New Northwoods Common Café Has Quickly Created a Following

Whenever a new restaurant or bakery opens in town, the news usually travels fast.

Depending on how good the food is, and whether or not the owners create an inviting atmosphere, that initial word of mouth can often make or break the business. 

Judging by the early returns on Elizabeth’s Gourmet Delights, a café and bakery that opened in Northwood Commons last Saturday, the future looks very bright for owners Jim and Elizabeth Nelson. 

“The community has been terrific,” said Elizabeth, a native of Cameroon who moved to Tampa 15 years ago. “We’ve only been open for five days, and we’ve already had the same customers come back every single day.” 

“The community has been great,” Jim concurred. “We were a little nervous coming from Tampa, but so far the reception has been terrific."

The Nelsons, both former professionals in the business world, began making their gourmet treats, such as artisan breads and unique Linzer cookies, and selling them at markets in Tampa about two years ago. 

The strong positive reaction to their products, which are all-natural and baked fresh on site daily, led them to look for a storefront, and a close friend led them to the Clearwater strip center.

Despite the anxiety over moving away from their customer base, the Nelsons made the move, and so far they haven’t regretted it one bit.

“It was a big decision to come to a neighborhood where we didn’t know anybody and they didn’t know us,” Elizabeth Nelson said. “But it looked like a wonderful area ... and it was almost like it was meant to be.”

Now the Nelsons hope that their reputation will start to grow on this side of the bay. 

Judging from some of the comments from customers who were there on a recent Thursday afternoon that is already happening. 

“I had a scone here yesterday and I almost died — in a good way,” said Beth Maxie, of Safety Harbor. 

“She brought me a carrot cake muffin that I would have defended with my life,” Maxie’s husband, Bruce Gotts, added. “This place could be hazardous to my health.”

Elizabeth's Gourmet Delights

Address: 2454 N. McMullen Booth Road

Phone: 727-712-2222

Hours: Tue - Sat, 7am - 6pm; Sun, 8am - 2pn; Mon, closed