Mineola officially the sweetest place in Texas

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 4/27/23

Pending the expected approval from the Texas House of Representatives, the city of Mineola will become the Sweets Capital of Texas – at least for the next 10 years.

A resolution to that …

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Mineola officially the sweetest place in Texas

Posted

Pending the expected approval from the Texas House of Representatives, the city of Mineola will become the Sweets Capital of Texas – at least for the next 10 years.

A resolution to that effect has passed the Texas Senate.

It replaces Mineola’s designation as the Festivals Capital of Texas, which it earned in 1991.

As City Marketing Director Owen Tiner explained, designations now are good for 10 years and must be renewed.

The idea came from some downtown merchants last December who noted the numerous businesses proffering various confections, which had little overlap in their products.

That began a conversation with the city’s representatives in Austin, resulting in the joint concurrent resolution, carried by Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Cole Hefner.

Those businesses include Grandma Cleda’s Gourmet Candy & Gifts, the Mineola Fudge Shop at Between Friends, Bryan’s Cheesecakes, FarmHouse Fried Pies and Sugarbakers of Mineola.

Since the resolution was drafted, Dairy Queen and the Pecan House have also come on board.

Three of the businesses were represented at Monday’s city council meeting for an official presentation, with samples provided.

Tiner explained that the designation will help bring more people to Mineola, and possibly additional similar businesses.

CONCURRENT 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The one-of-a-kind sweets shops found in downtown Mineola have made the city a popular destination for residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Mineola’s downtown has grown into a popular shopping and dining area that epitomizes the town’s abundant charm; home to unique stores, famous restaurants, and historic buildings, it is also renowned for the tasty treats made in house by several local merchants; and

WHEREAS, The community’s world-class sweets shops include Grandma Cleda’s Gourmet Candy & Gifts, the Mineola Fudge Shop at Between Friends, Bryan’s Cheesecakes, FarmHouse Fried Pies, and Sugarbakers of Mineola; between them, these establishments offer a range of pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, lemon bars, ice cream, milkshakes, malts, and peanut and pecan brittles; in addition to gaining a faithful following in the local area, Mineola’s sweets shops have been featured on television, in magazines, and in online media, and some of the businesses ship their products nationwide; and

WHEREAS, Mineola has long been renowned for special celebrations and was designated as the City of Festivals by the 72nd Texas Legislature in 1991; while such events as the May Fiesta and the Iron Horse Heritage Festival remain beloved annual traditions, the city’s stature as an epicenter for sweets stores has become an increasingly prominent draw in recent years; and

WHEREAS, The unique and delectable sweets sold in downtown Mineola have made the city a favorite among dessert lovers, and the town’s bountiful selection of sugary delights plays an important role in the culture and sense of community shared by its citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Mineola as the official Sweets Capital of Texas, replacing the city’s previous designation as the City of Festivals; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.