Published: December 03, 2008 10:48 pm         

New Covington shop specializes in cheesecakes

COVINGTON, Ind. — Ever since A’Mae’sing Gifts closed last spring, the lights have pretty much been out in the historic building nestled between Old National Bank and Kuppa Koffee in Covington, Ind. But behind the scenes, Leila Bird has been working fervently to transform the former gift shop to a country-style eatery specializing in cheesecakes, soups and pastries.

“I always wanted to have my own business, but this is the first time I’ve ever acted on it,” said Bird, owner of The Cottage.

Bird, a 1980 graduate of Covington High School, worked full-time as a general manager at Casey’s in Covington when she learned that the building was becoming available. After a lengthy renovation process that included putting in new ceilings and lighting, painting the walls and building the counters from scratch, The Cottage is now open for business.

“We did everything ourselves,” Bird said. “It was a little more time consuming than I thought.”

With flavors ranging from French vanilla and eggnog to pumpkin and cookies and cream, the cheesecakes at The Cottage are bound to please a variety of palates. Bird sells the cheesecakes both by the slice and as whole cakes, and will mix and match flavors if desired. So far, key lime and sugar-free pumpkin have been the best selling flavors. She also sells soups and pastries, and drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

“I will have Italian sodas, too. They’re a healthier alternative to pop,” Bird said and added, “I anticipate making my own bread as well. I want to have a collage of different things.”

In addition to the food and drinks, The Cottage sells candles, wreaths and other home accents from a Covington business called Leaves and Petals. “I’m really excited about being able to put their stuff in here,” Bird said.

Amy Wright, secretary of the Covington Business Association said she has taken her sons to The Cottage for cheesecake several times and thinks the café makes a nice complement to the other eateries in town.

“She’s got her own special things. And her pricing is really reasonable, so even if you went to Generations Café or Kuppa Koffee for lunch, you can go (to The Cottage) for dessert,” Wright said.

Wright also was impressed with Bird’s makeover of the building.

“It’s beautiful; she’s made a lot of neat changes. I think people will be surprised when they walk in there. It’s very homey.”

The Cottage had a low-key opening during the Apple Fest and news about the place spread mainly by word of mouth. Bird still is working on some of the décor and tweaking the menu, but after leaving her job at Casey’s recently to focus all her energy on The Cottage, she felt geared up and ready to open up shop.

“(The response) has been really positive. The drawback is that I’m not really visible from the street, so a lot of people don’t know I’m open,” she said about the location at 411 Washington St.

“I hope she (Bird) does well,” Wright said. “She knows a lot of people from Casey’s and with the cheesecakes she’s got a unique business for this area. I encourage people to give it a try and give her a chance to introduce herself. I know she’s trying to get to know people.”

IF YOU GO

The Cottage is located at 411 Washington St. next to Kuppa Koffee in Covington, Ind. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday. Call owner Leila Bird at (765) 793-2273 for questions and to make special orders.