Derek and Marcie Williams are the new owners of Blake’s Café & Cupcakery in Green.

Photo courtesy of Blake’s Café and Cupcakery

New owners Marcie and Derek Williams say they will focus on fresh ingredients and superior customer service.

“We want our customers to appreciate Blake’s not only for the food, desserts and coffee, but also as an ideal place to meet for business meetings, after-school study groups and clubs, and socializing with friends,” said Derek Williams. “We offer free wireless Internet, a large flat-screen TV by the fireplace and a private area that can be reserved for meetings.”

The menu includes gourmet cupcakes and specialty coffees; sandwiches such as the Mediterranean chicken wrap made with homemade tzatzki sauce or Marcie William’s version of a Pig in a Blanket (a BBQ pork wrap made with homemade coleslaw); fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella salads; soups; and fresh-baked items in gift baskets.

“I’ve been working with a barista who trained professionally in Seattle to learn the true art of creating the perfect cup of coffee,” said Marcie.

The cupcakes include the Little Red Corvette, a traditional red velvet cupcake with a tangy cream cheese icing; the Ohio Buckeye, a rich chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter center and a smooth chocolate ganache topping; and the Caramel by the Sea, a caramel cake with a caramel swirled butter cream icing sprinkled lightly with sea salt.

“All of our cupcakes and icings are made from scratch using only real butter, cream, sugar, eggs and the highest quality chocolates,” said Marcie Williams. 

In addition, live music will be presented every second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8 p.m.

An official grand opening will take place May 9, with several special events and offers planned throughout the week and after. Blake’s hours of operation are weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Garden center to open, Fresh Market planned

GREEN — Paramount Gardens and Figaro Farms’ Fresh Market soon will open to the public at its new location, 3912 Cottage Grove Road.

The garden center will offer hanging baskets, container stock, herbs, annuals and perennials, evergreens, shade and ornamental trees, topiaries, as well as garden-related items, according to owner Andy Figley.

“We are moving from the old site on Turkeyfoot Lake Road, but keeping it as a supply site for the landscaping business,” Figley explained.

The Turkeyfoot Lake Road site will house Wood, Rock and Earth, containing the mulch, soil and other materials the company sells.

Produce for the Fresh Market, which is scheduled to open in late summer or early fall, will include vegetables grown on the 70-acre farm behind the store. Those items will include sweet corn, which occupies half the acreage, and other items such as cantaloupe, watermelon, onions, zucchini, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beets, potatoes, beans and more.

“What we offer is grown in fields right behind the store,” said Figley. “It’s a garden in your own backyard. Our produce is really fresh because we pick it that day and we do not have to ship it anywhere.”

Figley added that peaches, brought in from Fredericksburg in Wayne County, also will be sold at the market.

He also hopes to offer cooking tips and recipes for the produce sold at the Fresh Market.

“We hope to present some cooking demonstrations and invite patrons to share their favorite recipes,” Figley said.

The site will continue to host the Figaro Farm Festival in late September through early November.

For more information, call Figley at (330) 697-4229.

Hartville Elevator celebrating 100th anniversary

HARTVILE — Hartville Elevator Co. Inc. will celebrate its 100th anniversary with several events and product specials.

The company, begun in 1909 by William Royer and which is now a full-line feed dealer for several national and regional brands, sells petroleum products for use as heating or fuel, as well as pond management products and lawn and garden supplies.

The company offers friendly and knowledgeable staff, quality products and fair prices, according to the company.

Hartville Elevator Co. will host an open house July 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in honor of its anniversary. The company also will participate in Pets on Prospect July 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Evening in the Village Dec. 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.