GRANITE QUARRY — A new store in town hits the sweet spot.

Knead Sweets, formerly Downtown Donuts in Salisbury, will have a soft opening beginning at 7 a.m. today.

Owner and operator Amber Fowler said she’s excited to see old customers and meet new ones. The store is at 910 N. Salisbury GQ Ave. in Granite Quarry, next to Pro Nails and Slice of Heaven Pizza.

While a disagreement with former landlords resulted in the abrupt closure and relocation of Downtown Donuts in January, Fowler said she’s happier with the new location. The interior of Knead Sweets is open and homey, decorated with hand-stained wood counters and comfortable chairs and couches. The store even has a drive-thru window, which Fowler plans to make full use of.

“I’m very, very happy with this location,” she said.

Despite the move, Fowler said many of her old customers have remained loyal and frequently check in on the new store’s progress through social media.

“I’m very thankful for that,” she said.

In addition to her popular yeast doughnut, Fowler plans to sell breads, homemade pastries using Bill’s Pastries recipes, coffee and, eventually, cakes decorated with buttercream icing.

But she’s not just in it for the baking — Fowler also hopes to make the store a true community feature. She’s in talks about hosting a monthly cruise-in in the large parking lot in front of the store, and she has dreams of hosting a farmers market for residents of East Rowan County.

The store is also perfect for a book club, Bible study group or teen hangout, she said.

“You know, it’ll be a fun place for even teenagers to hang out,” she said. “A fun place for all ages is what I want it to feel like.”

Fowler plans to sell fresh produce, eggs and McCombs pimento cheese. Eventually, she hopes to have a griddle to fry up bacon and sausage for biscuits.

“But not right now,” she said with a chuckle. “We’ve got to get our feet on the ground.”

The soft opening will run today and Saturday, then Monday through Wednesday. The store will open each morning at 7, but Fowler said closing time will depend on customer traffic. A limited menu will be available during the soft opening.

The real party starts July 21 with the store’s grand opening. Knead Sweets will open at 7 a.m., and Fowler has fun and activities planned throughout the day. The first 25 customers will receive a free glazed doughnut, and anyone who orders a dozen will get free popcorn.

The store will offer free samples throughout the day.

At 4 p.m., the fun begins with free face-painting for youngsters, free firetruck rides, a cruise-in and a magic show that will begin at 7 p.m. At 9 p.m., a free outdoor movie is planned, weather permitting.

Most of all, Fowler and husband, Chris, are just ready to get started on their next venture.

“We’re just really excited about this place,” she said.

Contact reporter Rebecca Rider at 704-797-4264.