Last summer, Tiphanie Cannon took her tremendous baking talents to the Freight House Farmers Market for the first time. As they gobbled up her delectable cupcakes, cookies and other treats, about every fourth or fifth customer begged her to open a storefront where they could get her goodies more often, all year-long.
This May, they will get their wish.
Cannon's new bakery - Oh So Sweet - will occupy the last open commercial space in the recently renovated United Cigar Building. It was the increasing momentum of energy and re-development in downtown Davenport that helped Cannon pick the space on Main Street.
"Downtown is super cool," she said. "I'm not a strip mall kind of girl. We're going for an urban chic, big city vibe."
This will be accomplished with splashy displays in the large windows lining the front of the building, as well as a variety of plush seating areas just inside the entrance. A gas fireplace, a super long counter and some other unusual touches will help make Oh So Sweet's environment unique, Cannon said.
More jobs will be coming downtown as well, with Cannon planning on hiring 9 employees to man the store. She's covering all her business bases by offering walk-in baked goods, a line of special wedding cakes, and the ability to host events like bridal and baby showers and other parties.
"We're going to be a multi-purpose bakery," she said.
Cannon also praised the business climate in Davenport, noting that the project was assisted by a $20,000, interest-free small business loan. She also recently won $1,000 in the Quad Cities Fast Pitch entrepreneur contest for taking first prize in the Restaurant/Entertainment category.
"Everyone has been so supportive and helpful," she said. "I'm really excited to get open."
