Case of goodies Bev Frushour, left, manager and baker/chef, and Cindy Reinke, owner, offer a variety of baked goods, along with a lunch menu, at the Porcupine Truffle in Flora. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald Flora has a new bakery/café at 21 South Center Street.

Cindy Reinke of Flora is the owner, and Bev Frushour of Camden is manager and baker/chef.

They specialize in pastries and other baked items, sandwiches, soup, and salads.

"Everything is baked right here," Bev said.

Besides all the baked goods available, all the sandwiches are served on homemade bread.

In decorating, they left some of the flavor of former occupants - Julius Clothing Store, The Brown Suit, and Jamp Sales. The café still has the high ceiling of embossed tin, hardwood floors, and the long wall of display cases.

"We've lightened the place up," Bev said. The walls have a fresh coat of paint, and chandeliers now replace the old fluorescent lights.

Bev painted a mural near the front door, depicting a tree and porcupines.

Former clothing store is bakery/café The Porcupine Truffle in Flora will have its grand opening June 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald "We also added a whole new kitchen," Bev said.

The bakery case is an immediate draw for those with a sweet tooth. They vary the "sweets," so there are always surprises.

Proven to be popular are the fruit-flavored scones, raspberry cream cheese coffee cake, and butter pecan fudge, to name a few. Other baked items are cookies, muffins, pies, and namesake delicacies - the porcupine truffle and porcupine paw.

Bev describes the porcupine truffle as a smooth and creamy chocolate confection with sprinkles on top. Cindy said she got the recipe while visiting in Brazil.

"We Americanized the name," she added.

Cindy said the porcupine paw is like the candy better known as a "turtle."

People can come in through the week for a pastry or muffin and a cup of coffee, but breakfast is served only on Saturdays. Cindy said they feature a Saturday special, such as breakfast casserole or oven baked French toast.

For lunch, they offer one or two kinds of sandwiches, one or two soups, and salad or fruit cup. All the sandwiches come with tortilla chips and salsa.

The ladies said the ham and turkey clubs have been especially popular. Other examples are meatball subs, chicken salad, and Italian beef. The soups also vary according to the day, and include broccoli cheddar, cheesy baked potato, and minestrone.

Their blended drinks include locally roasted specialty coffee, chai tea, and fruit smoothies.

The café seats 30. Cindy said groups and birthday parties are welcome, but they appreciate advance notice.

Cindy added that they take orders for all-occasion cakes, sugar-free and gluten-free baked goods, and other items.

As an added benefit, the bakery/café has free wireless Internet.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon. Their daily menu is posted on an outside chalkboard. Cindy said they are working on a website that will showcase what they offer and will give their weekly menu.

The two ladies say they have a passion for baking and cooking. Bev has been a food service director for 30 years, working for corporations and restaurants. Cindy has a degree in consumer and family sciences and taught at Carroll Jr.-Sr. High School. She said teaching the culinary arts class influenced her to open the bakery.

Their grand opening will be June 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with door prizes and free samples.