Nicholasville is preparing for a new culinary destination when Sweet Elikya, a French‑style bakery, opens its doors on December 1. The shop is the brainchild of Deborah Lomama, a native of Paris who moved to Kentucky in 2019 after marrying her husband and starting a family.
From Parisian streets to Brannon Crossing
Lomama grew up in the “City of Love,” where croissants line every corner. After her daughter was born, a longing for the authentic French croissant sparked a home‑baking hobby that soon turned into a business dream. “I asked my husband, ‘I want to eat French croissant because my baby wants to eat French croissants,’” she told LEX News. “We have croissants here, but when I taste the croissant, it’s good, but I want to eat the French croissant from Paris.”
A name rooted in hope
The bakery’s name, Sweet Elikya, honors Lomama’s daughter, who survived a heart surgery as an infant. “My daughter had a heart surgery when she was born, and the doctor said she needed surgery at three months,” Lomama recalled. “She’s OK now, and I’m like, ‘OK, Sweet Elikya, sweet hope.’” The name reflects both the family’s gratitude and the bakery’s mission to bring hope through food.
Preparing for a French experience
After a trip back to France to study under a renowned pastry chef, Lomama returned to the Bluegrass with specialized skills and imported French butter—key ingredients for authentic pastries. She chose a location on East Brannon Road, directly across from the fire station, after initially considering a food truck. The space is being finished for a soft opening on Thanksgiving, followed by the official grand opening on December 1.
What Sweet Elikya will offer
Customers can expect classic French treats such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes, as well as coffee and French‑style hot chocolate. Lomama emphasizes that the bakery is not a coffee shop; the focus remains on high‑quality baked goods. “When people come in they say, ‘Oh, I am in France,’” she said, underscoring her goal to let Kentuckians experience Parisian flavor without buying a plane ticket.
Community and family focus
Sweet Elikya aims to become a gathering place for families and friends, offering a wholesome environment where children can enjoy a treat while parents appreciate the craftsmanship. The bakery’s opening aligns with a broader trend of small, family‑owned businesses enriching the local economy and providing new employment opportunities.
Stay informed
For updates on hours, menu items, and special events, residents can follow Sweet Elikya on Facebook. The bakery’s owners invite the community to celebrate the soft opening on Thanksgiving and look forward to a bustling holiday season.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
