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Cullen's Sweets & Stuff, a popular lunch stop for downtown workers, closes its doors.
By SHARON L. BOND, Neighborhood Times Business Editor
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 2, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG -- As of Monday, no telling how many muffin-deprived, downtown workers are out there.
That is when Cullen's Sweets & Stuff, the seller of fist-sized muffins in a variety of flavors such as pineapple and chocolate chip, closed.
Owners Randy and Cindy Mills sold the building at 330 First Ave. S. As a result the business had to close, according to a letter the Millses posted on the door above their regular "CLOSED" sign. They were not immediately available for additional comment.
The Millses used the letter to thank both individual and corporate customers.
"Thank each of you for your business. You have provided us with over three years of great business and prosperity," the letter said.
Cullen's was started by Asa and Nancy Francis who sold it in March 2000 after 2 1/2 years of early morning baking and soupmaking. It was named after their grandson. The Francises also were known as downtown hot dog vendors. The sales price in the March 2000 transaction was listed as $210,000 in Pinellas County property records.
The Francises made Cullen's, which had only a few inside seats but a large takeout following, a popular breakfast and lunchtime stop for workers, a tradition the Millses continued.
In addition to the famed muffins, Cullen's sold salads, soups and sandwiches made on fresh baked bread.