The newest dining option in downtown Augusta is known as The Mustard Seed, a sandwich and panini shop, which opened March 16. Owners Tonya and Shane Scott felt the town needed more restaurants to eat at.

“We are residents of Augusta, and we are always trying to find more dining options for our town,” Shane said.

The Mustard Seed offers a variety of cold and hot sandwiches and paninis, as well as soup and salad. Options such as small treats and drinks are available as well.

“We also have cookies, including gluten-free options,” Shane said. “Flavored fresh ground organic coffee and hot herbal teas are on the menu as well.” 

The meals at The Mustard Seed come with a choice of a side and a pickle spear. Prices for meals range from $8-$10.

“Our available sides are chips, macaroni and cheese and potato salad or upgrade to a side salad or cup of soup for $1.50,” Shane said.

Junior Lizzie Johnston had one of the shop’s specialty items while there.

“I had the Kansas Cuban the other day with chicken, ham, swiss cheese, jalapeno honey mustard and pickles, and it was an amazing sandwich,” Johnston said.

When creating the idea for the new restaurant, Tonya and Shane went through the challenges of opening up in such a small town. They used their beliefs to create the best name for the shop.

“The restaurant business is extremely hard, especially in a small town,” Shane said. “However, we have faith in our hometown, so we got the name from Matthew 17:20 ‘Having faith as little as a mustard seed.’

The only Mustard Seed’s location is in the small town of Augusta, but the Scott’s own other restaurants in town.

“We do not have any other Mustard Seed locations yet, as we have not ruled out the idea to have others,” Shane said. “Although, we do own Sugar Shane’s Cafe in Augusta as well.”

Johnston is glad the town is working to grow the food choices for everyone to enjoy.

“I was really getting bored with just the basic Sonic and McDonald’s,” Johnston said. “I think adding another restaurant with different options than a cheeseburger was much needed for the town.”

The owners have plans to grow the downtown area over the next few years with places for everyone to enjoy.

“We are hoping to bring more options to Augusta in the upcoming months and years,” Shane said. “Our vision is to build downtown Augusta into a destination district with more shopping and dining options.”