A new store is opening Friday in (near) Market Square. They have greek pastries, italian desserts, good chocolates and various coffee drinks. It's in the space on Union, between Market Square and Gay, where the cigar place used to be.

A nice young man is the owner/operator. He and his girlfriend were stocking shelves and arranging displays tonight. They were even nice enough to sell a tired lawyer two cannolis to take home, even if they weren't officially open. I recognized the nice young man from his previous store. You may not recognize him, but if you've ever had the pleasure of a wonderful pizza or sandwich at Harby's out on Walker Blvd., you've probably met his dad...Mr. Harb. The chocolate and coffee shop operated for a time next door to Harby's. Now, they've moved downtown. Give 'em a try.

Noted opera stars Andy and Karen Wentzel have opened a Cuppy's coffeee franchise on Chapman Highway close to downtown, across from the Wendy's. It's very convenienient for commuters heading into downtown.

To celebrate their first day of business they are offering free small drinks today (Thursday). They offer smoothies as well and the exit is located at a traffic light if you want to stop by on the way home. In the future they will offer pastries baked by Vera of the Smoky Mountain Greek Deli fame.

I hope a coffee afficianado will go by and offer up a report. I had a smoothie and it was pretty good. No, I didn't ask if they took P-cards.