The Wick in Celina, Texas: Where Fresh Flavors & Community Come Together

Key Takeaways:

• Locally Owned and Operated: Cleve and Kim Wickliffe, Celina locals, transformed their successful Swirls Bakery into The Wick to fulfill their dream of a full-service restaurant.

• Scratch-Made Goodness: From fluffy cinnamon rolls to fresh-baked sandwich breads, every dish is made from scratch with natural, locally sourced ingredients.

• Signature Offerings: Famous cinnamon rolls, hearty breakfast tacos, Wagyu beef chili, focaccia pizza, and innovative cocktails are menu standouts.

• Community Focus: The Wick partners with local businesses, supports community events, hosts live music, and regularly participates in charity drives.

• Charming Atmosphere: Housed in a historic home, The Wick offers cozy indoor seating and a welcoming patio, decorated seasonally for an extra touch of warmth.

A Story Rooted in Community and Passion

Cleve and Kim’s journey began with a simple idea: Cleve believed he could create a better cinnamon roll than any chain could offer. After reconnecting post-high school, the couple opened Swirls Bakery in 2020. As their loyal following grew, so did their ambitions. In 2024, they rebranded and expanded into The Wick, a full-service cafe that combines bakery favorites with hearty breakfast and lunch dishes.

Cleve leads the kitchen with a lifetime passion for baking and recipe innovation, while Kim manages operations with her expertise in retail and marketing—creating a team dynamic that shines in every aspect of the restaurant.

A Menu Full of Comfort and Creativity

At The Wick, everything is made fresh daily with a commitment to quality and innovation. Highlights include:

• Cinnamon Rolls: The star of the show, these fluffy, moist rolls come in variations like pecan-topped and cookies & cream.

• Breakfast Tacos: Served with scratch-made salsa, featuring buttery tortillas, thick-cut bacon, and roasted potatoes—with the option to upgrade to their famous candied bacon.

• Lunch Favorites: Think roast beef sandwiches on house-made pretzel bread, creamy tomato soup, Wagyu beef chili, and veggie-loaded focaccia pizza.

• Seasonal Specials: From Wicked Cobb Salad to Frito Pie and Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls, the menu constantly evolves with the seasons.

Menu prices range from $10 to $16, offering generous portions at an excellent value.

Sips and Spirits

The Wick also features a full coffee and cocktail bar. Their custom-blended coffee beans come from Fourteen Eighteen Coffee Roasters in McKinney, highlighting notes of vanilla, chocolate, and citrus. Coffee lovers will appreciate specialty brews and “boozy coffees” like the Tipsy Cow.

On the cocktail side, guests can enjoy signature drinks like the Espresso Martini, Blackberry Basil Smash, or seasonal specialties like the Sparkling Blueberry Cosmo. Weekly promotions like $5 Mimosa Mondays and BOGO coffee days keep the drink menu exciting and accessible.

Deep Community Roots

The Wick isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a hub for Celina’s community life. They actively support local businesses, host spirit nights for schools, organize charity drives like Toys for Tots, and even partner with local pet adoption agencies.

Live music on the patio, painting workshops, holiday-themed breakfasts with beloved characters, and themed drink events help make The Wick a true centerpiece for Celina’s growing community.

A Full-Service Experience

Guests can enjoy dine-in service, curbside pickup, online ordering through ToastTab, catering, and private event hosting. Private parties are fully customizable, including food, decor, and music options. Gift cards, merchandise, and a rewards program (Wicked Rewards) add even more reasons to keep coming back.

Conclusion

The Wick has successfully combined a love for scratch-made comfort food, community engagement, and warm hospitality into one unforgettable destination. Whether you’re craving a legendary cinnamon roll, a handcrafted cocktail, or simply a welcoming place to connect, The Wick offers an experience as rich and satisfying as the dishes they serve. If you’re visiting Celina, or lucky enough to live nearby, The Wick is a must-visit gem that perfectly captures the spirit of this thriving Texas town.

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