The Downtown Perk and Dessert Oasis, which was opened by owners David and Lisa Lee in 2008, recently closed their establishment temporarily due to renovations, which took place during the week of Sept. 16-25.

The eatery not only installed new lighting with signage, but they also rearranged the tables and chairs, so now there is more seating available in the back room as well as in the front room. Their menu has also changed, with an array of options for individuals to choose from. Additionally, they expanded their kitchen, and there is now free Wi-Fi.

Since the construction to the popular dining spot went underway, Ashland locals have responded positively to the changes.

“They definitely love it; I haven’t had anybody say that they don’t,” the manager of the Downtown Perk, Liz Heffner said. ”It looks more professional in here; the lighting made a huge difference. The menus look more clean-cut, and we organized things a little bit better.”

The new menu items, which feature gourmet flatbreads, an array of salad options and more, will not leave individuals feeling hungry. Heffner noted her favorite item on the menu.

“I would say the fig and prosciutto flatbread; it is unique, with a fig spread, prosciutto ham, goat cheese and fresh arugula on top,” Heffner said. “It is delicious. You can’t really get it anywhere else in town.”

Heffner says what makes the Downtown Perk unique is their emphasis on customer service, and treating all individuals like family.

“You definitely get the personal touch; if you are here enough, [employees] usually end up learning your name and what you get to eat and drink,” Heffner said. “They remember who you are, which is very different than your average Starbucks.”

Ashland University 2016 graduate, Julianna Hritz, has visited the Downtown Perk since the fall of 2012. She regularly visits the eatery at least once a week, where her homemade scones are sold.

Heffner, who initially reached out to Hritz asking if she wanted to sell her baked goods at the shop, discovered her baking business, Vines Bakery, on social media.

Growing up watching the Food Network, inspired by world-famous chefs Emeril Lagasse and Julia Child, Hritz wanted to be able to create delicious treats and make people happy as well someday.

So, Hritz took her dream and ran, and began selling her scones at the Ashland farmer’s market on Claremont Ave. for two summers. People within the community encouraged her to take her love of baking one step further. She created a website, and since then, has expanded into a full-time business, selling everything from bread to cakes, cookies and scones.

“I have never been much into cupcakes or cake; when I was little and got a birthday cake, I preferred ice cream cake or tiramisu,” Hritz said. “I have always gravitated towards smaller pastries, where you can change up the flavor.”

Selling for $3.50 a piece, Hritz’ scones include everything from blackberry basil ricotta, cherry almond and more, with seasonal flavors available as well.

After discovering a recipe that Hritz says “has a really nice texture to it, and is much more moist than your traditional British scone,” she is very open to experimenting in the kitchen, and says the Downtown Perk allows her to have that creative freedom.

“The staff at Downtown Perk are so kind and helpful, so I’m very thankful that they have given me the opportunity to bake for them,” Hritz said. “I love Downtown Perk obviously, so to have my friends and people that I love go and buy something that I baked is a pretty cool feeling.”

The Downtown Perk is hoping to expand their bakery selection even further, collaborating with Hritz, with her making French macaroons or pies in the future.

Senior Kendra Romanchik has visited the Downtown Perk since the fall of 2014. She initially heard about the eatery through Hritz, who she still attends the restaurant with to this day. Romanchik says the new menu “looked incredible,” and is very excited to try some of the new dishes, especially the flatbreads.

She is also a fan of the scones, which she says, “the community is literally going crazy over.”

She also discussed why she believes the Downtown Perk is the perfect place to unwind.

“They are so inviting to anyone who walks into the restaurant, and they do a really good job of making the atmosphere feel welcoming, enjoyable and an all-together great experience,” Romanchik said.

The Downtown Perk is open daily Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.