EMPORIUM'S AROMA BAKERY & CAFE OPEN
Business striving to offer unique atmosphere, menu
By James Moate Endeavor News

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce members (from left) Tina Johns and Dawn Zimmer helped Mary Kay McLean celebrate the grand opening Aroma Cafe & Bakery Tuesday. The business, now open in downtown Emporium, is on the web at aromabakeryandcafe.weebly.com

Emporium's newest business, Aroma Bakery & Café, opened its doors on Tuesday after several weeks of building renovation and planning. It's located in the heart of the downtown business district in the former Puffs tobacco outlet building. Leslie Franceus is business manager and cook of Aroma, which is owned by Mary Kay McLean.

Homemade soups and pastries provide a timeless tradition that complements modern services, such as wireless internet access and big-screen TV.

"We're striving to create an experience that's unequaled," said Franceus, "We really tried to just kick it up a notch."

The operators set out to create a gathering place that is comfortable for customers. Early reviews are positive. "I love that there's a place like this where I can come in and sit, play my guitar and have something to eat," said local musician Cyle Strahl.

"People are welcome to come in and just sit and relax if they want to," Franceus confirmed. "There aren't too many businesses where you can actually do that."

Offering foods with communitybased names such as Cameron County Kick'n Chick'n Tenders, Red Raider Roast Beef, and the Baguba Burger, Aroma caters to a local crowd but is also a welcome location for visitors passing through Emporium.

Franceus has introduced several dining options that are not commonly found in small town eateries, including hummus, a Mediterranean dip made with several vegetables and spices, and the cook's own homemade roasted pepper soup.

Extended operating hours also make Aroma unique: Monday through Wednesday, 6 am until 10 pm; Thursday, 6 am until 11pm; Friday and Saturday, 6 am to midnight.

Franceus said free delivery service will soon be available.

A small "gathering room" is available for meetings and private parties, with seating for about 40.

Laptop computers hooked to the internet are available to the public.

Aroma is planning a reservations-only, nonalcoholic New Year's Eve party and a New Year's Day banquet.

Aroma Bakery and Café, a non-smoking facility, can be reached by phone at 486-7662 or email at aromabakeryandcafe@yahoo.com.