We were lucky to catch up with Justinne Whichard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justinne, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Starting Sticky Fingers Cafe was driven by a deep desire to create something special for the community. Growing up in a bakery, I always knew I wanted to bring that sense of warmth, care, and delicious food to my own space. Lago Vista was missing a cozy, inviting place where people could enjoy homemade pastries, good coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. I saw an opportunity to fill that gap.

The journey began with finding a location that had potential. After weeks of planning and renovating, we transformed it into a cafe that reflected the vibe I envisioned—warm, welcoming, and full of character.

The next step was creating a menu that reflected my love for baking and cooking—something unique yet familiar. All our food is made from scratch using family recipes and only the best all-natural ingredients. We focus on healthy options without compromising on flavor, ensuring that every bite is both delicious and nourishing.

Opening the cafe wasn’t just about running a business; it was about fulfilling a need and building a space where people could connect. From day one, the support from the community confirmed we were on the right path. Sticky Fingers Cafe became not just a business, but a place where people felt at home.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the Founder and Culinary Visionary behind Sticky Fingers Cafe, a place born from my lifelong passion for food and my desire to create something truly special for the Lago Vista community. Growing up in my mother’s bakery, Rustika Cafe and Bakery, I learned early on the power of delicious, homemade food and the joy of sharing it with others. That experience shaped my path, and eventually, I knew I wanted to open my own cafe — a place that blended creativity, comfort, and community.

At Sticky Fingers Cafe, we provide a range of freshly made, wholesome food and drinks. Our menu includes a variety of delicious pastries, lots of bakery items, wholesome meals, and specialty coffees, all crafted from scratch using family recipes and the finest all-natural ingredients. We focus on offering healthy options that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re stopping by for a light breakfast, a comforting lunch, or just a delicious cookie or pastry, everything we serve is made with care, love, and attention to detail.

What sets Sticky Fingers apart is our commitment to quality and community. We believe in using only the best ingredients, and we take pride in making everything in-house, from our pastries to our sauces. But what makes Sticky Fingers Cafe truly special is the atmosphere we’ve created — it’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a space where people can gather, connect, and feel at home. Our cafe has become a local hub, a place where regulars come to relax, share a meal, and make memories.

I’m most proud of the strong community we’ve built around Sticky Fingers. Watching our customers enjoy our food, seeing their faces light up when they try something new, and knowing that we’re a part of their daily lives brings me immense satisfaction. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome and valued.

For me, Sticky Fingers Cafe is a dream realized, and every day, I strive to make it even better. I want people to know that we’re committed to quality, to the community, and to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. My passion for food and the people we serve is what drives me, and I’m excited to continue growing, evolving, and making Sticky Fingers a place that people can always count on for great food and a great experience.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the community has been a combination of several key factors: consistency, quality, and genuine connection with the people we serve.

First and foremost, consistency in the quality of our food has been essential. From day one, I made it a priority to ensure that everything we serve — from our pastries and bakery items to our meals — is made from scratch with the best all-natural ingredients. Customers know they can always count on us for fresh, delicious, and healthy food, which has helped build trust.

Secondly, staying true to our values and building relationships with the community has been crucial. Sticky Fingers isn’t just a cafe; it’s a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect. We’ve built a loyal customer base by creating a welcoming atmosphere where people feel like they belong. By being involved in the community and offering a space that people enjoy visiting regularly, we’ve become more than just a business to many of our customers.

Lastly, word of mouth has been a huge part of our success. We’ve been fortunate to receive positive feedback from our customers, and that has naturally helped spread the word. When people feel cared for and enjoy the experience we provide, they share that with others.

All of these elements have helped establish Sticky Fingers Cafe as a beloved spot in Lago Vista, and I continue to focus on maintaining the high standards and relationships that got us here.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey with Sticky Fingers Cafe came during the early planning stages. Initially, I envisioned a traditional bakery that focused primarily on sweets and pastries, much like the bakery I grew up in. But as I connected with the community in Lago Vista, I realized there was a greater need for something more—a place where people could not only grab a treat but also enjoy a healthy, homemade meal, a cup of coffee, or a space to gather with family and friends.

This realization forced me to pivot and expand my vision. I shifted from thinking solely about a bakery to creating a full cafe experience. I reworked the business plan, redesigned the menu to include savory options and meals, and adjusted the layout of the space to make it more inviting for people to stay, relax, and connect.

The change wasn’t easy—it meant more planning, higher costs, and stepping out of my comfort zone. But in hindsight, it was the best decision I could have made. That pivot transformed Sticky Fingers Cafe from just another bakery into a community hub where people come not just for food but for connection.

This experience taught me the importance of listening to your audience and being flexible enough to adapt when needed. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from stepping back, reevaluating, and pivoting in a direction you hadn’t initially planned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Stickyfingerscafe.com
• Instagram: stickyfingerscafe.lv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stickyfingerscafelv
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/sticky-fingers-cafe-lago-vista