Tara Sanders, a former schoolteacher, recently opened The Cheesecake Cottage, located at 109 S. Eight St. in Opelika. The shop opened its doors in July but had its official grand opening on Sept. 24.

“I love to bake and thought this would be a good time to try a new adventure since the downtown Opelika area is growing,” Sanders said.

The Cheesecake Cottage’s menu features more than 50 flavors of cheesecake, and each day, five to 10 flavors are kept in the display case in the store. Prices for one slice of cheesecake range from $3.99 to $4.99.

A whole cheesecake must be ordered at least two days in advance and costs between $30 and $40. Seasonal flavors may cost extra.

Sanders said she is often asked to pick a favorite flavor but is never able to pick just one. Her favorite flavors right now are the fall flavors of pumpkin, apple crisp and caramel apple.

Some flavors have become favorites among the customers, though.

“The most popular cheesecake flavors so far have been banana pudding, peanut butter cup, brownie bottom and turtle,” Sanders said.

The shop contains two eating areas for diners. One area provides a coffee shop atmosphere, with pub style tables and free Wi-Fi. The second area is more formal and features a dining table and fireplace.
Besides buying slices of cheesecake in the shop or ordering whole cheesecakes, Sanders said the shop also hosts and works events.

“The Cheesecake Cottage is available for private brunches, showers and birthday parties,” Sanders said. “We also cater weddings, showers, graduation parties and have minis and cupcakes available to order for tailgating and other no fuss get togethers.”

The Opelika shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If groups or clubs call in advance, free coffee will also be provided.

For more information, visit thecheesecakecottage.com.