Those who love handmade cheesecakes, pies and other baked goods now have something new and tasty to look forward to.

The Crumb Crossing Bakery will open its doors this weekend in downtown Niles.

Owners and friends Gail Hanchar and Kerri Karaszewski say it’s the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth.

“I think this area has needed a bakery and we are the only game in town for quite a ways,” Hanchar said. “We think people are going to like it.”

The new business, located inside the Four Flags Hotel at 404 E. Main St., is scheduled to be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Regular business hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

They will offer pies, creampies, cheesecakes, cookies, breads, donuts, cupcakes, muffins, strudels and more.

“Anything that is baked we will have it,” Karaszewski said.

Lunch offerings include soup, sandwiches, coffee and tea.

Patrons can purchase by the slice or the whole thing. They can also place orders both large and small by phone at (574) 210-8910 or online through the business’s Facebook page.

Hanchar said there already is a buzz building about her cheesecake.

“It has taken me years to perfect them,” she said. “They are anywhere from three to four pounds and I have over 250 flavors.”

Hanchar and Karaszewski both grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and went to the same high school (LaSalle). After falling out of touch, they reconnected several years later and became good friends.

Both share a love of baking and a desire to start something from scratch.

“I started baking for family and friends and it has grown from there,” Karaszewski said.

“I come from a long line of bakers. We are talking at least five generations,” Hanchar said. “It was inevitable that it would continue on with me. We cook.”

The two operated the business out of the Granger Farmer’s Market for three months recently before they decided to get their own place.

The Four Flags Hotel was the perfect fit for several reasons, they said. Both love Niles and remember hanging out at the Ready Theatre next door.

Hanchar also has relatives that live in Niles.

“When the Ready was open we (my kids and I) would go to Ready and my son would run circles around this archway as a child,” said Hanchar, pointing to the arch above the front door at the corner of Main and Fourth streets. “So this place had a special touch for me.”