By GRAHAM SQUIRES

Contributing Writer

[email protected]

The Market House welcomed Save Room for Dessert on Saturday for its grand opening, taking the place of the Cookie Lady.

The bakery, run by Mary Melvin and Sarah Cozzens, will also feature items that are locally sourced, a staple of The Market House.

“We’re focusing on buying locally, and purchase as many ingredients as we can from Market House vendors,” said Cozzens.

Save Room beat out several other prospects vying for the space.

“I don’t think we could have a better fit,” said Market House Operator Alice Sjolander. “They use quality, local ingredients, and really compliment our mission here.”

Chairperson Andy Walker of the Meadville Market Authority, the group responsible for filling the vacancy, agreed.

“We had to make a choice between a few worthy businesses,” said Walker.

In the end, they decided that Save Room best enhanced the Market House.

“We were really impressed by their enthusiasm, and thought the bakery had the right personality to fill the front spot and draw people in,” Walker added.

Though both owners are new to operating a full-fledged bakery, both Melvin and Cozzens have extensive baking experience and had imagined starting a bakery for a few years.

“We decided we were going to do it pretty much the same day we saw the article about the Cookie Lady leaving,” Cozzens said.

Desserts of all sorts are available, including cakes, muffins, pies, scones, and breakfast foods, and the duo is already fielding special requests via Facebook.

“I’m sad to see the Cookie Lady go,” said Matt Riek, ’14. “But after having one of Save Room’s cinnamon rolls, I’m excited to keep trying them out.”

After over eight years, Elizabeth Vozar, also known as The Cookie Lady, left her place at the Market House this summer.

“[The Cookie Lady] decided to move on due to the busy hours the job required,” Sjolander said.

Many are excited to try out the new bakery, which is offering a 10 percent discount to all Allegheny students.

“The cookie lady was great,” said John Nelson, ’14. “I think Save Room’s ability to utilize local produce the Market House is known for makes it an even better fit.”