By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
In 2023, when Amanda Prather and her family were invited by an extended family member from the Carolinas to come and check out life in the Southeast, she did not know what to expect. They knew they wanted out of California, and soon found that a place that was welcoming and friendly to their values was waiting for them in North Alabama. They bought Mimzie’s from the previous owner, and set out to “add to” a place that welcomed its customers in the same way they had been welcomed to Rogersville. The newest addition to the Mimzie’s line-up is ready-to-go flowers, and more on that in a minute.
Amanda is a self-described “jack-of-all-trades,” having done everything from working with horses and equine therapy to being a veterinarian tech to hospitality to 30 years in the florist industry. She loves it all, and knew that if they were going to run Mimzie’s, somehow she was going to have to get her “flower fix” and bring it to the shop for others.
When you walk into Mimzie’s, you have the feeling that someone just opened their front door and said, “Come on in and rest yourself.” Amanda loves peacocks, and they show up in the shop often. The furniture (most of which is for sale) is eclectic, and there are all kinds of whimsical, dear, and at times laugh-out-loud-funny wall hangings throughout. You can also have a consignment booth within Mimzie’s, if you so desire. There are books to read while you sample the wares, and if Amanda and her crew have an actual moment, they’ll sit down with you and will genuinely want to know how your day is going. More than likely, after your first visit, they will know and use your name, greet you when you come in, and say, “Bye, hon,” when you leave. I always enjoy getting the chance to deliver the latest edition of Athens Now during business hours for that very reason.
Let’s talk first about the food and beverages. At the time of this writing, it was pretty chilly in North Alabama, so being able to get something hot was just the ticket. In the world of coffee, there is everything imaginable—lattes, mochas, hot chocolate, et al, and seasonal drinks such as pumpkin spice or cranberry white chocolate mochas. If you are in the market for just-plain-ground-on-the-spot coffee with all the fixin’s, it’s yours. Continuing on with what will warm you up, there are soups du jour, homemade chili, kolaches that are stuffed with sausage, cheese, and if you like, some jalapeños. They also have sweet kolaches from time to time. There are artisan breads, such as rosemary and sourdough, as well as quick breads, such as lemon and banana nut, along with muffins, cookies, and cupcakes.
Cinnamon rolls are made by Dutch Oven Bakery in Falkville, and custom waffles are served piping hot. Amanda has taken a frittata and turned it into a sandwich, and please understand, “This is not fast food,” she said. However, you are able to place an order online or by phone, and come to the shop to pick it up for take-out. They also use Door Dash if you would like it delivered to your home. Cookies, cakes, strawberry pretzel salad, are all yours, and then, there is Baked By Logan, which is Logan Easterling’s custom in-house “cakery.”
One of their signature offerings is the chicken salad, which can be served as part of a sandwich on fresh-baked bread, a salad, or as a scoop with crackers on the side. The chicken salad has grapes, pecans, some secret ingredients, and just the right amount of mayo.
And now for the flowers. Mimzie’s is going to feature fresh, made-in-the-shop, ready-to-go flower arrangements that you can get out of one of the recently installed coolers. These are florist grade arrangements, which are just better all the way around than those you find for a “bargain” in a super-market. Amanda wanted to emphasize that Mimzie’s is not going to become a florist in the traditional sense. Based on the idea of “designer’s choice,” quality floral arrangements will be available at a fair price. Mimzie’s will SELECTIVELY do special orders on a very limited basis. They are also offering SOME delivery service through Door Dash. Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and Mimzie’s will be ready with savory warmth, home-baked sweetness, and beautiful flowers all in one place in Rogersville, Alabama. Come by today and “taste and see.” And, be prepared to leave with a full heart, a full tummy, some beautiful flowers, and a “Bye, hon.”
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
