That's as the Eastside Bakery marks its first week at 1501 Harrison Street. It's the latest addition in a revival to renew a vintage business district.
The area between St. Ambrose University and Palmer College is becoming more of a destination than just a throughway to downtown.
Success smells sweet for its newest business.
Nikki La Tray is really mixing it up in the Hilltop Campus Village on Wednesday.
"It's exciting," she said.
And that's just the way she likes it. Nikki moved her Eastside Bakery just last week. She's already tripled her daily business.
"It's just the sense of community," she said. "Just going home to what was already there."
That's food for thought in this rediscovered business district. She's the latest to make the move to the Hilltop. A grocery store, apartments, photo studio and credit union are among the recent additions already in place or soon to open.
Customers are already flocking to the bakery to try the handmade sweet treats and pizza.
"I think they put more personal taste into it," said customer Joe Getz, Davenport.
"They've done a lot of nice things here to bring business back," added customer Linda Getz.
The bakery offers a touch of nostalgia with an eye on the future. It's all about defining the Hilltop Campus Village.
"It becomes kind of a landmark for everybody," said Scott Tunnicliff, Hilltop Campus Village director. "You've got a series of destination points."
Nikki La Tray is ready to make the most of this opportunity.
"The neighborhood people are so happy I'm here," she said.
She's offering old-fashioned service with her crowd-pleasing selections.
"I just want them to love the food," she concluded.
It's a business plan for success in the Hilltop Campus Village.
Eastside Bakery is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. It offers everything from pastries to pizzas. (563) 323-1475