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by ryan cudahy

years ago she moved to Stafford, and as of last week, she is the proud owner of a local Fredericksburg business.

"It's a friendly place," McClain said of Fredericksburg.

In Hawaii, McClain started a cheesecake business called In the “Jar by

Specialty sandwiches and salads are also on the menu.

McClain moved from Bahrain to Hawaii in 2003, where she went to culinary school and perfected the recipes of her home country and family. Three

Suad” in 2015, where she focused on private and pop-up events. Since she was nine years old, she always dreamt of owning a coffee shop and bakery. Many of McClain's baked goods are inspired by the recipes of her grandma, such as her basbousas and three-layer cake. She is excited to have opened her brick and mortar business in Fredericksburg, as she is a firm believer in supporting local businesses.

"This is home," McClain said. "You support your people."

As an avid traveler, McClain said that Fredericksburg reminds her of London and other European cities. She fell in love with Fredericksburg even more once she started to meet the local business owners, who made her feel welcome in the city. McClain considers herself a very social person, and loves to host guests in her living room. Now, with Suad's Majles, she has the opportunity to welcome people to her living room as a career. Suad's Majles is McClain's passion, and she is excited to provide her delicious desserts to Fredericksburg.

"I want my customers to come here and feel home," she said.

Open every day except tuesday, 7a-7p. Stop by, sit in the Majles snd relax. Be sure to say hello and chat awhile with Suad.

Suad's Majles Desserts & Coffee

2619 Princess Anne Street

Open Wednesday-MMonday, 7a-77p (540) 940-66423 facebook@suads majles instagram com/suads majles

Downtown Greens began when Laura Shepherd planted a garden on the unused land behind her home at 206 Charles Street (now Downtown Greens offices) , inspiring the curiosity of neighborhood children. With the help of Lisa Biever, Eric Olsen and Mark Jacobson, Laura established Downtown Greens as a nonprofit organization in 1995. Its nonprofit status helped Downtown Greens purchase the land behind 206 Charles Street, which became known as the Lower Garden.

Four years later, an additional parcel of land across the street at Princess Anne and Dixon Streets was purchased creating what is now referred to as the Upper Garden. Thus a little baby garden began to grow up.

Flash forward to 2013. Sarah Perry, dancer, clown, volunteer, and all 'round swell person, took over the Executive Director position. She continued to run the organization and gardens with the help of staff, volunteers, and community members. The entire 2.8 acres was placed under conservation easement in 2015 to conserve it in perpetuity.