Tony Hunter wanted to operate his own business and was considering a bakery in downtown Canton when opportunity spun him in a different direction. In March, Hunter and his wife, Kim, opened Crema Espresso Bar and Café at 4469 Hills and Dales Road NW in a plaza west of the Whipple Avenue NW intersection with Hills and Dales Road.

Crema offers an Italian flare with espresso, cannoli and tiramisu. Hunter comes from a large Italian family, so he’s familiar with the treats he’s serving. The shop opened in a spot vacated earlier this year when Mo’Joes Café closed. While the Hunters had been considering downtown locations for a bakery, they jumped at the chance to open in the former Mo’Joes location. Adding coffee and espresso seemed a perfect addition to bakery items, Hunter said.