It's almost been one week since the re-opening of a downtown Erie bakery. One with a signature banana-chocolate and peanut butter pastry by the baker. But there's more to the menu, and the story of this female-owned operation.

A crowd of sweet treat lovers helped fill the inside of Cafe 7-10 for its re-opening  on January 7th at 10:00 a.m.

It's the birthdate of Thelma Blanks' mother, Maybelline, who taught her to cook and bake. 7/10 is also Thelma's birthday.

She's the baker of all pastries sold to the public, and prepared right inside the expanded business, located at: 7 West 10th Street in downtown Erie.

"We are seeing something really interesting downtown," said Emily Fetcko, EDDC. "We have seen more women-owned businesses, female-led businesses, very specific and small radius of downtown."

Cafe 7-10 originally opened in 2019. Thelma's daughter, Mabel Howard, had the idea, and her mom - got on board with a menu.

"Sweet potato pie, 7-Up pound cake, and then a rotation of brownies with my specialty, the brookie—which is a brownie cookie," said Mable. 

It's showcased after some storefront challenges over the past few years, and work to expand with who Mabel calls a supportive landlord.

Situated between Five Iron Golf and the Erie Playhouse, the hope is that Cafe 7-10 brings people together through homemade desserts

"Great things happening because great people are meeting each other and wanting to make a difference in the community," said Mabel. 

Right now, Cafe 7-10 is open Monday through Saturday from 7:10 a.m. until 7:10 p.m.

But Mabel—the owner—says she hopes to partner with the Erie Playhouse on performance nights, and every Tuesday, Poetry Nights will be held, starting at 6:00 p.m.