Break Bread at the Olive Press Café
Image: courtesy dainty pear
For years, Sarah Clark’s life has been a beautiful balancing act. Even as a busy mother of five, she has a knack for turning her passions into community treasures. What started as a small, hand-stamped jewelry business in 2014 has blossomed into a beloved local lifestyle brand and boutique in Midway, called the Dainty Pear. Now, Clark is bringing her love for whole foods and family gatherings to life in a physical space: the Olive Press Café.
A passion for quality ingredients and shared meals is the foundation of her entire brand. “We are totally foodies; we love food,” says Clark. Her love for cooking and baking naturally guided her to shift her focus from jewelry to food. She believes that mealtime is about more than just eating; it’s about connection. This philosophy led her to create two cookbooks, Grounded: Feel-Good, Real Food and Grounded: Holidays. With a highly anticipated third cookbook on the way this fall, Clark continues to inspire families to make moments at home more intentional.
If you’ve driven through Midway recently, you’ve likely noticed the beautifully remodeled, former “All That Stuff in the Barn” building. In February 2025, the Dainty Pear transformed this local landmark into a sophisticated space featuring a curated selection of products, including its own branded olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and gourmet essentials. The Olive Press Café is housed in a milking barn from the 1800s with original ceiling timbers, located behind the Dainty Pear storefront.
“We just knew it had to be restored to what it was,” explains Clark. “I thought it would be such a grounding experience to have a meal under this piece of history.”
Clark refuses to compromise on quality in every aspect. She regularly travels to Italy, Spain, and France to personally handpick the best vendors. Every single item on the shelves is chosen to help people elevate their everyday gatherings. The Olive Press Café is a charming spot to meet with friends; nosh on delicious soups, sandwiches, burgers, and salads made with whole-food ingredients; and experience the heart of Clark’s lifestyle brand in person.
“All the kids love coming to help out; it’s been such fun family time, and they are learning a lot,” she says. “There are little nods to all of our kids throughout the shop and café. We have menu items with the boys’ names, and the shop was named after our first daughter’s nickname—they are kind of Easter eggs because I have never shared their names on social media.”
The obvious reference is Sarah’s Smash Burger, a double patty, topped with pepper jack and house Boursin cheeses and jalapeño raspberry jam on a fresh brioche bun. Other popular menu items include gelato, a classic French jambon beurre sandwich, summer berry salad, avocado toast, and a hot honey and chipotle chicken sandwich.
Whether you are looking for a bottle of imported olive oil, seeking inspiration for your next family dinner, or simply wanting to enjoy a fresh meal in a beautiful setting, add the Olive Press Café to your rotation. 152 W 100 N, Midway