salmon is salty, the egg yolk umami, and the avocado smooth and fatty. Cutting through that decadence is the pickled onion, which adds brightness (and texture) to the combination.

Avocado Toast

A coffee shop staple, but elevated, Sugar Baby’s Avocado Toast is upgraded with various veggies, almonds, and feta cheese.

Not the most exciting item on the menu, but pretty healthy. So, if you’re into dieting or eating green foods, I 10/10 recommend.

The Bumblebee

Not food, but Sugar Baby is a coffee shop after all, so here’s what to get.

Called “The Bumblebee,” this espresso-orange juice combination is one of my favorite drinks on the menu.

In hindsight, though, I can’t tell if I loved it more for the flavor or the way it made me feel like Red Bull’s flying ponies were exploding in my soul when I drank it.

Ready to eat?

If those dishes look good to you, Sugar Baby is open seven days a week in Seminole. The Fluffy Pancakes, however, take some extra time to make, so the team recommends ordering those on weekdays.

Whatever you select, though, make sure to pair it with a hand-crafted espresso drink — and revel in the fact that you didn’t have to park downtown to get it.

Sugar Baby is located at 9191 Park Boulevard in Seminole. To learn more about the restaurant, call 727-235-0011 or visit oursugarbaby.com.

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